If you have a sweet spot for Easter carbs over chocolate eggs, now’s the perfect time to get stuck in because, while some love cracking into foil-wrapped bunnies, others know the real magic of Easter is in a warm, spiced bun with a glossy cross on top.
And sure, you could grab a six-pack from the supermarket, but Adelaide’s best bakers are truly rising to the occasion with interesting buns and riffs on classics.
Here, in alphabetical order, are our picks for the best buns in town.
Banana Boogie, Belair
This Belair bakery is no stranger to hot cross acclaim. In 2023, Banana Boogie took out first (and second) place at the Baking Association of Australia’s Victorian Baking Show; this year it came in fourth, making it the highest-ranking South Aussie bakery on the list. There’s a reason why these pillowy buns are some of the best in the country. The traditional HCBs are generously spiced and packed with fruit, or you can branch out with choc-chip or fruitless options.
Traditional buns are six for $13; choc-chip are six for $12; and fruitless are six for $8.
Bottega Bandito, Adelaide CBD & Prospect
A local favourite when it comes to sangas, pastries and brekkie staples, Bottega Bandito is going decadent this year with its tiramisu hot cross buns. The team is making a triple chocolate dough filled with a rich marsala and coffee custard that’s fluffy, fragrant and perfect for long weekend indulgence.
$5 each or $25 for six. Available now in both locations or pre-order for Easter weekend.
Jenny’s Bakery, Eastwood & Norwood
Known for its stuffed croissants, cookies, cronuts and bomboloni, Jenny’s is sticking with tradition this year. Its hot cross buns are slow-fermented overnight and made with artisanal butter, Italian candied orange and raisins, plus a generous spice hit – making them rich, fluffy and just a tad fancy.
Hot cross buns are $2.80 each.
The Lost Loaf, Bowden
The Lost Loaf is doing sourdough hot cross buns packed with Australian apricots, sultanas, currants and figs. The dough is made with SA produce from Fleurieu Milk Company and Clare Valley eggs.
Hot cross buns are $4 each or $24 for six.
St Louis, various locations
The South Australian dessert chain is going all in on Biscoff this Easter. Its limited edition brioche hot cross buns – filled with fresh Biscoff paste and topped with Biscoff crumbs – are handmade daily by the pastry team. Warm one up and add a scoop of gelato, or pick one up alongside a hot beverage.
Biscoff hot cross buns are $6.50 each or $9.50 with a small hot drink and are available at all locations (excluding gelaterias) until sold out.
Verté Kitchen, Mylor
Verté Kitchen in the Adelaide Hills is coming to the HCB party with sourdough hot cross buns made with rich and nutty spelt flour. Choose between a classic take with dried fruit, or a vegan-friendly option loaded with dark chocolate and figs. Buns are toasted to order and served with a generous slather of salted butter.
Buns are $6.50 each.
Willmott’s Gastronomia, Rose Park
Leave it to Orso’s kitchen crew to give the humble hot cross bun a fancy twist. This year’s edition is a rich, spiced bun brushed with a pedro ximénez glaze and served with spiced butter. These buns disappear quickly, so pre-order via email or phone to secure a stash. $6.50 for one bun or $24 for a pack of four.
This article was originally published on March 29, 2021. It was entirely updated on April 8, 2025
