NEED TO KNOW
- We blind taste tested six nationally available chocolate hot cross buns from supermarkets and a bakery chain.
- The end result? There’s a hot cross bun for all levels of chocolate lover, from a choc twist on the traditional bun, to rich choc chip-loaded buns.
Easter is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to indulge in chocolate and hot cross buns. Or perhaps enjoy both at once with a chocolate hot cross bun!
Luckily for us, there are plenty of chocolate buns on offer in supermarkets and bakeries around Australia. But which is the fluffiest? Which looks the most appealing? And which has nailed the bun to choc chip ratio?
We’ve put six chocolate hot cross buns to the test to figure out who comes out on top.
The buns spanned the faithful chocolate twist on the traditional hot cross bun (think choc chips instead of fruit) to rich chocolate buns loaded with choc chips. So whether you want a full-on chocolate experience, or something more subtle, there’s a bun for you.
The method and the judges
We had four Women’s Weekly staff on the panel including food director Fran Abdallaoui, and conducted a blind taste test so no judge knew which hot cross bun they were eating.
The buns were from ALDI, Bakers Delight, Coles, Harris Farm, IGA and Woolworths.
For the tasting, the buns were warmed gently in the oven and then eaten without butter.
The criteria
Each chocolate hot cross bun was judged against four criteria and given a mark out of five.
Texture: We’re looking for a soft and slightly fluffy bun – but not too dense.
Choc chip ratio: The choc chips should be evenly spread through the bun so there are some in each bite.
Appearance: The buns should look appealing. The cross should be distinctive and not too chewy when eaten.
Taste: Hot cross buns should have a good chocolatey flavour.
The chocolate hot cross bun taste test
Here is how the six buns ranked, according to our panel. But really, they’re all winners in our hearts, because they combine the best of Easter’s sweet delights.
01
Bakers Delight Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns, $11.50 (pack of 6) or $2 (individual)
Bakers Delight
This bun was described as a “gateway choc hot cross bun”, because it reminded the judges of a traditional bun with the fruit swapped out for choc chips. This “hybrid” bun was a strong contender for best looking, earning praise for a “nice chocolate cross and glaze”. The texture was light and fluffy, and the ratio of choc chips was good.
Good for: Traditionalists wanting to try a choc chip bun.
The Weekly recommends: Toasted with a chocolate spread (for the chocolate lovers), or toasted with a nice butter.
02
Community Co Chocolate Hot Cross Buns, $5.50 (pack of 6)
IGA (tied second place)
This offering struck the right balance of chocolate chips to bun, with a “light and fluffy texture”. For something a little different, this bun used dark chocolate chips that gave it “a great richness”. The choc chips melted well when heated (and left chocolate smeared on our scoresheets!).
Good for: Anyone after a rich, dark chocolate taste.
The Weekly recommends: Toasting these buns and slathering with butter, or enjoying as is.
02
Harris Farm Hot Cross Buns Chocolate, $5.49 (pack of 6)
Harris Farm (tied second place)
The judges loved the appearance of these buns, which had even crosses and a nice glaze that gave a bit of crunch when toasted. It was less chocolate-forwards, with minimal choc chips throughout and a “light chocolate flavour”, making it a good option for those with less of a sweet tooth. The texture was fluffy and soft.
Good for: Traditionalists wanting to try a choc chip bun.
The Weekly recommends: Enjoy untoasted as is, or, for more of a chocolate hit, toasted and with a chocolate spread. This bun would be a good candidate for our hot cross bun waffle recipe.
04
Coles Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns, $4.40 (pack of 6)
Coles
This “impressive” bun won points for the large amount of choc chips. The judges loved how well they melted when heated (the scoresheets ended up covered in chocolate!). This one straddled the line between a bun and a muffin, with one judge saying it tasted “cake-like”. Overall, this bun had a lovely chocolate flavour that was “not too rich”.
Good for: Chocolate lovers who want to indulge.
The Weekly recommends: Enjoy this one warm so the choc chips are nice and melty.
05
Bakers Life Chocolate Hot Cross Buns, $3.99 (pack of 6)
ALDI
The judges thoughts these buns were “cake-y … in a good way!” The chocolate was more of a cocoa flavour, and the texture was “light” and soft as opposed to fluffy. There were fewer chocolate chips in these buns, but still enough to satisfy a chocolate craving.
Good for: Those wanting a less intense chocolate flavour.
The Weekly recommends: Could be enjoyed cold so would work well in a school lunch box as an Easter treat.
06
Woolworths Hot Cross Buns With Cadbury Milk Chocolate Chips, $4.40 (pack of 6)
Woolworths
This bun reminded the panel of cake because of its “soft” texture and lighter cocoa flavour. The judges praised the even chocolate chip ratio, and remarked that the choc chips (Woolworths uses Cadbury choc chips in their buns) were so melty that they became like a chocolate spread inside the bun.
Good for: Experiencing a chocolate cake in hot cross bun form.
The Weekly recommends: Enjoy as is, or toasted with butter or another spread of your choice.
More hot cross bun taste tests
Our judges also ranked six store-bought traditional hot cross buns.
We also tried the viral Doritos hot cross buns (they were better than we thought they’d be!), and the Arnott’s Mint Slice buns.
