This time of year, spring buns, sometimes called hot cross buns, are on my mind.

I once worked in a Vermont bakery where we made hundreds of spring buns from April through May. This variation of a spring bun is an homage to the Jamaican Easter Bun, a spicier, boozier version of the traditional English hot cross bun that my business partner Nicole’s family eats every Easter.

I think soaking the fruit in apple juice lends a nice balance, but if you want to lean into the Jamaican Easter bun flavors, substitute apple juice for a very good Jamaican rum or full-bodied red wine and up the ginger to half a teaspoon.

Chris Wilkins has been a professional baker for 12 years. He is a two-time James Beard Award nominee and the founder and co-owner of Root Baking Co. and Pizza Jeans. Submit your baking questions to bakebetterajc@gmail.com.

Sign up for the AJC Food and Dining Newsletter

Read more stories like this by liking Atlanta Restaurant Scene on Facebook, following @ATLDiningNews on Twitter and @ajcdining on Instagram.

About the Author

Featured

The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

Credit: Reed Williams/AJC