Hot cross buns, it seems, like Easter eggs and mince pies, have a their work cut out to taste like the buns of our childhood. The majority of the public seems to get a little annoyed when the recipe deviates too much from tradition, and as far as we can tell no major innovations have made it into the mainstream stores.
We did a blind taste test with a panel of more-than-willing tasters, and have below recommended which buns are worth your time.
First place: Pick ‘n Pay hot cross buns
Average mark: 3.9
R9.99 per pack
Pick ‘n Pay’s hotties pulled ahead and take top place according to our tasting panel, which is great news considering they’re also the cheapest, at R9,99. Interestingly, in the blind test, many of our tasters assumed they were from Woolies. These were the only buns that had a noticeable glaze, which contributed to both the taste and appearance. They were also the only buns that appeared to have a variety of raisins and sultanas. Feedback indicated that these buns were suitably moist, yet ‘fluffy’; there was an adequate amount of fruit and spice in the right balance for a winning combo.
Second place: Woolworth’s traditional hot cross buns
Average mark: 3.7
Price: R15,95
The Woolies traditional buns also made a good showing, but just missed out by a few points. Retrospectively, the fact that they’re almost R6 more than Pick ‘n Pay’s buns certainly doesn’t count in their favour. While some of our tasters approved of the ‘doughy’ and ‘moist’ consistency, others found the buns to be a bit too ‘stodgy’. On the whole the fruit ratio was praised, while one taster commented that they appreciated the amount of citrus peel in the recipe.
Third place: Woolworths extra spicy hot cross buns
Average mark: 2.6
Price: R15,95
Bizarrely, as many tasters found this hottie ‘too bland’ as the ones who noted it was more spicy. The buns were also significantly darker than any of the other options, which wasn’t appreciated and it was even suggested that they were overcooked. One user commented that the buns taste as if they should be good for your health, while another said the aroma reminded him of his gran. We assume it’s the aroma, if it’s the taste, we’re a bit worried.
Fourth place: Spar hot cross buns
Average mark: 2.4
Price: R11,99
The majority of tasters picked up on an odd flavour in these buns that nobody could quite put their finger on. Aside from that they were found a bit dull and lustreless, with one taster remarking the raisins tasted like dead bugs. We’re not going to ask the taster how they know what dead bugs taste like.
Fifth place: Checkers hot cross buns
Average mark: 2.3
Price: R10,99
Sadly for checkers, these guys didn’t go down too well. The tasters found them dry, unflavourful and overly synthetic tasting – a bit like bread with sweetner in it. One taster described them as ‘cardboardy’ while another found them over refined.
Where do you get your hot cross buns from, and what do you look for in them?
For delicious sweet and savoury Easter recipes click here.
For 10 Easter recipes from around the world click here.
Photo from Flickr.
