As the aroma of freshly baked goods wafts through the bustling streets of New York City, one delectable treat consistently captures the attention of locals and tourists alike: the hot cross bun. Traditionally associated with Easter, these spiced sweet rolls adorned with a cross boldly call out from the displays of bakeries across the city year-round. New York, with its mosaic of neighborhoods, offers an eclectic array of bakeries where these delightful buns can be showcased in unique ways. Prepare your taste buds for a tantalizing journey through ten of the city’s most revered spots for hot cross buns, each location promising a distinctive twist on this classic delicacy.
1. Flour Bakery
Address: 114 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138 (Note: sampling neighborhoods nearby!)
Contact: (617) 576-3700
Website: flourbakery.com
Known for their artisanal approach, Flour’s hot cross buns are imbued with a delightful mix of spices and a touch of citrus zest. Each bun reflects a love for traditional recipes infused with contemporary flair, making them an enduring favorite during the Easter season.
2. Balthazar Bakery
Address: 80 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
Contact: (212) 965-1414
Website: balthazarny.com
At Balthazar Bakery, grab a hot cross bun alongside a perfect cup of artisanal coffee. Their buns, prepared with high-quality ingredients, showcase a sublime balance of sweetness and spices. The bakery’s longstanding reputation for excellence elevates this humble treat to new heights.
3. Ovenly
Address: 31 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Contact: (718) 218-7548
Website: oven.ly
Ovenly makes their mark with a hot cross bun that has intrigued the taste buds of many. Characterized by a unique hint of cardamom and surprise ingredients like dried fruit, their rendition offers a playful twist, inviting culinary exploration.
4. Amy’s Bread
Address: 250 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014
Contact: (212) 462-4338
Website: amysbread.com
Renowned for their commitment to artisanal techniques, Amy’s Bread presents hot cross buns that exemplify both tradition and innovation. Their version, complex with flavors reminiscent of childhood memories, will evoke nostalgia while surprising your palate with modern elements.
5. Leske’s Bakery
Address: 49-23 30th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103
Contact: (718) 726-7890
Website: leskes.com
Leske’s Bakery, a gem nestled in Astoria, offers hot cross buns steeped in Scandinavian tradition. Each bun is lovingly crafted with a cinnamon-forward flavor, making them not just a seasonal delight but an essential culinary experience worth indulging in throughout the year.
6. Sweet Revenge
Address: 184 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002
Contact: (212) 477-2900
Website: sweetrevengebakery.com
At Sweet Revenge, creativity knows no bounds. Their hot cross buns possess an unexpected surprise: a subtle infusion of chocolate, skillfully combined with the classic spices that define these treats. This daring departure will captivate and entice those seeking something unique.
7. Greenpoint Fish & Lobster Co.
Address: 114 Nassau Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Contact: (718) 389-0985
Website: greenpointfishandloster.com
For a spin combining culinary cultures, visit Greenpoint Fish & Lobster Co. Their hot cross buns are flavored with light herbs and spices, borrowing from coastal flavors to create an enticing seaside experience that’s far removed from the conventional image of this bakery staple.
8. Milk Bar
Address: 123 N 8th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Contact: (718) 384-7925
Website: milkbarstore.com
Milk Bar is celebrated for its quirky takes on classic desserts. Here, hot cross buns take on an ethereal rendition by incorporating seasonal spices alongside imaginative fillings, leaving sweet-toothed patrons enthralled with every bite.
9. Payard Bakery
Address: 1011 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10075
Contact: (212) 879-2770
Website: payard.com
Perfectly exemplifying Parisian finesse, Payard Bakery’s hot cross buns merge a classic British recipe with exquisite French techniques. With each bite, experience a texture that is both pillowy soft and decadently rich, evoking visions of refined tea gatherings.
10. The Flour Pot Bakery
Address: 1055 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225
Contact: (718) 778-9400
Website: theflourpot.com
This bakery invites patrons to enjoy an interpretation of hot cross buns that celebrates wholesomeness. With a focus on organic ingredients and flour pairs, their offerings are a delightful choice for those seeking a healthier yet equally indulgent treat.
In conclusion, the hot cross bun is more than just a seasonal treat—it’s a culinary marvel that gives voice to the legacy of baking in diverse neighborhoods across New York City. The blend of spices, textures, and ingenious twists offered by these ten establishments invites you to rethink your experience of this classic. Whether you prefer tradition or innovation, these outstanding bakeries entice curiosity and satisfaction for all who seek to taste the extraordinary. Venture out and explore, for your perfect bun awaits!
