Hot Cross Buns are an Easter Tradition going back to at least the 1500s – one cannot simply celebrate Easter without one (or 12).
We’ve trotted around town and tasted some of the locally beloved hot cross buns (HCBs) and found each baker really brought their own unique flair to the traditional recipe.
The classic hot cross bun features a blend of dried fruits, zesty orange, and a mix of spices kneaded into the dough. These days, you’ll find a number of modern takes on the classic HCB (hot cross donut, anyone?), resulting in a flavour and texture to suit everybunny.
Slavered in butter, toasted or fresh – get ’em while they’re hot!
Here’s a guide to some of the must-try hot cross buns around town:
Pigeon Whole Bakers |
📍32 Argyle St, Hobart
Simply iconic.
With a touch of sourdough and their own special spice mix, these baddies are pure joy.
⏳ 7.30am – 3pm (Weekend hours 7.30am – 1pm)
⏳ Open 7 days
Head here for more details
Jackman & McRoss Bakery |
📍Battery Point & New Town
Currants and raisins are a must, but it’s the delightful addition of apricots, lemon, orange peel, and crunchy hazelnuts that elevate their hot cross buns into a memorable experience.
Visit one of their charming locations in Battery Point or New Town. Can’t make it there? Check your local Hill Street grocer.
⏳ 7am to 5pm (4pm on Sundays)
⏳ Open 7 days
Head here for more details
Six Russell Bakes |
📍6 Russell Crescent, Sandy Bay
Six Russells have taken a new form of HCB on.
“Why settle for squished buns or scorched edges?
We made something better—
a hot cross bun loaf, golden and fragrant, gently spiced, studded with *fruit, and made to slice.
Cut it lengthways, toast it thick, and let butter melt into every crevice—or slice it thin and crisp it up for something a little more grown-up.
Have it for breakfast or save it for the kind of dessert that calls for cream and a quiet moment.”
*Fruit = dried figs and cherries.. 🍒
⏳ 6:30am to 2pm (7am – 1pm weekends)
⏳ Open 7 days
Head here for more details
Storm River & Stone | Eumarrah
📍39 Barrack St, Hobart
Storm River & Stone is a small-batch, independent artisan producer based in Hobart. Their hot cross buns are hand-made using Australian certified organic premium flour that has been grown and harvested through sustainable practices.
Delivered exclusively to Eumarrah on Mondays and Wednesdays, this year they are baking up a Sour Cherry & Dark Chocolate and the classic featuring their signature frosted coconut cross!
Eumarrah also provides a range of organic, gluten-free, and vegan hot cross bun options to cater to all dietary preferences, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a festive treat.
⏳ 9am – 6pm (close 5pm on Saturdays)
⏳ Monday – Saturday
Head here for more details
Baked Gluten Free | Straight Up
📍202 Liverpool St, Hobart
Now these buns are perfect for the gluten-free bunnies among us.
Straight Up partner with amazing local businesses including Baked Gluten Free. Here, you’ll find many of their delicious, freshly baked (gf) goodies that they are known for.
Crafted by the specialists, you can trust these buns will absolutely hit.
⏳ 7am – 2.30pm (open 8am on weekends)
⏳ Open 7 days
Head here for more details
Jean-Pascal Patisserie |
📍30 Carlton St, New Town
Among all the hot cross buns we’ve tasted, these are undoubtedly the lightest. They have a gorgeous airy texture, thanks to the use of real butter, eggs, and yeast – plus the occasional burst of currant is a both a surprise and delight. They strike a lighter balance with their spice blend – perfect for those who like a lighter touch.
⏳ 8am – 4.30pm
⏳ Monday – Saturday
Head here for more details
Circle of Life |
📍Bank Arcade, 66-68 Liverpool St, Hobart
🐰 HOT CROSS BUNS (but make it a doughie).
Their limited-edition Easter special is here for a short time – for two weeks only.
What’s inside? Spiced raisin cheesecake filling, glazed to perfection and topped with a vanilla fondant cross. Take me now.
⏳ 9am – 5pm, (weekend hours 10am – 3pm)
⏳ Monday – Saturday
Head here for more details
🐰 Happy HCB hunt !