They did it again! Australia’s Best Hot Cross Bun Competition has once again been taken out by a Shepparton favourite.

For the second year running, it was North End Bakehouse Shepparton that took home the top prize at the comp, which was held in conjunction with the Victorian Baking Show at Bendigo over the weekend of February 26-27.

It wasn’t just North End’s traditional buns getting the nod from judges either. The bakery also won the Innovative Hot Cross Bun category with it’s vanilla slice hot cross buns, which will be available to purchase at North End Bakehouse from April 4.

They clearly know their buns. In 2021, North End’s vanilla slice bun placed second in the category, while it was their Vegemite HCB an innovative first.

Co-owner Shekiah Aylett told Baking Business last year that the simplicity of their buns is what makes them so special.

“A lot of people use similar things but we just try to keep it nice and simple and I think that’s what got us across the line,” she said.

“The smell is one of the big things the judges really enjoyed. Before it’s even heated up or anything they have a nice strong smell just as they are.”