The best hot cross buns in Auckland

Hot cross bun season is truly upon us, and plenty of Auckland's favourite cafes and bakeries have jumped on board the spiced bun bandwagon. We've rounded up the crème de la crème of hot cross buns in Auckland so you can spend more time indulging and less time hunting. 

Via @dailybreadnz
Daily Bread
Last year, the nation’s favourite, Daily Bread, clinched the title of Hot Cross Bun Supreme Winner for the third consecutive year - and rightfully so. Thanks to a lengthy fermentation process, these sourdough buns are delightfully springy and moist, boasting unparalleled levels of spice, rum-soaked fruit, and a sticky orange and cardamom glaze. This year, they've added Sour Cherry & Chocolate buns to the rotation - a worthy contender for the top-spot if you ask us.

Via beabeas.co.nz
Beabea’s Bakery
A year in, Beabea's Bakery has become a local and critic-favourite where hot cross buns are concerned. These buns are a labour of love, with candied orange peels soaking for weeks and a three-day sourdough process that builds depth and character. Spices range from classic (cinnamon) to experimental (pimento and white pepper) to secret, all combining for a warm, pillowy treat topped off with an Honest rum and tart glaze. It’s hardly a surprise that they’re often a sell-out success.

Via fortgreene.co.nz
Fort Greene
Fort Greene is renowned for expertly executing classic bakes and when it comes to hot cross buns, well, they're just as impressive. Liam and the team have mastered a traditional Easter bun, infusing a sourdough starter base with ripples of dried fruit and warming spices. This year, they're only available Saturday and Sunday so time your orders wisely, folks!

Via @imacuisine
Ima Cuisine
No list is complete without special mention to the queue-inducing hot cross buns from Ima Cuisine. These traditional buns stand out from the crowd due to their signature (and loaded) custard pastry cream crosses that are worth every single bit of mess.

Via @kneadonbenson
Knead on Benson
Securing Silver in last year’s Great New Zealand Hot Cross Bun Competition is cherished Remuera hangout, Knead on Benson. Each hot cross bun takes 48 hours to create, and boy, are they worth the wait. The result is a tall baked bun, with spiced fruit evenly dispersed throughout, creating the perfect mouthful every time. Every year, the team continue trying and testing the recipe as they enter the pursuit for the perfect hot cross bun - spoiler, they're well on their way.

Via @giapokitchen
Giapo
Rejoice, gluten-free folks! Giapo, a longstanding Auckland CBD staple for artisanal ice creams, is back with their signature gluten (and nut) free hot cross buns. You’ll recognise them from their hallmark thick, golden cross, airy, soft texture and hints of spice. Pair it with a scoop of their gluten-free ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.

Via @mor__bakery
Mor Bakery
This Easter, Mor Bakery shows off its baking prowess in signature form with its traditional and light, yet laden with fruit, hot cross buns. However, we all know that no hot cross bun is complete without lashings of butter. But what about croissant butter? Partnering with Lewis Road Creamery, Mor Bakery presents little morsels of Lewis Road’s 10-star certified salted butter, whipped until fluffy with toasted croissant pieces folded through, proudly served alongside its aromatic, glossy hot cross buns.

Via @mibo_bakery
Mibo
Loved for its inventive and artisanal pastry offerings, Mibo Bakery enters the ring with its crowd-favourite, traditional hot cross buns. Orange-soaked raisins and a medley of fruit perfectly balance with a blend of fragrant spices, a subtly sweet glaze, and an impossibly fluffy yet sturdy bite – what more could you ask for in a hot cross bun?

Via @therealbreadproject
The Real Bread Project 
Hot cross buns soaked in beer? Why not! The Real Bread Project’s bold experimentation has led to an iconic bun worth the trip up North (or an online order). The dough, along with raisins, sultanas and candied fruit peel, is steeped in a house brewed oat stout, making for some beautifully complex, bready buns. 

Via @pastramirye
Pastrami & Rye
We see your hot cross bun and raise you a double stout hot cross bun from Pastrami & Rye dipped in chocolate. The Ellerslie bakery has transformed its malty, spice-packed, traditional hot cross bun with lashings of chocolate for those looking to treat their sweet tooth like never before.

Via @wildwheatnz
Wild Wheat 
Opting for a rounder baked bun over other rectangular counterparts, Wild Wheat’s hot cross buns feel reminiscent of granny’s home baking - inviting and consistently delicious. And at just $2.50 per bun, not only are they big on flavour, they’re hitting top marks for value.

Via @thepantryauckland
The Pantry, Park Hyatt
Be the talk of your Easter lunch with The Pantry’s hot cross bun wreath; eight hot cross buns baked together for a seasonal spin on a tear-and-share table centrepiece. Renowned pastry chef, Callum Liddicoat of the Park Hyatt, is the mastermind behind this creation, spiking soft dough with a complex spice palette of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, coriander, tonka bean, black pepper, cardamom and clove, before brushing with a citrus-spiced rum, sticky glaze.