The classic hot cross bun never goes out of style. But if you’re in the mood to switch things up a little this Easter, knead your way through some of our variations. Try sour cherry stirred through the dough mix, or a fragrant apple-cinnamon version. Those who love a traditional bake, rejoice: you don’t need a stand mixer for most of these hot cross bun recipes (and you don’t have to stray from the traditional dried fruit, either). To our newer bakers, stand mixers are very welcome, and still produce a light, fluffy bun.
Whether you’re a raisin fan or more into the chocolate sort, we’ve a bun for you. And for those eager to take things even more left-of-centre, chef Dan Pepperell reckons the hot cross cannoli are “what Tony Soprano would eat at Easter time”, and while Sydney’s Bodega has since closed, once upon a time they shared the recipe for their savoury “hot cross bun” with corned beef and daikon kimchi, a combination that makes the ultimate Easter sandwich.
Whichever recipe appeals, these are the best hot cross buns sure to yield a bountiful bake.
The best hot cross bun recipes to bake in 2025
Classic hot cross buns
Apple and cinnamon hot cross buns
Sour-cherry hot cross buns
Bodega’s hot cross buns recipe
Dan Pepperell’s hot cross cannoli
Choc-cross buns
What does it take to make the best hot cross buns?
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