From Pani Popo to Limoncello: 5 places to find unique hot cross buns this Easter

As a self-professed sweet tooth, not only does Easter mean helping myself to diabolical amounts of chocolate (mini eggs, you forever have my heart), but also all the baked goodies. 

Hot cross buns are (of course) the ever-iconic treat of Easter, and if you thought they were all the same, think again. 

This year, we’ve seen quite a few places getting pretty creative with their flavours. From Sticky Date to Pani Popo, these five spots are serving hot cross buns you need to try this weekend. 

Knead on Benson

Remuera bakery and cafe Knead on Benson released a trio of buns earlier this month: Traditional, Sticky Date and Chocolate & Citrus. 

Their buns are inspired by the traditional way of making Panettone, a sweet bread from Italy - the home of their Head Baker, and take a whopping 48 hours to make. Talk about good things take time!

The traditional is speckled with dried fruit infused with New Zealand dark rum, the chocolate and citrus is made with top-tier Valrhona chocolate and the sticky date is lathered in a butterscotch glaze. 

Call me a sucker for an English pub class, but my favourite had to be the sticky date. \

Deli Di Bossi

Also inspired by Italy, Auckland’s Deli Di Bossi has blown us away with their Limoncello and Almond buns. 

The Limencello is a take on a classic hot cross bun, but has added citrus and a delicious Limoncello glaze that has proved an absolute sell-out.

Their Almond bun also has the aspects of a traditional hot cross bun, but is topped with almond frangipane and toasted almonds. Plus, when you go to take a bite, you’ll be met with a decadent chocolate filling. How delicious!

Woolworths 

That’s right. Good old Woollies has really stepped it up this year, offering a range of gourmet tasting buns still at an affordable price. 

First up is their indulgent Mudcake hot cross bun, a soft, fluffy bun packed with a rich chocolatey filling that really feels like dessert for breakfast. 

The Caramelised Biscuit bun pairs outrageously well with a cuppa and gives big Biscoff energy. Meanwhile, the Caramello-filled buns speckled with milk chocolate chips are a sure thing for all Cadbury lovers. 

I was also particularly excited to see the return of their Cinnabon-style buns. Infused with cinnamon and filled with a cream cheese-style icing, these are the ultimate crossover! 

Bakers Delight

I feel there’s actually nothing more comforting than the smell of a Bakers Delight, and their hot cross buns are truly mouth-watering. 

As well as their tasty traditional and choc chip hot cross buns, Bakers Delight have two standout flavours that definitely deserve a spot on your brunch table. 

Their Mocha Hot Cross Bun is a grown-up take on the classic, bringing rich coffee notes with sweet chocolate chips for the perfect mid-morning pick me up. 

Meanwhile, the Apple & Cinnamon brings all the cosy vibes. It’s studded with real Pink Lady apple pieces and fragrant cinnamon spice. 

Hill House & Farm House Cafe 

The Hill House Cafe in Hillsborough and Farm House Cafe in Clevedon are best loved for their iconic ‘Sin In a Bun’ - and their hot cross buns look just as good.

Leading the pack is the Pani Popo Hot Cross Bun, available at Hill House Cafe. It’s a spin on the traditional Samoan sweet bread, described by the cafe as “rich coconut sweetness meets warm Easter spice”. 

Farm House Cafe has some other yummy twists, with the OG Hot Cross Sin, Iced Hot Cross Sin and Triple Chocolate Hot Cross Bun.