There’s no denying that this Easter will be our most unorthodox holiday to date. With our favourite restaurants and bars on a temporary hiatus, physical distancing a must and social gatherings a no-go, there's never been more desire for consistency and normality during these times we usually spend socialising and celebrating with one another.
So luckily for us, there’s an array of Brisbane faves still whipping up delicious, freshly-baked, hot cross buns—and it doesn’t get more normal than enjoying a delicious, freshly-baked hot cross bun at Easter time. So, in true Urban List fashion, we’ve done the hard work and hunted down the best hot cross buns in Brisbane, whether you want them picked up or delivered. You can thank us later.
Delivery
Jocelyn’s Provisions
Fortitude Valley
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of experience anything from James Street favourite Jocelyn’s Provisions, then you won’t be surprised to find their hot cross buns are exceptional. Lightly spiced and pleasantly fruity, one bite of these buns will have you coming back for more. Lucky they only have a $20 minimum for delivery with a $5 fee—check their Instagram for a list of delivery areas.
Crust & Co.
Wilston
Crust & Co. never do anything unless it’s done perfectly. So, of course they produce some of the tastiest and best looking hot cross buns in Brisbane—pillowy, with a well-rounded fruit-to-spice ratio that is dangerously good. So good you’ll likely eat a whole dozen by yourself. Plus if you’re located within 3kms of the bakery, you can get them home delivered, with a $20 minimum and $3 fee.
Nodo Donuts
Newstead, South Bank And Camp Hill
Nodo has two options for all the gluten intolerant hot cross bun lovers out there—either a six-pack of their blueberry filled gluten-free hot cross buns, or even better, get a few of their hot cross bun-inspired baked donuts, complete with chocolate icing. And if you’re within 5km of any of their stores, you can get them delivered.
Pick Up
Superthing
West End
Newbie Superthing is already making waves with their croissants, but in the lead up to Easter, they’re also hard at work baking up batches of hot cross buns for locals in need of treats. Drop in to their all-pink bakery to pick up a six pack—just try to resist spending hours ‘gramming the place while you’re there.
Belle Epoque
South Brisbane
The classic hot cross bun has been reimagined at Emporium Hotel’s signature patisserie, Belle Epoque, and is available in two unique—classic filled with tea soaked sultanas, cranberries and orange, soaked in spice syrup, choc cross buns flavoured with tea soaked figs, cranberries and orange and chopped Valrhona chocolate. And if you’re worried about parking, don’t—you can now pull up in the Emporium Hotel’s valet drive through and pop in to grab your goodies.
King Street Bakery
Bowen Hills
With the team behind French icon Montrachet in the kitchen, you know King Street Bakery’s hot cross buns are going to be the picture of perfection. Drool-worthy variations here include the butterscotch stuffed buns and Valhrona choc chip buns, but they’ve also got the classics. You can order in advance for quick pick up here.
Banneton
Ashgrove, Camp Hill and Woolloongabba
Famed for their incredible sourdough breads and perfect macarons, Banneton knows a thing or two about baking, and yes, they are certainly up there as producing one of Brisbane’s best hot cross buns. Full of fruit and the perfect balance between pillowy and moist, these beauts are perfect for toasting.
Flour & Chocolate
Morningside And Northgate
Now on the north side and the east side, so you don’t have to cross the river to get your fix, Flour & Chocolate’s hot cross buns are perfectly soft and fluffy with just enough fruit. Pop them in the toaster and slather with some butter for an Easter treat.
Cake & Bake
West End
Tucked away in West End, Cake & Bake make some of the best damn tarts and cakes in this town. This year's hot cross bun offering is fluffy, fruity and the perfect snack size for pre- and post- Easter egg demolishing. Order a dozen freshly baked HCBs in advance to get them into your belly even faster.
Brewbakers
Albion
Brewbakers have long had a reputation for a visit being worthy of car trip across town. Their bread, bagels, handmade sausage rolls and their amazing chocolate brownies have kept local appetites satisfied. So how do their hot cross buns fare? Simply delicious! You’ll walk away with at least a dozen (maybe two), trust us.
And here’s where to get your hands on Brisbane’s best Easter chocolate.
Image credit: King Street Bakery