Best Vancouver bakeries for hot cross buns
You know spring has sprung when you see cherry blossoms in the trees and catch the scent of hot cross buns in the air. Pillowy soft and lightly spiced, these traditional Easter treats make an excellent alternative to all of those chocolate eggs. If you’re in the mood for hot cross buns, visit these Vancouver bakeries to get ’em while they’re hot (and eat them by the ton). [Photo courtesy of Beacoup Bakery]
A Bread Affair
1680 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3S2A trip to Granville Island isn’t complete without a visit to A Bread Affair. Stop in from now until Easter to pick up organic hot cross buns made with all-natural ingredients. The spicy, doughy buns are dotted with candied fruit and topped with a classic English crossing paste. Bakery owner Tanya Belanger is also cooking up twice-baked hot cross buns (inspired by her wildly popular twice-baked croissants) with a sweet ginger centre and a dusting of coconut. And tea fans will definitely want to take home some exotic chai spiced buns, created in partnership with the Granville Island Tea Company.
Bel Café
801 Georgia St W, Vancouver, BC V6C 1P7Available for a limited time each year, hot cross buns are in high demand at this chic downtown café helmed by the Hawksworth team. Award-winning pastry chef Wayen Kozinko bakes each of his oh-so-soft buns individually, and you’ll definitely want to call ahead to order your take-home packages. We suggest ordering a toasted hot cross bun to enjoy on-site, preferably accompanied by a side of butter and a pot of TWG Tea. If the weather’s nice, perch at one of the bistro tables out front and take in the view of the cherry blossoms across the street.
Beaucoup Bakery & Cafe
2150 Fir St, Vancouver, BC V6J 3B5Paris-trained baker Jackie Kai Ellis has earned a cult following among Vancouver foodies for her flaky croissants, but it’s all about the Easter buns come springtime. Head to this Fairview patisserie to indulge in buttery hot cross buns made with Jackie’s signature flair. The brioche-based pastries feature lemon and orange peel sourced from France, currants, and a pinch of spice. The springtime sweets are available until Easter Sunday. Pre-order if you’re hoping to pick up four or more buns for a group, or you can enjoy them hot and fresh on-site for $2.85 a piece.
COBS Bread
2924 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5T 3G3Come springtime, Vancouverites can always depend on this Canadian bakery chain for made-from-scratch hot cross buns in a variety of unique flavours. Available as individual take-away treats or in party-sized six packs, these seasonal goodies are baked on-site daily to ensure freshness. Classic fruit-filled hot cross buns are dotted with raisins and currants, while the chocolate chip variation delivers an extra bit of sweetness with 100 chocolate chips in every bun (we dare you to count ’em). And if you’re looking for a citrusy take on this classic Easter treat, try the cranberry orange buns made with orange zest.
Uprising Breads Bakery
1697 Venables St, Vancouver, BC V5L 2H1Carbs, glorious carbs! This East Van bakery and café has been serving up tasty artisanal loaves and decadent baked goods for more than three decades. The scent of freshly baked bread in the air and display cases stacked with sweet and savoury pastries make Uprising Breads an enticing spot for all your senses. Their legendary hot cross buns are available throughout the Easter season; the seasonal goodies will set you back a little more than one ha’ penny, but they’re still an affordable indulgence to enjoy as a midday snack or as part of a weekend brunch spread.
Terra Breads
2380 4th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6K 1P1Vancouver’s much-beloved bakeshop has four outposts across the city, so there’s bound to be a location near you to help satisfy your hot cross bun cravings. Dripping in warm lemon-maple icing, Terra Breads’ signature hot cross buns are created by head baker Mary MacKay, who spices up her own grandmother’s recipe with the addition of organic raisins, apricots, currants, sweetened dried fruit and a medley of fragrant spices.
East Village Bakery
2166 Hastings St E, Vancouver, BC V5L 1V1You’ll find an adorable array of made-from-scratch springtime goodies at this artisanal bakeshop on East Hastings. Sweet and sticky hot cross buns are in rotation of course, but there are plenty of other edible treats to add to your Easter basket, including whimsical bunny-shaped sugar cookies, pastel-coloured macarons resembling baby chicks, and beautiful lemon egg nest tarts topped with chocolate mini eggs. The bakery also offers a nice selection of vegan and gluten-free pastries for those with dietary restrictions.
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