Some things just belong at Easter. Hot Cross Bun Gelato is one of them. Annie's been making it for years — it's a firm favourite in the Hanbury household, loved by her children, and one of those flavours that comes back every spring to a very enthusiastic reception.
The result is our Hot Cross Bun Gelato — a limited edition flavour that's become one of our most talked-about specials since we started making Annie's Specials. In 2024 it was Commended at the Taste of the West Awards, one of the most respected food competitions in the South West. We think that says something. We'd like to think the hot cross buns say something too.
What does hot cross bun gelato actually taste like?
If you're imagining vague "spiced" flavour — a hint of cinnamon that you have to look for — think again.
This gelato tastes exactly like a hot cross bun. The warm cinnamon and mixed spice. The soft, pillowy sweetness. The little lift of citrus peel. We use real hot cross buns in the base, folded into our signature creamy gelato, so you get something that's unmistakably Easter in every spoonful — without needing a toaster. This year we got through 60kg of them. We regret nothing.
It's the kind of flavour that makes people do a double-take when they try it. That moment of oh, that's actually a hot cross bun — that's what we're going for.
Why gelato, and why does it matter?
Gelato isn't just ice cream with a different name. It's made with less air and less fat, which means the flavour sits right at the front of the experience rather than getting cushioned by cream. For a flavour as specific as hot cross bun — one that depends on spice and depth and a slightly bread-like sweetness — gelato is exactly the right vehicle.
We make ours in small batches at our lab in Rampisham, Dorset. Small batches mean we can get the flavour right every time. They also mean this is genuinely limited edition: once it's gone, it's gone until next Easter.
A different kind of Easter treat
Easter has its traditions. Eggs, obviously. Lamb. A slightly frantic Sunday lunch. Hot cross buns on Good Friday. We're not here to replace any of that — we're just suggesting there might be room for something a little unexpected on the table.
Hot Cross Bun Gelato works beautifully as a dessert after Easter lunch. It's a brilliant alternative to the usual Easter egg for someone who prefers something a little more grown-up. And it's very good eaten straight from the tub on a quiet Easter Monday afternoon, which we thoroughly recommend.
Award-commended. Handmade in Dorset.
When the Taste of the West judges gave our Hot Cross Bun Gelato a Commended in 2024, it confirmed what our regulars had been telling us for a while: this one's special. Taste of the West is the largest regional food and drink awards in the UK, and being recognised there — for a limited edition, seasonal flavour — meant a great deal.
It's also worth saying that Baboo Gelato has been winning awards for years. Our Mint Choc Chip took Gold at the Farm Shop & Deli Show Product Awards 2026. Our gelato is stocked by some of the finest independent food shops in the South West and beyond. We care enormously about quality, and Hot Cross Bun is no exception.
How to order
Hot Cross Bun Gelato is available now for local delivery and nationwide shipping across the UK, local delivery across Dorset, Devon, Somerset and beyond, and for collection from our HQ in Rampisham. It comes in a 500ml tub — plenty for two, generous for one — at £7.50.
This is a limited edition flavour and we only make so much. If you're planning to order for Easter, we'd suggest not leaving it until the last minute.
Order Hot Cross Bun Gelato for Local Delivery or Click & Collect →