Doritos, Mint Slice, Carrot Cake & more: new hot cross bun flavours in Australia

A chocolate block classic is the inspiration for this hot cross bun – Cadbury’s Caramello chocolate. And like the chocolate block, these hot cross buns have a gooey caramel filling. Plus, the Cadbury Milk Chocolate Chips give you an extra little chocolate burst in every bite.

A few Women’s Weekly team members gave this one a try. “Tastes like an Easter egg,” was one happy reaction. “So delicious! Wow!” said another.

Available: Nationally in-stores at Woolworths supermarkets and metros, and online.

This is a combination we didn’t see coming – hot cross buns and Doritos! It was a surprise hit in the office on hot cross bun tasting day. Not only do these hot cross buns use Doritos seasoning, they are also flavoured with jalapeno chilli for a spicy kick. Additionally, tomato granules and cheese make these a nacho-style flavour experience.

Our food director Fran Abdallaoui was won over by the “surprising chilli hit” and called for a bowl of soup to dunk hers in. Read what the other tasters thought of the Doritos buns. (“No, really?!” was one reaction.)

Available: Nationally in-stores and online.

Hot cross buns meet a Terry’s Chocolate Orange in this twist on a hot cross bun. Paying homage to the iconic British chocolate, this hot cross bun is made with cocoa and has a zesty orange flavour. The bun is also studded with chocolate pieces.

Available: In stores Australia-wide. Product availability varies by location, so check with your local store to confirm availability.

Carrot cake is always popular at a party, and now ALDI has turned the beloved baked good into a hot cross bun. White chocolate chips and the classic spices of a carrot cake make this a decadent variation on the hot cross bun.

Available: In all stores nationally.

Coles has teamed up with iconic Australian biscuit maker Arnott’s for hot cross buns inspired by the beloved Mint Slice. This bun is another one for chocolate lovers, with a rich chocolate bun filled with peppermint flavoured fudge pieces and, of course, chocolate chunks.

We asked The Australian Women’s Weekly team to give this hot cross bun a try. “I love a mint and chocolate combo!” one person said, and raced to the Test Kitchen for a taste. The mint scent was strong, but did the bun taste as good as it smelled? You’ll have read the article to find out.

Available: Nationally in-stores and online.

Banana features in plenty of sweet treats, from banana bread and cakes to banoffee pie. So this fruit appearing in a hot cross bun was only a matter of time. It’s the banoffee pie which has inspired this indulgent bun. These buns are studded with white choc chips as well as caramel flavoured choc chips.

Available: In stores Australia-wide.

Matcha (green tea powder) is having a moment and the classic pairing of raspberry fudge pieces and white chocolate takes these buns up a level. It also makes this a great bun to use for baking recipes that call for hot cross buns.

Some of the more curious members of The Weekly team tried this colourful bun. “I’m looking beyond the green,” said one taster. Apple, lollies and toffee were some of the guesses as to its flavour, though the super sweet taste was too much for most team members. But when we revealed it was a matcha bun, all agreed that was totally on trend.

Available: Nationally in-stores and online.

Bakers Delight has taken the chocolate hot cross bun and elevated it with coffee to create their new hot cross bun flavour for 2026. Rich coffee and chocolate is a classic dessert combination, and these fluffy mocha buns lean into that. Best be quick though, these limited edition hot cross buns are only available until March 4.

Available: In stores Australia-wide and available for delivery. Contact your nearest bakery for product availability and local prices. On sale now until March 4.

Woolworths has been inspired by their own Aussie classic – the iconic Woolworths Mudcake. A staple choice at many a birthday party and office gathering, the Woolies Mudcake can now be part of your Easter feast, too. These rich chocolate buns have a luscious chocolate filling, so they’re one for the chocolate aficionados, for sure.

Available: Nationally in-stores at Woolworths supermarkets and metros, and online.

If you love the rich butterscotch sweetness of a sticky date pudding (and we at the Test Kitchen certainly do), then this could be your favourite bun this year. These nostalgia-inducing buns are made with caramel flavoured choc chips and date pieces.

Available: Nationally in-stores and online.

Another chocolate-forward bun, this rocky road inspired offering from ALDI includes white choc and milk choc chips, as well as raspberry fudge pieces and toasted coconut flakes. The pink coloured cross on the bun is a delightful touch.

Available: In stores Australia-wide.

If you love a chocolate and peanut butter combo, this hot cross bun is for you. Inspired by Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, this fudgy chocolate bun packs a salty sweet flavour. It’s even filled with Reese’s Pieces. Technically, the Reese’s Hot Cross Bun isn’t a new offering. However, this year it returns with a new and improved recipe that includes an oozy peanut butter centre.

Available: In stores Australia-wide. Product availability varies by location, so check with your local store to confirm availability.