Ah, the hot cross bun. That symbol of Easter, the warm hug of dough, and the burst of fruity, spiced flavour. With so many bakeries in Melbourne vying for bun supremacy, choosing the best can feel like an impossible task. But fear not, fellow HCB enthusiasts, for we’ve embarked on a delicious journey to uncover the five best hot cross buns in Melbourne:

Now, we are only looking at traditional buns here. Chocolate hot cross buns are fantastic, but for the sake of this article we’re tasting the classic spiced fruit variety.


1. DOUBLE DUTCH BAKERY - KENSINGTON
61 Stubbs St, Kensington

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Nestled in charming Kensington, Double Dutch Bakery is launching into their first Easter with gusto. Their sourdough hot cross buns boast a perfect balance of spice and sweetness, with juicy fruit nestled in a soft dough.

Double Dutch blend wholewheat flour, St David’s milk and cultured butter, free-range Burd eggs and their own spice mix of ginger, clove, cardamon, cinnamon, nutmeg and white pepper.



The fruit mix of apricots, cranberries, currants and raisins is soaked in a mix of orange juice and Strange Love Very Mandarin Soda and the dough slow-fermented overnight.

One bite, and you’ll be singing Dutch lullabies while nodding in agreement that these are Melbourne’s best hot cross buns.



2. FALCO BAKERY - COLLINGWOOD
288 Smith Street, Collingwood

This bakery’s cult-favourite bun lives up to the hype. Expect a sweet glaze, generous fruit, and a depth of flavour that comes from slow fermentation and top-notch ingredients. Falco’s hot cross bun is an all-rounder that pleases traditionalists and adventurous palates alike.



3. BREAD CLUB - NORTH MELBOURNE
558 Queensberry St, North Melbourne



If you’re looking for a bun with serious sourdough cred, Bread Club delivers. Their tangy, chewy dough is packed with flavour, and the fruity notes are subtle and sophisticated. Be warned, these buns might turn you into a sourdough evangelist.



4. CANDIED BAKERY - SPOTSWOOD
81A Hudsons Rd, Spotswood

While Candied Bakery might tempt you with its Nutella-infused delights, their traditional hot cross buns are no slouch. Their version leans towards tradition; a golden-brown dome, glistening with a sweet glaze, hiding a treasure trove of plump currants and sultanas. The spiced dough is perfectly balanced, offering a warm burst of flavour in every bite. It’s a classic hot cross bun that satisfies both nostalgia and the desire for something a little special. Just remember, sometimes the classics are classics for a reason, and Candied Bakery proves that beautifully.



5. DENCH BAKERS - ABBOTSFORD
17 Grosvenor St, Abbotsford

This beloved bakery takes their hot cross buns seriously, and with good reason. Their buns are legendary for their signature sourdough base, bursting with flavour and boasting a slightly tangy edge. But the genuine star of the show is the secret filling: a luscious blend of whole pureed oranges, fresh ginger, and Australian vine fruits. Each bite is a symphony of textures and tastes, making Dench Bakers’ hot cross bun a true Melbourne must-try.

Remember: This list is just the tip of the hot cross bun iceberg. Melbourne is bursting with talented bakers, all trying to bake the best hot cross buns, so be sure to explore and discover your own personal favourites. There are other styles and types of bun from vegan hot cross buns to the wildly popular chocolate type.

Happy hunting and happy feasting!