I've always loved a hot cross bun. Every year, as we draw closer to easter, I put aside my personal grievances against sugar and carbohydrates and bake a batch (seen above) or bee line it to the closest 9 pack I can find at the store. I never really cared about it's history but over the years, I've witnessed them shape shift into many sprinkled, chocolate and blonde varieties. This year I picked up a pack of hot cross buns with m&ms in them and uttered the words "is this even legal?"
Look, I'm all about live and let live but the second I locked eyes with a hot cross bun donut, I kinda felt sad-nostalgic and I looked at this fried thing and thought "what have you done to yourself and who were you before the world changed you".
So yes, you may know what the cross on the bun symbolises or where the flavours derived from. But I'm here to add in a few modern fun facts to your knowledge of this loved Easter treat. Here goes.
1. Record-Breaking Bun: In 2011, New Zealand achieved the Guinness World Record for the largest hot cross bun, weighing an impressive 168 kg (370 lbs). As a citizen of Aotearoa New Zealand, coming across this kind of achievement makes my eyes well up with pride. But this isn't just about us so..
2. Stalemate with Stale Buns: According to superstition, sharing a hot cross bun that has gone stale with a friend is said to ensure friendship throughout the coming year. Maybe try doing this one with someone who's known you a while or a mate that's really, really hungry.
3. Hot Cross Buns on Mars: The Mars Curiosity Rover's sample analysis unit is shaped like a hot cross bun to avoid confusion with Earthly samples.
4. Hot Cross Bun Day: April 11th is celebrated as National Hot Cross Bun Day in the United States.
5. Hot Cross Bun Appreciation Society: There is an online community dedicated to the appreciation and discussion of hot cross buns, sharing recipes, photos, and stories. All I can say about this is...I should be a member of this prestigious society.
6. Emoji Representation: There is an emoji for hot cross buns! 🍞☩ ... I did not know this.
7. Educational Song: The nursery rhyme "Hot Cross Buns" is often used to teach children how to play the recorder, as it involves playing three notes in sequence.
8. Record Sales: In the UK, supermarkets reportedly sell millions of hot cross buns in the weeks leading up to Easter, making them one of the most popular Easter treats.