We blind-tested and ranked hot cross buns from Melbourne bakeries

The results are in.

Easter is arriving early this year and with it comes our favourite vehicle for butter: hot cross buns. In supermarkets, shops and bakeries all over Melbourne, creative bakers are putting their own spin on the fruit-filled classic.

We’ve seen matcha-filled buns, chocolate stout buns, mint slice buns, tiramisu and mocha buns, basically every variation you could think of. Even if you’re a purist, the choice of traditional buns can be overwhelming.

Interested to hear how others navigate the world? Head to our Life section.

So in the name of journalism, we set out to answer a simple question: who makes the best traditional hot cross buns? We roped the whole office into a taste test of six different buns from local bakeries in and around Brunswick (the furthest we ventured was Loafer in Fitzroy North).

A mix of high and low, our range included Iris, Green Refectory, Wild Life, Bakers Delight, Loafer and Coles. Prices per bun ranged from 50 cents to $5.50. Read on to see which hot cross bun was the winner.

The test conditions

Our judging panel consisted of 10 eager hot cross bun eaters, with an age range spanning mid-twenties to fifties. For unbiased results, the taste test was judged blind on numbered plates, meaning the testers didn’t know what they were trying. Buns were toasted and slathered with butter – the only way they should be eaten.

While appearance was considered, the judging criteria was based on texture and taste. Of course, taste is subjective. Keep in mind that some people in the office preferred light, fluffy buns, while others “usually go for chocolate chip variety” and one person said they normally like their buns with “lots of icing” (?).

The results

After tallying up the scores and comments, here’s what we found.

The award for Most Polarising goes to…

Iris bakery. Technically, this hot cross bun came in last place (28 out of 60 points) but it was the most divisive – people either loved it or hated it. Guess you have to try it for yourself! A single bun from Iris costs $5 or six for $28.

“There’s an unusual herb taste is it thyme? Not sure about this one.” – Pat

“Tastes wholegrain and hearty.” – Lucas

“Delish! Good spices… more dense, like raisin toast.” – Fran

“It’s almost savoury which I love. Feels expensive.” – Holly

“Overall a very unappealing HxB. If I’d paid I’d be fuming.” – Kris

In fifth place

With 32 points, the sourdough hot cross bun from Loafer was similarly polarising. It was also the most expensive of the bunch, costing $5.50 per bun or $30 for six.

“Too much spice, maybe clove or nutmeg? Not sweet enough for me.” – Lara

“Classic and balanced.” – Lucas

“Doughy, soft, lovely. Is this perfect?” – Anita

In fourth place

The Bakers Delight traditional hot cross bun, $2.50 each or $10.50 for six, scored 35 out of 60.

“Bit citrussy for my taste and bread was too savoury.” – Kris

“Big yes from me.” – Ant

“It’s fine but I’m not feeling blown away.” – Holly

In third place

Brunswick bakery Wild Life takes out third place with its bun, made with a mix of sourdough and baker’s yeast. A single bun costs $4.50 each or $24 for a six-pack.

“Love the texture! Very pleasing. Spices are not too overpowering.” – Fran

“Fruity flavour and pillowy texture.” – Lucas

“Great. Orangey, very flavourful – you can see orange zest!” – Daisy

The runner up

Beloved local institution, Green Refectory, came in second place with its traditional hot cross bun, $4 each.

“Good mix of cinnamon, spice and fruit.” – Pat

“Squishy in a good way.” – Lara

“Fabulous. Feels light, not too fruity, not too dense.” – Holly

And the winner is… 

Sneaking in by one point, the humble Coles hot cross bun was the ultimate crowd-pleaser. We tested the mini traditional buns, costing 49 cents each or $4.40 for a pack of nine.

“A very nicely balanced HxB with good notes of cinnamon, and a sweet but not too sweet flavour.” – Kris

“Serves its purpose.” – Fran

“It feels super classic to me. A very clear take on what you’d expect from a hot cross bun. It’s not too sickly sweet, which is good if you’re keen for the butter to have a moment.” – Holly

“This is my fave! Crispy outside, soft centre. Need a coffee.” – Ant

For more on the best hot cross buns in Melbourne, try this.