The weekend of February 20-21 saw Victorian bakers converge in Shepparton for the Victorian Baking Show and Australia’s Best Hot Cross Bun Competition, with the full results released by the Baking Association of Australia (BAA).

Kyneton’s Country Cob Bakery backed up its three-year winning streak in Australia’s Best Pie, receiving first place for its meat pies in the Victorian Baking Show, while Ballarat’s Golden Nugget Bakery won silver in the plain meat pie and meat pastie categories.

Country Cob Bakery manager Chan Khun told the Bendigo Advertiser the bakery would enter the nationwide competition from the Banking Association of Australia again this year, aiming to maintain its streak.

North End Bakehouse – a Shepparton local – took out the top prize of Australia’s Best Hot Cross Bun as well as multiple other awards including first and second places in the Innovative Hot Cross Bun category and first in the 2 White Fancy Rolls category.

Co-owner of North End Bakehouse Shekiah Aylett said it was good to be able to watch the judging taking place at the show this year.

“It was really good to see what they look out for and their comments on each item,” she said.

As for what makes their hot cross buns the best, Shekiah said she believes the secret is simplicity.

“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.”

The full results of the Victorian Baking Show can be found here.