Australians devoured more than one million hot cross buns from Brumby’s Bakeries this Easter, with a quarter sold on April 2, the date dubbed “Bun Thursday” by the brand.

Additional ingredients and bakers were scheduled to prepare for the bun bonanza, which saw the release of new varieties – salted caramel hot cross buns, and Nutella hot cross buns – along with traditional fruit and spice versions.

Brumby’s general manager Shonnea Nicol said around 600 bakers were put to work around the country on the Easter selection, for what is traditionally the busiest day of the year.

“Hot cross buns have become such a staple of Australian Easter celebrations and, to keep up with demand, our bakers started as early as 2am on Bun Thursday, the day before Good Friday,” she said.

“We know the best hot cross buns are ones made from quality ingredients by a skillful baker and that have been made fresh that day.”