We tried these Coles Finest Indulgent Hot Cross Buns Traditional Fruit out of curiosity for how they’d compare with the Coles Traditional 100% Aussie Fruit Hot Cross Buns which made the Choice Recommended list for 2019. These were described as ‘rich buttery buns packed with a blend of plump Muscat raisins from the Murray River region and Australian vine fruit’.

These buns have a more yellow colour compared to the taupe colour of their standard buns, and on tasting, it’s evident that this is the result of the butter. The buns have a rich, buttery flavour with a hint of citrus — orange and lemon not in the form of peel but as an oil, which we enjoy better — with a soft and tender texture that’s punctuated by raisins that are plumper and juicier than in the standard buns along with the sultanas and currants. The buttery flavour, plump fruit and hint of citrus elevate the hot cross buns to an indulgent level. Yet to top it off, these buns also have a firmer, chewier cross than the standard buns, which is something I always enjoyed from the hot cross buns from Bakers’ Delight from childhood.

This Coles Finest Indulgent Hot Cross Buns Traditional Fruit contained 320 g or 4 pieces. It was produced in Australia and purchased in Sydney, Australia in 2019.