What is Easter without the scent of a scrumptious, warm hot cross bun freshly toasted? Perfect with lashings of butter and a cup of tea at any time of day, these tasty treats only make an appearance once a year, which makes them all the more special. But where can you find them in Singapore?
Easter weekend is almost here! If you’re searching for hot cross buns then look no further; we’ve rounded up the best bakeries to help fulfil those hot cross cravings this Easter. Whether it be traditional, chocolate, gluten-free, vegan… or for those brave bunnies out there, have a go at this hot cross bun recipe (see #7 below!) and make your own. We’ve found hot cross buns in Singapore for everyone, so get that cup of tea ready!
WHERE TO BUY HOT CROSS BUNS FOR EASTER 2023 IN SINGAPORE
1. Baker and Cook
We already love Baker and Cook for its fab locations and delicious coffee, helmed by celebrated Global Baker, Dean Brettschneider. And now, the town’s best-selling hot cross buns are back! They are freshly baked daily. Choose from the traditional soft and fluffy, yet slightly dense hot cross buns, filled with spices and fruits such as sultanas and currants, or go for the equally scrumptious and decadent double chocolate (yes, double!).
Can’t decide? (Who could!) Then go with one of Baker and Cook’s famous combo packs with six of each of these beauties (save $40!) or try an irresistible gift pack filled with extra treats and goodies. There’s also an awesome vegan version of the traditional hot cross bun. Even more eggsellent: for every pack purchased, $1 will be donated to Breast Cancer Foundation. What’s not to love?
Baker and Cook, various locations islandwide. Pick up in-store or order online
2. Bakery Brera
If you’re looking for fresh, fluffy original or chocolate hot cross buns, Bakery Brera is the place to go. Made with fine flours from France and Japan, this cute bakery serves a delectable range of breads, pastries and cakes, including European artisan breads, San Franciscan sourdough (yes!) and Taiwanese cheese tarts. Spread the loaf for Bakery Brera and pop in for a visit!
Bakery Brera,#01-05, 8 Empress Road, Singapore 260008, or order online at [email protected]
3. Dolcetto by Basilico at The Regent Hotel, Singapore
We love Basilico for an elegant Easter brunch venue, and its sister offering Dolcetto is also on our hot list this Easter. This gourmet pasticceria found within the Regent hotel always has some of the most delicious festive fares, and its traditional hot cross buns are up there with the best. The atmosphere in the dining area is lovely and relaxing, so head here to dine in and enjoy a cup of premium Italian coffee or Gryphon tea while enjoying a fresh-from-the-oven hot cross bun, or one of its freshly baked Italian breads, mini Italian pastries, cakes, gelato and paninis! Yummo.
Visit Dolcetto on the ground floor of the Regent Hotel, 1 Cuscaden Road, Singapore 249715
4. Marks & Spencer
We love good ol’ Marks & Spencer at the best of times for its tubs of treats and can’t-stop-at-one Percy Pigs. Come Easter time –it is definitely a place you want to make a pitstop. Stock up on its varied hot cross bun offerings (see image above), then take a mosey at the chocolate goods. Each year, we’ve been thrilled at the range of Easter eggs and treats for the whole family, such as chocolate lollipops, chocolate bunnies and more. Resist at your peril – you’ll be a stronger person than us if you do!
Marks & Spencer, various locations in Singapore.
5. The Whole Kitchen
All the fresh bakes and nourishing foods at The Whole Kitchen are made with natural ingredients, gluten-free and low in natural sugars. These gluten, dairy and nut-free traditional spiced Easter hot cross buns with cinnamon and nutmeg are so tasty you might not even realise they are allergy-friendly! Hop on over and pick these up from $15.95, and stay for a smoothie in one of their super sweet cafes.
The Whole Kitchen, cafes at East Coast, Katong and CBD, or shop online
6. Da Paolo Gastronomia
Usher in the joyous Easter celebration with hot cross buns from Da Paolo! This eatery’s version is a spiced sweet soft sourdough bread that consists of 6-spice mix, orange zest and plenty of dark-rum soaked sultanas. Best not to serve these to the kiddos! The buns are batch-baked and coated in a fruity, aromatic glaze as soon as they’re out of the oven before being decorated with flour paste.
Da Paolo Gastronomia, several locations across Singapore.
7. Make your own with this Jamie Oliver recipe
Kids bored after completing all the Easter craft ideas you can muster? The exciting thing about making your own hot cross buns is that the kids can get involved, and you can change up the ingredients to whatever dried fruit or chocolate flavour you fancy! Jamie Oliver claims that once you try his recipe for these glorious, sticky hot cross buns, “you’ll never go back to store-bought again”. We’re happy to say that even the most junior of bakers should have fun preparing these, as the recipe is easy to follow. Added bonus: you should be able to pick up the ingredients pretty easily from Fairprice, Cold Storage, Redmart, or one of our favourite baking supply stores, Phoon Huat.
Jamie’s hot cross bun storage tip: If you want to keep the buns lovely and fresh for longer, soak the dried fruit in fruit juice for a couple of hours beforehand.
Have a hopping good Easter!
