How Best To Serve & Enjoy Hot Cross Buns

Authored by: Tom Woodley 

While we are famous for our jam first on scones rule, here in Cornwall, Easter brings another baked treasure into the spotlight: the hot cross bun. It’s a seasonal staple that sparks plenty of debate. Should you toast it? Is butter enough? And is it ever acceptable to eat one in July?

We recently asked 2,489 of our customers for their honest opinions on these spiced treats to settle the score once and for all. Whether you’re a traditionalist or looking for a modern twist, here is everything you need to know about serving and enjoying the perfect hot cross bun. If you’re hankering to get some of the best Cornish hot cross buns in time for seasonal celebrations, you can find them in a number of our delicious Easter hampers!

What Are Hot Cross Buns?

If you’ve ever wondered what’s in a hot cross bun that makes it so distinctive, it comes down to a specific blend of spices and fruit. Historically, these are yeast-leavened sweet buns filled with raisins or currants and infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.

The defining feature is, of course, the cross on top. Usually made from a simple flour and water paste, this cross is baked into the dough. While 87.7% of our customers believe a real hot cross bun must contain fruit, a rebellious 12.3% think it can still claim the name without it. For most, that burst of citrus peel and vine fruit is what creates the iconic flavour profile we wait for all year.

Why Do We Eat Hot Cross Buns On Easter?

To understand what hot cross buns represent, we have to look back centuries. These buns are steeped in tradition, and 86.7% of our community still views them as a strictly Easter treat.

The cross represents the crucifixion, while the spices used within the dough are said to symbolise the spices used to embalm Jesus at his burial. This deep-rooted history is well known among our fans, with 74.8% of you confirming you know exactly what the bun symbolises. Because of this, they are traditionally eaten on Good Friday to mark the end of Lent, though 55.2% of our customers now believe they should be available year-round. We can’t help but agree, they are far too tasty to only enjoy once a year! 

How To Eat Hot Cross Buns: Toasted Or Cold?

One of the most frequent questions we hear is whether you can eat hot cross buns cold. Whilst you can absolutely eat hot cross buns cold straight from the packet if they are fresh, it’s probably not the best way to enjoy them!

Our survey shows that the majority of people - 66% to be exact - prefer to eat hot cross buns toasted. Toasting helps to caramelise the fruit and wake up those dormant spices, filling your kitchen with that unmistakable Easter aroma. A warmed bun is softer and more pillowy, making it the perfect vehicle for toppings…

What Goes Well With Hot Cross Buns?

When it comes to serving hot cross buns, simplicity is usually the winner. A staggering 88.2% of people choose to stick with the classic: a generous lashing of butter.

If you want to branch out, these are some other good hot cross bun pairings:

• The Sweet Route: While only 3.6% currently put jam on their buns, it is a delicious option for those who want to lean into the sweetness. You could take inspiration from a cream tea and even try some clotted cream on there too! 
  
• The Savoury Twist: A small but dedicated 1.3% of you enjoy your buns with cheese. The contrast between the spiced fruit and a sharp Cornish cheddar is a combination that more people should probably try.
  
• Indulgent Extras: Honey, chocolate spread, and even peanut butter made the list for a handful of people. 
  

Whilst the majority of our customers (83.2%) prefer traditional hot cross bun flavours, if you're like the 9.3% who prefer modern flavours, mixing up your toppings from traditional butter can be a good way to go. 

For many of us, hot cross buns are about more than just a quick snack; they are part of a wider celebration. In fact, 74.6% of you don't see them as a novelty item, but as a core part of the spring season.

If you are planning an Easter afternoon tea, these buns are an essential addition to your Cornish food and drink spread. You could even swap out the traditional scone for a toasted bun, though we won't tell the neighbours if you do. If you’re struggling to decide between sweet treats, we have a range of Easter treats that pair perfectly with a spiced bun.

Hot Cross Bun Gifting

If you can’t be in Cornwall this spring, you don’t have to miss out on the tradition. We love finding ways to share the Cornish love, and sending a box of buns to a loved one is the ultimate thinking of you gesture.

For a thoughtful surprise, the Easter Cream Tea Hamper puts our famous hot cross buns and Cornish salted butter front and centre, alongside bunny-shaped scones and all the trimmings. If you’re hosting the whole family, the Cornish Easter Feast Hamper bundles those essential buns with all the Cornish cakes and chocolate you could need for a festive spread.

If you’re looking for more Easter gift ideas to pair with your hot cross buns, remember that the best gifts are the ones that bring everyone together around the table.

The Best Way To Eat Hot Cross Buns: Our Verdict

At the end of the day, the best way to eat hot cross buns is whichever way makes you happiest. Whether you are one of the 9.2% who eat them all year round or you save them specifically for an Easter Sunday brunch, they remain one of the most beloved baked goods in the country.

Our tip? Slice them thick, toast them until the edges are just starting to crisp, and apply enough butter that it begins to soak into the fruit. It's a simple pleasure that has stood the test of time for a reason.