Easter is (basically) in full swing, and Melbourne’s bakeries are serving up the goods—hot cross buns, that is. Whether you're a die-hard traditionalist or someone who loves a bold twist on a classic, the city is absolutely brimming with options. Think buttery brioche buns, house-candied orange peel, swirls of dark chocolate, and even the occasional miso caramel surprise. Whatever your craving, Melbourne's bakers have something to tempt you. Below, we're rounding up the best hot cross buns in Melbourne, so you can get your hands on them before Easter is out.
1. Penny for Pound (Richmond, Camberwell and Moorrabin)
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This year, these cult-fave buns come in three styles: the spiced, fruit-filled classic, a rich chocolate version, and our personal favourite, the hot cross cinnamon scroll, which combines buttery dough, cinnamon-spiced brown sugar, orange zest, plumped sultanas and currants, and a cinnamon sour cream glaze. They're hot property—pre-order online or get in early.
2. Baker Bleu (Caulfield North, Cremorne, Hawksburn)
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Baker Bleu are experts at baked goods in every form, and their hot cross buns are no exception. For the traditional, expect a naturally leavened take made with cinnamon raisins and orange pulp. Or, their sour cherry and dark choc buns are also a must-try. This year, they've also collaborated with the team at Piccolina Gelateria on both a Hot Cross Bun Sundae, and scoops of ice cream served straight into your bun of choice. Do we really need to say anything more?
3. To Be Frank (Collingwood, Elsternwick)
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When it comes to classic hot cross buns, the team at To Be Frank have it down to an art. Handcrafted with organic fruit and house-made candied orange, these buns are full of depth. They’ve also introduced a saffron and lemon version for the curious crowd, and our favourite, the “Hot Cross-ant” – a laminated pastry that's somewhere between a croissant and a hot cross bun, filled with the most delicious spiced custard and fruit filling.
4. Falco Bakery (Collingwood, Abbotsford)
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Known for small batches and big flavour—these sticky, spice-packed buns don’t stick around for long. Soft, chewy, and totally addictive.
5. Bread Club (North Melbourne, Albert Park)
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With a 24-hour process, the classic buns at Bread Club champion bold ingredients like ginger, cardamom, currants, cranberries and sultanas, so they're really brimming with flavour. For those who prefer something a little sweeter, there's also a buttery brioche version laden with local chocolate, or a twice-baked bun, which takes on the flavours of a flaky almond croissant. Yes please.
6. Madeleine de Proust (Carlton)
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For something a little different, their April menu includes hot cross madeleines (spiced with Grand Marnier, rum-soaked raisins and zesty orange peel) and a Golden Bunny-shaped Madeleine, filled with vanilla ganache and popping candy, and coated in chocolate. They're almost too pretty to eat.
7. Cobb Lane (Yarraville, South Melbourne, Richmond)
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Cobb Lane is baking up classic hot cross buns every day at their three locations. Sold individually or in packs of six, they're soft, fluffy, and packed with plump fruit & warm spices.
8. Rustica (South Yarra, Brighton, Footscray, CBD)
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Traditional and choc-chip buns are on offer at Rustica this year, but the real showstopper is their hot cross bun doughnut filled with brandy crème, dusted in cardamom sugar, and finished with a white chocolate drizzle.
9. Raya (CBD)
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For something different, Raya’s Asian-fusion buns—like their ube and milk version—are playful, creative, and totally delicious. Keep an eye on their socials for new drops, and be prepared to act quickly to get your hands on one.
