One a penny, two a penny hot cross buns. Yep, it’s that time of the year again. Easter’s just around the corner and everyone’s excited about the long weekends and good food. The chocolate, the bunny shaped treats and of course the traditional hot cross buns. Filled with dried fruit, big juicy raisins, and all finished off with the perfect amount of spice. They’re warming, sweet and always taste best toasted with a light slather of butter.
It was a tradition that I was so used to and every April I would enjoy my fair share. But since my gluten free life began, I’ve only ever enjoyed the smell. Yeah, I’ve just realised how weird that sounds! I mean, the smell of them being toasted. I loved the smell of the spices and the warm raisins filling the house as they pop out of the toaster.
But it’s no secret that I find most shop-bought gluten free food pretty gross, especially when we’re talking about baked goods. I have tried so many different brands, including the big names in the gluten free industry but have never really been impressed. But I seriously love M&S. They’re bread is delicious, they’re Christmas mince pies tasted just like the originals and they’re fruity tea cakes are one of my favourite snacks! So, imagine my excitement when my mum came home with a packet of Marks and Spencer’s gluten free buns. And best of all they were only £2 a pack – that’s 50p a bun, not a bad price at all especially considering they’re gluten free… I couldn’t wait to tuck in!
First Impressions
First impressions; they did seem a little flatter than ‘traditional’ hot cross buns and were definitely a lot thinner. But this is pretty standard with gluten free goodies, as there’s no gluten to help them rise, so this wasn’t a massive shock. Another thing I noticed was the cross on top was less pronounced then I was expecting, but I mean, really that’s no big deal.
One thing I was surprised about was the feel of them; I think all my fellow gluten free foodies can relate when I say that a lot of gf baked goodies have a strangely heavy, slightly stodgy sponge-like feel to them. But I’m pleased to report that these felt soft right from the get go – I am so far seriously impressed!
They were soft, sticky with a delicious fruity spiced scent that’s only intensified when you place them in the toaster. But I think that the best thing about these is the sweet, juicy fruit. I couldn’t believe it when I sliced one in half; it was laden with sultanas, raisins and cranberries. They help to add a burst of flavour and make the perfect sweet compliment to the spices.
Deliciously Gluten Free
I absolutely love these. They’re fruity, lightly spiced and completely delicious! Perfect when cut in half and lightly toasted until golden brown and crunchy with a slather of butter on top. Making the perfect breakfast or quick snack. These are an amazing gluten free substitute and I honestly never thought that I’d enjoy a hot cross bun again. I’m really loving the Marks and Spencer Free From range at the moment, and these have to be one of my favourites.
Soft, spiced and bursting with fruit. These Marks and Spencer’s Free From Hot Cross Buns make the perfect snack or light breakfast, especially with Easter right around the corner. I would 100% definitely recommend these, and have been reassured that they taste just like the real thing – well, you know gluten-containing buns. I just don’t want Easter to be over because that means no more buns. That just means we’ll have to stock up while we can!
Rosie x
