Shepparton bakery awarded best hot cross buns in Australia

This is the bakery’s third time winning the title after claiming the award in 2021 and 2022.

Owner Matt Aylett said there was no special secret to making the best hot cross bun in the country. It just takes practice.

“We’ve just been perfecting it over the years and just making sure that they’re made perfectly each time. It just comes down to on the day,” he said.

They also won the title of Australia’s best vanilla slice, making this the second year in a row they’ve claimed the title.

With more than 130 bakeries entering the competition and over 500 products to be judged, being awarded two major awards is no easy task.

North End Bakehouse’s win has been described as history-making, as they’re the first entrant ever to win both major titles at the same event.

“It’s the first time a bakery has won both national titles at the same comp,” Mr Aylett said.

“It’s getting very competitive now, so everyone’s right up there.

“It’s a pretty big thing for us.”

Mr Aylett said although people came into the bakery for the award-winning treats, other items usually grabbed their attention.

“Other things always catch their eye while they’re here, but that’s what they come in for,” he said.

Mr Aylett said North End Bakehouse would continue to enter the Baking Association of Australia’s title-deciding competition and hoped to take out the titles again.

“We want to keep growing, and things like this help,” he said.

“We’ll go in again next year and see how we go.

“Thanks to all of our customers for supporting us.”