It’s why many of us make a habit of seeking out at least one or two seasonal treats in the weeks leading up to Easter.
Chocolate eggs are a tradition, but there’s nothing traditional about the new flavours being dreamed up by some of the country’s best chocolatiers.
Likewise, this year hot cross buns have had an overhaul. While in recent times it has been our favourite patisseries and bakeries turning out inventive new incarnations, now even supermarkets have a variety of flavours and even fillings.
With plenty to tantalise the taste buds, here’s a round up the best sweet delights to try this Easter in Auckland and beyond.
Giapo
Auckland artisan ice cream shop Giapo is known for its modern take on classics, as well as its wildly creative flavours and Insta-worthy presentation. This year it’s the pace to go it you follow a gluten-free diet (or if you just want a delicious bun) as the entire kitchen and everything they make and sell is gluten-free. Baked fresh every morning, packed with warm spices, and impossibly soft, the gluten-free hot cross buns are hot property, so make sure you pre-order.
Much Moore Ice Cream
If you prefer your spice a little colder, ice cream brand Much Moore is making it easy to get your hands on their limited edition Hot Cross Bun Ice cream. Made with classic Easter spices, cream, sultanas and a decadent vanilla crumb, their two-litre tubs are in supermarkets nationwide.
Lindt Chocolate
The elegant choice if you’re not one of those hunting high and low around the garden at Easter, a chocolate Lindt bunny has become a delicious tradition for many at this time of year. The milk and dark chocolate versions are unquestionably delicious, but this year the Swiss chocolatier has included a new flavour – salted caramel, with rich, buttery caramel pieces and a touch of sea salt.
Ima Cuisine
Arguably the most famous hot cross buns in Auckland, Ima Cuisine have been turning out their mouthwatering buns, with their distinct crème patissiere cross, for a number of years. Picking up a bag of six or more is an annual tradition. Sticky, Spicy and delicious!
House of Chocolate
We had a tough time choosing which Easter delights to shout out from house of Chocolate, seeing as the chocolatier has gone all out with fresh and exciting flavour combinations, not to mention gorgeous packaging which makes their offerings perfect to gift. However we must flag the much-hyped ‘Dubai chocolate’ gets a look in here in the Pistachio Knafeh Milk Chocolate Easter Egg made with crispy kataifi pastry and creamy pistachio praline filling, in a milk chocolate shell. We also have a soft spot for the fairy bread white chocolate egg that has three choc chip cookies inside, sure to be a hit with younger members of the whanau.
Pastrami & Rye
These double stout hot cross buns in collaboration with brewery Hallertau, and offer a unique depth of flavour amongst the classic spices, peel and soft raisins. But if you want a truly unique experience, try them served filled and dipped in hot melted chocolate for a truly decadent sweet treat.
Allpress Coffee x Bennetts of Mangawhai
Coffee lovers, assemble! Allpress Coffee has teamed up with chocolate maker Bennetts of Mangawhai again on their popular coffee-infused chocolate eggs. This year each six-pack contains two double espresso eggs, two flat white eggs and two caramel latte eggs.
The Pantry at Park Hyatt
The Pantry at Park Hyatt in Auckland is extending its reputation for special event treats, with this hot cross bun wreath that would make a beautiful centerpiece for an Easter table. It is made with similar dough to the Pantry’s popular donuts, and packed with rum-soaked raisins, currants, sultanas, and citrus peel mixed with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, coriander, tonka bean, black pepper, cardamom, and clove.
Twiice Edible Cups
Have you ever tried an edible cup? These creations from Auckland company Twiice reliably hold a hot drink and make a delicious snack to nibble on once you’ve finished your coffee or hot chocolate. For a limited time they have a gently spiced hot cross bun version joining their regular line-up of vanilla and chocolate flavoured cups.
Devonport Chocolate
For visually stunning easter eggs (that taste incredible too), we love Devonport Chocolate’s Chesterfield eggs that feature colourful splashes on its milk, dark and white chocolate eggs.
Filled buns
This is the first year filled hot cross buns have been the focus of many water cooler and social media discussions, mainly thanks to a number of filled varieties landing on supermarket shelves. Popular options include Countdown’s buns filled with a Biscoff filling that becomes even better when it melts as the bun is heated, and Yarrow’s cinnamon jam donut hot cross buns.
