I tried the new M&S red velvet and lemon curd filled hot cross buns – and I’m obsessed

It might only be February, but Easter vibes are already in full swing – and supermarkets are getting seriously creative with our favourite seasonal treats.

While chocolate Easter eggs are going wild with gooey fillings, giant shells, and even versions sprinkled with crisps, hot cross buns are having their own moment in the spotlight.

Enter M&S, which has taken the humble bun and turned it into something truly indulgent. Last year, we loved the lemon curd-filled buns, but this year they’ve gone all out: think a tiramisu bun enriched with mascarpone and a red velvet bun with a creamy white chocolate centre, alongside classics like chocolate and custard-filled varieties.

It’s no wonder these buns are blowing up on TikTok – every bite looks insanely delicious, and they’re perfect for sharing (or, let’s be honest, tucking into a few before anyone else spots them). After their release to shop floors, I raced to M&S to get my hands on the buns before they sold out – and I can confirm they are truly indulgent.

Has this got your mouth watering? Read on for my full lowdown on the M&S hot cross buns that are set to be the Easter treat of the season.

Read more: I tried the viral crisps Easter egg - and here are my thoughts

M&S red velvet filled hot cross buns: £3.20, Marksandspencer.com

Inspired by the fan-favourite cake, the red velvet buns are studded with Belgian dark chocolate chips and injected with white chocolate in the middle. They have a deep ruby red dough with a pretty white cross decoration to match the indulgent filling.

The bun is soft and sweet with a subtle chocolate taste as it’s been enriched with cocoa powder. There’s a good portion of filling which resembles white icing but thankfully this isn’t overly sweet. Flavour-wise it’s nothing crazy but the concept, needless to say, is really creative and that oozy centre is oh so mouth-watering.

M&S extremely lemony curd filled hot cross buns: £3.20, Marksandspencer.com

For those who prefer tart desserts, the lemon curd hot cross buns have a zingy lemon curd filling and are finished with a fitting yellow cross decoration. These are a comeback from M&S’s Easter range last year – a testament to the love shoppers showed them.

As a lover of all things lemon, these hot cross buns hit the spot. The dough is pillowy and brioche-like, while I was pleased that the lemon curd was tart to contrast the sweet dough. They’re a far cry from the traditional hot cross bun, but they’ll make an indulgent treat over the Easter period.

M&S tiramisu hot cross buns: £2.65, Marksandspencer.com

The supermarket’s Easter-inspired take on the classic Italian dessert, these tiramisu hot cross buns are infused with coffee for that espresso hit, enriched with a creamy mascarpone and studded with Belgian dark chocolate chips. These promise to liven any morning in the run up to the holiday. These are proving to be so popular that I haven’t got my hands on them yet but watch this space.

Looking for more food recommendations? Here are the 8 best supermarket pizzas in 2026, tried and tested