Polly Maclennan
15 April, 2025
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Butter up your buns this Easter: six irresistible toppings to simply elevate the humble hot cross bun

Forget the endless reinventions of the hot cross bun — cheese, chilli, charcoal (yes, really). This Easter, we’re flipping the script. Forgo trying to reinvent the bun - the real magic is what you put on top. Toast it. Load it. Devour it.

Easter Hot Cross Buns

Think of it as your Easter table's new talking point: stylish yet playful trend-led pairings and elegant flavour twists. Whether you’re entertaining guests or indulging in a quiet moment of toasted bliss, these curated combinations are designed to inspire, surprise, and delight. By pairing traditional buns with both sweet and savoury accompaniments, you can transform your Easter spread into a gourmet experience.

From molten chocolate butter to matcha cream cheese and white chocolate shavings, these game-changing combos prove that the best way to enjoy your hot cross bun might just be toasted, buttered, and outrageously topped. Sweet, savoury, and everything in between - here’s six ways to level up your buns.

Feta, Honey & Thyme

Hot cross buns shouldn’t only be reserved for those with a sweet tooth. For a Mediterranean savoury twist, top your bun with crumbled feta cheese, a drizzle of golden honey to stop it from being too dry, and a few fresh thyme leaves. The saltiness of the feta contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the honey, while thyme adds a nice aromatic touch.

Mango, Greek Yoghurt & Pistachios

Embrace tropical flavours by spreading creamy Greek yoghurt on your bun, topping it with fresh mango slices, and finishing with a scattering of chopped pistachios. This combination offers a delightful mix of textures and flavours.

Chocolate Butter

Why just stick to plain butter? Start with a warm, toasted hot cross bun slathered with a chocolate butter such as All Things Butter's rich and deliciously creamy  chocolate butter. A light sprinkle of sea salt flakes enhances the chocolate's depth, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and salty that's sure to please.

Matcha Cream Cheese & White Chocolate Shavings

For a unique twist, whip matcha powder into softened cream cheese until it’s pale green and velvety, then spread it over your hot cross bun. Top with delicate white chocolate shavings. The result? Earthy, sweet, slightly unexpected. 

Lemon Curd & Crushed Meringue

Brighten your palate with a layer of tangy lemon curd on top of your hot cross bun. Top with bits of crunchy meringue. This combination offers a delightful contrast of creamy and crisp textures.

Peanut Butter, Banana & Maple Syrup

Spread creamy peanut butter on your bun, add banana slices. Drizzle on some maple syrup for a classic flavour combination.