Easter Eats: The Best Hot Cross Buns in Sydney

Whether you’re a spiced and fluffy traditionalist when it comes to hot cross buns or are into more modern variations, come Easter Sunday you’ll want your kitchen to be well-stocked with these delicious baked bundles of goodness. Hot, buttery, rich and flavourful, the only bad thing about these seasonal treats is that you can only buy them once a year. To make this Easter the best ever, check out our edit of the very best hot cross buns that Sydney has to offer.

The Depot

Two of our favourite things—hot cross buns and matcha—have come together for a limited-edition Easter treat. Award-winning chef Guy Turland of The Depot has teamed up with cult stand mixer brand Ankarsrum to create The Brûlée Hot Cross Bun.

Served with your choice of yuzu lemon or matcha creams (why not try both?), this is a reimagining of the traditional treat in true Depot style. The earthy depth of matcha meets the bright, citrusy zing of yuzu, and it’s all encased in a soft, pillowy bun and a caramelised brûlée topping. That, my friends, is the sound of our mouths watering.  

The limited-edition buns are available until Saturday, April 20th and only in-store at The Depot’s Bondi Beach and CBD locations, so don’t miss out!

32A Warners Avenue, Bondi Beach

185 Clarence Street, Sydney 

Loulou

The cutest hot cross buns on earth have officially entered the chat. Keeping things classic with spices, raisins, citrus zest and candied peel, these beauties from Loulou are made on a buttery brioche base.

 Locations across Sydney

Fabbrica Bread Shop

Ani Bhosekar, the mastermind behind Fabbrica Bread Shop, has created a chai-spiced hot cross bun you’ll want to devour this Easter season. With hints of ginger and cardamom, they are the perfect autumnal treat. They’re available at both bakeries and for pre-order for Easter weekend. Each six-pack comes with a roll of chai-spiced butter, perfect for slathering in abundance.

Rozelle & Coogee

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Humble Bakery

Keeping things classic, Humble’s hot crossies are packed with traditional spices and fruits and are available in six or nine packs. Hit tip: Head to Humble’s Surry Hills outpost for a hot cross bun ice cream sandwich.

Locations across Sydney

Sweet Belem

Sweet Belem is officially responsible for what may be one of the holiest combinations ever conceived of – the custard hot cross bun. Plump, pillowy buns topped with a custard cross – Easter has peaked. Sweet Belem are baking these beauties daily right up until Easter so pop in-store to snag a couple (and if you know what’s good for you be sure to include one of their iconic Portuguese tarts in your order). 

35 New Canterbury Road, Petersham 

Bar Mammoni

Rocked up to the cafe but can’t decide between a croissant and a hot cross bun? Consider it a problem of the past. Bar Mammoni have returned with their hot cross cruffin and it’s the perfect combo of perfectly flaky laminated pastry filled with a milk chocolate and roasted hazelnut praline. Try their traditional and chocolate hot cross buns – which have been elevated with the likes of overnight-soaked raisins, sultanas, candied orange peel, a house mixed spice blend and dark chocolate. Yum!

All available at Bar Mammoni, classic hot cross buns also stocked at This Way Canteen and Martinez

Starward Whisky and Andy Bowdy

Here for a good time, not a long time, Starward Whisky is partnering with renowned pastry chef Andy Bowdy for a unique and memorable adults-only Easter treat at Ace Hotel Sydney.

Inspired by Staward’s signature serve, the (New) Old Fashioned, Andy has created hot cross buns with a delicious whisky twist which will be served at Ace Hotel Sydney’s laneway cafe, Good Chemistry, in the lead-up to Easter. The limited-edition buns are studded with Starward Two-Fold Wheat and Single Malt Whisky-soaked fruit before being baked to glazed perfection.

Plus, a purchase of 2-4 buns includes a voucher to enjoy a complimentary (New) Old Fashion at Ace Hotel’s Lobby Bar, while those who want to take home a six pack of fluffy goodness can redeem a complimentary 500mL bottle of the (New) Old Fashioned online.

Available from Wednesday, April 16th to Saturday, April 19th

Good Chemistry, Ace Hotel Sydney, 53 Foy Lane, Sydney

Adora

Soooo not strictly a hot cross bun but certainly a seasonal treat! What can you expect from this petite bite of joy from Adora? A hint of coconut and cherry, chocolate cake and a splash of liquor, all encased in the best coverture chocolate there is. And they’re perfect for gifting, too.

Locations across Sydney

Messy Spoon

There’s no need for our vegan, gluten-free and refined sugar-free friends to miss out on the seasonal goodies this year. Messy Spoon has done us all a solid and created the most nourishing hot cross bun we’ve ever had the pleasure of biting into. Handcrafted in small batches, we recommend popping in-store bright and early if you want to get your hands on some. Whilst you’re there, be sure to stock up on their gut-loving loaves, snacks and sweets for the week if you’re keen on a happy tummy. 

2 Farnell Street, Surry Hills

Black Star Pastry

As you’d expect from one of the best bakeries in Sydney, these hot cross buns are seriously good. Black Star‘s cult-favourite traditional hot cross bun are baked with all-spice and glazed with a fragrant frankincense syrup, while their chocolate variety is pure decadence with a rich smooth dark choc. And the best news? They’re vegan, so everyone can join in the party. 

Various locations across Sydney

KOI Dessert Bar

Known for their delightfully delicious and adorable Easter desserts, this year, KOI Dessert Bar is adding something different to the mix, teaming up with Scotch whisky distillery Benriach for a limited-edition KOI x Benriach Scotch Cross Bun Cake.

Crafted with spiced vanilla mousse, Benriach 10-year whisky-infused raisins, vanilla sponge and gold chocolate, the creation is as aesthetically pleasing as it it tasty—but it’s only available in-store until April 17.

Plus, those over 18 can enjoy a complimentary Benriach whisky sample with every purchase.

6 Central Park Avenue, Chippendale

Shop 3, 62 – 66 Blaxland Road, Ryde

Infinity Bakery

Arguably serving up one of the best hot cross buns in Sydney, there is so much to love about this light-filled bakery-slash-café.  The perfect balance of soft and crisp, these hot cross buns are very dense  – think chunky and fruit-filled  – so be sure to come hungry. 

Darlinghurst, Manly, and Homebush

Sonoma

Stepping somewhat out of line, Sonoma’s ‘Not Cross Buns’ are branded with an ‘S’ rather than the typical cross – it’s ok, the taste justifies this misdemeanour. Packed with fruit including cranberries, spiced raisins and apricots, the Sonoma buns are utterly addictive. As you’d expect from some of Sydney’s finest HCBs these buns will fly off the shelves so make sure you get in early!

Various locations across Sydney and the ACT 

Bourke Street Bakery

In addition to their traditional buns, Bourke Street Bakery is also known for churning out hot cross loaves which are guaranteed to get you in the Easter spirit. The enormous round loaf (serves 6) is best served sliced and toasted, allowing the sweet dried fruit to crisp up in the toaster before you slather it with a hearty dose of butter and honey. Be sure to arrive early as the best hot cross buns always sell out fast, and an Easter without hot cross buns is hardly Easter at all.

Various locations across Sydney

Baker Bleu

Back by popular demand, Baker Bleu‘s hot cross buns are available in two delicious varieties. Joining their traditional hot cross bun this year is a sour cherry and chocolate bun—a perfect balance of tart and sweet, a must-try for cherry ripe lovers. Need more goodies for the table? Pick up a country roll wheel or a seasonal fougasse for an easy and delicious starter for your Easter entertaining.

Various locations across Sydney and Melbourne

Norma’s

If you are hosting Easter this year, look no further than Norma’s Deli. The team has crafted a hot cross bun wheel that is a must-have centrepiece for your Easter feasts. With 30 mini buns to tear and share, they are the perfect treat to graze on with friends and family over the long weekend.

74-78 The Corso Manly

Brooklyn Boy Bagels

Tired of hot cross buns? Brooklyn Boy Bagels are putting an Easter twist to their famous bagels with a new ‘hot cross bun bagel’. That’s right, this frankensteined baked good are chewy in the middle and sweet on top with a vanilla glazed cross. More of a traditionalist? The tried and true classic hot cross buns are also available with tantalising elements like candied orange peel and dark chocolate callets.

Marrickville and Surry Hills

Once you’ve gone on an epic bakery crawl to get your hands on the best hot cross buns in Sydney, you might want to keep planning your Easter celebration by upgrading your bar station.

Writer

Olivia Storrie

8 April 2025

Armed with an Arts Degree in History and Psychology from the University of Sydney, a natural curiosity and a ravenous appetite, Sitchu’s Sydney Editor Olivia is your go-to for restaurant recommendations across the city. She also has a keen interest in hiking, patting other people’s dogs, travelling, curating her maximalist home and reading every book she can get her hands on.