As February draws to a close, the festive spirit of Easter is already sweeping across the nation, with supermarkets unleashing a wave of innovative seasonal delights. While chocolate eggs are capturing attention with their extravagant designs, hot cross buns are stepping into the limelight with bold new flavours. Marks and Spencer is at the forefront of this trend, transforming the traditional bun into a luxurious treat that promises to tantalise taste buds.
M&S Elevates Easter with Creative Hot Cross Bun Varieties
Building on the success of last year's lemon curd-filled buns, M&S has expanded its range for 2026 with two standout additions: a red velvet bun infused with a creamy white chocolate centre and an extremely lemony curd-filled version. These join existing favourites like chocolate and custard-filled buns, showcasing the supermarket's commitment to culinary creativity. The buzz around these buns is palpable, with social media platforms like TikTok ablaze with videos of their oozy, decadent fillings, making them a must-try for food enthusiasts.
Red Velvet Filled Hot Cross Buns: A Chocolate-Lover's Dream
Inspired by the beloved cake, the red velvet buns feature a deep ruby red dough enriched with cocoa powder and studded with Belgian dark chocolate chips. A pretty white cross decoration complements the indulgent white chocolate filling that oozes out upon tearing the bun open. The texture is soft and sweet, with a subtle chocolate flavour that avoids being overly sugary. While the taste may not be revolutionary, the creative concept and mouth-watering centre make these buns a standout Easter treat, priced at £3.20 per pack.
Extremely Lemony Curd Filled Hot Cross Buns: A Tart Delight
For those who favour zesty desserts, the lemon curd hot cross buns return from last year's range, a testament to their popularity among shoppers. These buns boast a pillowy, brioche-like dough and a sharp, zesty lemon curd filling, finished with a fitting yellow cross decoration. The tartness of the curd provides a perfect contrast to the sweet dough, offering an indulgent twist on tradition. Priced at £3.20, they are ideal for adding a burst of flavour to Easter celebrations.
Tiramisu Hot Cross Buns: An Espresso-Infused Innovation
M&S has also introduced tiramisu hot cross buns, an Easter-inspired take on the classic Italian dessert. Infused with coffee for an espresso hit, enriched with creamy mascarpone, and studded with Belgian dark chocolate chips, these buns promise to liven up mornings in the run-up to the holiday. Priced at £2.65, they have proven so popular that availability may be limited, but they represent another exciting option for those seeking a gourmet experience.
Overall, M&S's new hot cross bun range demonstrates a bold approach to seasonal treats, blending traditional elements with modern flavours. Whether you're drawn to the rich red velvet or the tangy lemon curd, these buns are set to become the Easter indulgence of 2026, perfect for sharing or enjoying as a personal guilty pleasure.
