Why We’re Obsessed with Hot Cross Buns & Cherry Blossom Treats

This week on Knead to Know, we're spotlighting the beloved Hot Cross Bun—a springtime classic with centuries of delicious history. Gemma and Ami dive into its origins, the best ways to modernize it (hello, chocolate and caramel!), and why this sweet spiced bun is more than just a holiday treat.

Plus, we explore cherry blossom season with sakura mochi, pink drinks, and floral flavors that are blooming across the internet. Whether you're baking for Easter, Passover, or just because—this episode is full of flavor, tradition, and fun! 🌸🍞💕

 

🔥🔥 HOT FROM THE OVEN 🔥🔥
🌸 Cherry Blossom Season in full swing! From Japan to DC, it’s inspiring pink drinks, floral sweets, and TikToks galore.
🍰 Starbucks Cherry Chai Cold Foam – Spring in a cup with cherry cream and crunchy topping.

🥣🥣 IN THE MIX 🥣🥣
All Things Hot Cross Buns!
✝️ Traditional Hot Cross Buns – Sweetened, spiced, and topped with a cross. The OG spring bake.
🍫 Chocolate Hot Cross Buns – A delicious twist on tradition with melty chocolate chunks.
https://www.biggerbolderbaking.com/chocolate-hot-cross-buns/
🧀 Savory & Sweet TikTok Trends – Think Vegemite & Cheese, or Nutella S’mores buns!
🍊 Mixed Spice Breakdown – What goes into that iconic warm spice blend? We break it down.
💡 Baking Tip – Make the dough the night before and bake fresh for Easter brunch!

Springtime Bonus Bakes
🥥 Coconut Macaroons – A Passover fave, no flour needed!
https://www.biggerbolderbaking.com/chocolate-dipped-coconut-macaroons/
🍫 Flourless Chocolate Cake – Perfect for any holiday table.
https://www.biggerbolderbaking.com/flourless-chocolate-cake/
🍡 Sakura Mochi – A chewy, floral bite of spring.
🍬 Sakura Cola – A fizzy pink surprise inspired by cherry blossoms.

☎️ Bold Baking Hotline
❓ Can I make hot cross bun dough ahead of time?
✅ Yes! Make, shape, and chill overnight—just proof longer before baking.

❓ Swap the dried fruit for chocolate chips?
✅ Absolutely! It's easy to customize your buns.

💬 Have a baking question? DM us @kneadtoknowpod or comment below. We might feature your question on a future episode!

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ABOUT GEMMA STAFFORD
For more than a decade, Irish-born chef Gemma Stafford has been bringing her passion for teaching people to bake with confidence to her top online baking show and brand, Bigger Bolder Baking. Today, with more than 8 million followers (“Bold Bakers”) and half a billion video views to date, Bigger Bolder Baking has become the leading—and indispensable—multimedia destination for bakers.

Gemma’s unique combination of expertise, bold recipes, and approachable techniques have led to appearances as a judge on Netflix’s Nailed It!, Food Network’s Best Baker in America, and Hulu’s Baker’s Dozen, along with national and local TV appearances. Gemma is also the co-creator and host of the #1 baking entertainment podcast, Knead To Know, which releases every week in partnership with HRN. In 2025, she will launch t