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, Penny for Pound is mixing it up and collaborating with Axil Coffee Roasters on a special Mocha Cross Bun. Its bringing together what they both do best, with a silky smooth milk chocolate and freshly pulled espresso filling. Coffee and a hot cross bun rolled into one? Yes please. You can pre-order for Easter weekend online, or shop in person at select Penny For Pound and Axil Coffee stores across Melbourne.
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 got a Hot Cross Bun soft serve available exclusively at the South Yarra store. 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.
6. Cobb Lane (Yarraville, South Melbourne, Richmond)
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Cobb Lane is baking up both classic and chocolate cherry hot cross buns every day at their three locations. Sold individually or in packs of six (which come with Pepe Saya butter, for the full experience), they're soft, fluffy, and packed with plump fruit & warm spices.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Pidapipó Gelateria (Carlton, Fitzroy, Windsor, CBD)
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For something a little different (but certainly no less indulgent) take yourself to Pidapipó Gelateria. They're bringing back their Hot Cross Donut again this year, which comes filled with custard and fig jam, topped with almond gelato and finished with spiced caramel sauce. We're salivating.
10. Morning Market (Fitzroy, Prahran)
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Simple but delicious is the mantra behind just about everything at Morning Market, and their classic hot cross buns are no exception. Sip a coffee and enjoy one in-store (with plenty butter on the side) or pick up a box of six to take home and share.
11. Amann Patisserie (Carlton North)
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Leave it to Amann to create a hybrid of two of our favourite treats. This year, they're serving up Hot Cross Bun Cinnamon Rolls, which are exactly as they sound: cinnamon rolls, made with raisin hot cross bun dough, and opped with a spiced cream cheese frosting.
