Get them while they're hot

Many bakeries turn their hand to the spicy, fruit buns, and Avenues decided to put a selection to the test.

French Bakery Bakehouse (top)

A soft, bready number, a French Bakery hot cross bun is light and tasty. It smells predominantly of cinnamon spiciness, and sultanas are a key feature. For value for money, these buns are right up there.

Price: $3.90 for 6

Address: 238 Port Hills Rd, Heathcote

Breads of Europe (middle left)

You can really taste the peel in these fruit-laden buns; there's a zesty kick and they smell a bit like Christmas cake. They're rather dense, so make sure to get a bag that's recently arrived at the retail outlet.

Price: $4.99 for 6

Address: Fresh Choice, Merivale, or see www.breads.co.nz for stockists

Copenhagen Bakery (middle right)

These buns offered the perfect balance of flavours, with no dominant ingredient. They're fruity, spicy and light and we think they taste like a traditional hot cross bun should.

Price: $9 for 6

Address: 119 Armagh St 

Chocolate hot cross buns from Quality Bakers (bottom left)

We thought it had to be done, but, in hindsight, perhaps not. Super sweet little cakes of cocoa-rich dough that prove you shouldn't mess with tradition.

Price: $3.59 for 6

Address: Most supermarkets

The Naked Baker (bottom right)

A dark, moist number, we were impressed with The Naked Baker's buns. For those who enjoy doughy bread, these are the buns for you. Very likely to be bought again.

Price: $3.80 for 6

Address: 142 Beach Rd, North New Brighton

Vic's Bakehouse (Avenues' pick)

Beautifully presented and packed with goodies, it is easy to see why these fruity, sticky buns are award-winning. They impressed the judges at the bakery industry's competition last year, winning the gold award, and our taste buds were well satisfied.

Price: $12 for 6

Address: 4B Settlers Crescent, Ferrymead