Bakels (Bicester, Oxon) supplies a range of products for every stage of hot cross bun production, including mixes, glazes and the crosses themselves.

With the addition of bun spice, Baktem Blue paste can be used to change a plain, fruited bun into a hot cross bun. It is designed to suit the ‘no time dough’ method and is said to produce soft, short-eating buns with good volume and keeping qualities. Available in 12.5kg cartons it has a maximum 20% usage level.

A strong white cross can be achieved with Bakels Crossing Mix, which requires cold water and whisking.