Review: Best Ready-to-Bake Hot Cross Bun Mixes for Easter Brunch

Ready-to-bake mixes make hot cross buns approachable for busy hosts and novice bakers. We tested seven mixes across national and artisanal brands for a comprehensive review, focusing on rise performance, crumb texture, spice balance and final glaze.

"A great hot cross bun is about balance: tender crumb, plump fruit, warming spice and a sheen of sticky glaze."

How we tested

We followed manufacturers' instructions to the letter for each mix and then repeated tests with small variations—extra butter, a longer rise, or a richer egg wash—to assess robustness and headroom. Each batch was judged cold, fresh from the oven, and after 48 hours refrigerated.

The contenders

• Harvest Home Classic Mix — Supermarket brand, widely available.
• Heritage Mills Cinnamon Raisin — mid-range grocery label with added spices.
• Artisan Oven Orange & Cranberry — small-batch bakery mix focused on high-quality dried fruit.
• SimpleSpoon Vegan Spice — plant-based option with flax egg substitute.
• Grandma’s Pantry Fruit & Nut — nostalgic blend with candied peel.
• Homestead Kitchen Gluten-Free — alternative flour base for gluten-free diets.
• Market Street Gourmet — premium mix with chef-curated spice blend.

Flavor & spice profile

Market Street and Artisan Oven scored highest for balance—warm cinnamon with hints of nutmeg and allspice without overpowering. Harvest Home had an uneven sugar note with less pronounced spice, while SimpleSpoon’s vegan blend relied heavily on citrus to compensate for eggless richness.

Texture & crumb

Grandma’s Pantry produced a denser crumb, which some testers preferred for a rustic feel. Market Street and Artisan Oven came out light and slightly springy. Homestead Kitchen's gluten-free option was commendable — not gummy, though slightly crumbly compared to wheat-based mixes.

Ease of use

All mixes were straightforward. Harvest Home and Heritage Mills required minimal additional ingredients and were fastest to prepare. Artisan Oven and Market Street benefited from a slightly longer first rise to unlock optimal texture.

Value

Price-per-batch varied: supermarket mixes were best for budget, while Market Street commanded a premium but delivered artisan flavor. Make-ahead potential was best with denser mixes — they held moisture longer when wrapped well.

Top picks

• Best overall: Market Street Gourmet — superior flavor and light crumb but pricier.
• Best budget mix: Harvest Home Classic — reliable and affordable.
• Best vegan: SimpleSpoon Vegan Spice — creative and satisfying with proper technique.
• Best gluten-free: Homestead Kitchen Gluten-Free — respectable texture and flavor.

Baking tips from the tests

1. Use real butter and a high-quality egg for richer buns unless you’re using a vegan mix.
2. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place for the length recommended, with an extra 15–20 minutes for denser mixes.
3. Brush with melted butter after baking and a sugar-based glaze for shine; a honey glaze adds a floral note.

Pairings and serving ideas

Serve hot cross buns warm with salted butter, clotted cream or a tangy lemon curd for contrast. For brunch, pair with a robust coffee or a citrus tea. Leftovers can be transformed into decadent bread pudding or French toast.

Final verdict

Ready-to-bake mixes are a smart choice for hosts who want the ritual of baking without the complexity of from-scratch dough management. Choose Market Street for an indulgent, impressive result; pick Harvest Home when convenience and cost are top priorities. Vegan and gluten-free options have improved markedly and can please nearly any dietary requirement with a small technique adjustment.