Easter is around the corner and no Easter celebrations would be complete without warm, freshly toasted hot cross buns to bury your face in. The holiday essential has become quite a popular commodity this time of year with a number of interesting variations taking over the shops (burger sauce hot cross buns, anyone?). There are a plethora of bakeries and cafés serving up some truly delicious hot cross buns in Sydney this year. If you’re on the hunt for some, check out our picks of the very best the city has to offer.
1. Sonoma
Sonoma’s ‘Not Cross Buns’ are a classic. The buns come packed with fruits and spices piped with their ever-popular ‘S’ finish on top of the buns. Hand-mixed to perfection with raisins, cranberries, apricots and candied orange with a number of heady spices, the buns are then coated with a sugar glaze filled with Sonoma’s house-roasted coffee and more spices because you truly can’t have enough spices. It’s all as indulgent as it gets.
2. Black Star Pastry
Black Star Pastry can do no wrong when it comes to desserts. And although we can’t get enough of their delish watermelon cake, that’s not the only thing they’re experts at. Their citrus-flavoured hot cross buns complete with a number of fragrant spices and glazed with a shiny coat of sweet, frankincense syrup are as good as they get. This year they’re joining forces with Koko Black for a delicious and chocolatey hot cross bun.
3. Tokyo Lamington
Tokyo Lamington remains a favourite on Sydney’s dessert scene and they’re not just stopping at lamingtons. This year they’re serving up Sakura Hot Cross Buns along with a more traditional bun in the form of a lamington. Expect yuzu and sultana buns with a sakura cross and a jammy and salty sakkkuray glaze. Grab an Easter pack for just $35 and you get three of each.
4. Brickfields
Brickfields’ next-level hot cross buns have been a favourite amongst Sydneysiders for many years. The classic buns come with a little extra zing filled with currants, candied oranges, apricots and cranberries along with a number of spices from the likes of cinnamon to ginger.
5. Flour and Stone
Flour and Stones’ delightful HCBs will transport you straight to the streets of Italy. Think a decadent rosemary-infused brioche, fragrant cardamom, cinnamon, and clove spices, packed with dried fruit and a light dusting of confit orange for an extra kick. Yum.
6. Saga
When it comes to hot cross buns, Saga is one you’ve just got to try. Andy Bowdy’s ever-popular hot cross buns come with a spiced brioche, soaked in a heady concoction of brandy, whisky and amaro, filled with dried fruit and citrus peels and baked to perfection. Head down to Enmore and get your hands on some. You won’t be disappointed.
7. Bourke Street Bakery
Bourke Street Bakery knows a thing or two about hot cross buns. And considering they sell thousands of batches every year, it’s safe to say they’re up there with some of the best the city has to offer. Packed with juicy sultanas, the buns are finessed with a golden shine. Have them toasted or slathered in butter, you can’t go wrong. Available to pick up on-site or order a pack of six online here.