Hot cross bun season is coming and Baking New Zealand is on the hunt for New Zealand's finest.
Only traditional hot cross buns will be in the running this year - no chocolate or brioche - as they sell best, says chief judge Dave Bradley.
Photo: Jasmine Waheed
Presentation is key and the winning batch will look perfectly even with "a really nice glaze and great shine" he tells Susie Ferguson.
It will also contain just the right balance of spices - usually mixed spice and cinnamon but possibly cardamom, too - and just the right amount of "soft plump fruit" that's likely been pre-soaked in cider, apple juice or vanilla syrup.
A traditional hot cross bun toasted and buttered is Bradley's personal favourite.
"Without the fruit and that perfect cross on top, that's not a hot cross bun to me."
Entries for the Great NZ Hot Cross Bun Competition 2022 close at 5pm on Saturday 19 February. (Buns must be delivered for judging no later than 5pm Friday 11 March).
Last year's Top 10:
1: Artisan by Rangiora Bakery, Rangiora
2: Sydenham Bakery, Christchurch
3: U-Bake, Timaru
4: Kidds Cakes and Bakery, Christchurch
5: Daily Bread, Auckland
6: Michaels Bakery Hillmorton, Christchurch
7: Nada Bakery, Wellington
8: Divine: Your Local Bakers, Christchurch
9: Stonebaked Bakehouse, Rangiora
10: Richoux Patisserie, Auckland
Recipes from the RNZ collection:
Traditional hot cross buns (Bread & Butter Bakery, Auckland)
Brioche hot cross buns (Magnolia Kitchen, Auckland)
Allergy-friendly brioche hot cross buns (Magnolia Kitchen, Auckland)
Classic hot cross buns (Allyson Gofton)
Israeli-style hot cross buns (Ima Cuisine, Auckland)
