It’s Never Too Early For Hot Cross Buns: Here’s Where To Find Sydney’s Best
Eloise Luke
Contributor | Urban List
There was a time when hot cross buns appeared strictly in the lead-up to Easter. That time has passed.
Now, the second Christmas decorations come down, the buns go up—and Sydney doesn’t seem remotely mad about it. Stretching across late summer and into autumn, the HCB is evidence that we’re drawn to familiar formats; but we expect better execution. Real spice, proper fruit distribution, careful fermentation, and flavour spins that still manage to surprise us every year, are all must-haves in the Sydney scene.
From traditional spiced classics to dark chocolate riffs that push the brief just enough, these are Urban List’s picks for the best hot cross buns in Sydney right now — however early you think is “too early.”
Normas Deli
74-78 The Corso, Manly
Image credit: Norma's Deli | Instagram
Norma’s Deli is approaching hot cross season at scale with The Original HXB Wheel — 30 buns baked together into one pull-apart round, made fresh daily in-house. Designed for sharing, it’s structured for tearing apart at the table and pairing with coffee.
Both classic spiced and chocolate versions will be available, with pre-orders opening soon via the catering site. The wheels will be landing on the bakery bench from end of February, so it's a great time to get your orders in before Easter—they'll help take the edge of the April countdown.
Baker Bleu
2 Guilfoyle Avenue, Double Bay
Image credit: Baker Bleu | Instagram
Too early for hot cross buns? Not at Baker Bleu. The team is kicking off bun season properly, with both their traditional HXB and a sour cherry dark chocolate version available across all locations right now.
The classic leans into balanced spice and soft crumb, while the sour cherry dark chocolate brings a richer, slightly sharper edge without overpowering the dough. Whether you’re a purist or here for a twist, this is your cue to start your bun consumption early — and carry it all the way through to Easter.
Madam And Yves
343-345 Clovelly Road, Clovelly
Image credit: Madame & Yves | Supplied
Madame & Yves treats hot cross season as a space to experiment, and this year’s lineup leans confidently into that brief. Alongside their classic and choc cross buns (enriched with French butter, pain d’épices spice and finished with an espresso glaze) the bakery is pushing the format firmly into dessert territory.
The cult-favourite Hot Cross Brûlée Bun returns, finished with a crackable caramelised top and a creamy spiced centre. New this year is a tiramisu-inspired version filled with mascarpone and espresso-soaked richness, plus a weekend-only caramel miso chocolate bun that balances sweet and savoury. For anyone ready to fully commit, there’s also the Hot X Gelato Sandwich—a toasted bun hugging a scoop of house-made gelato.
The Bread And Butter Project
Various Locations
Image credit: The Bread And Butter Project | Supplied
The Bread and Butter Project is dishing up hot cross buns for a cause this easter, with every bun handmade by refugee trainees learning artisan baking skills. By teaching them how to bake, the project is encouraging employment pathways and building new futures.
Each bun is made using traditional techniques and premium ingredients—layered with fruit, lightly spiced and soft enough to melt in your mouth. And while their taste and texture is a no brainer either way (and has gained them a cult following), 100% of the profits from sales are reinvested back into the training program—a guilt free purchase, to say the least.
You can find them at Leichardt and Bondi Junction Harris Farms, as well as a range of hospitality and corporate providers.
Main image credit: Black Star Pastry | Instagram
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