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11th April 2025
03:38pm BST
Well, technically it also means chocolate eggs, roast dinners, and an uptick in pastel tableware. But for those of us with a soft spot for seasonal bakes, the arrival of hot cross buns is the real celebration. These sweet, spiced, fruit-studded buns are only around for a short window each year, and we’re not wasting a minute. Whether you like yours toasted with butter or straight from the bag, these are the Dublin spots serving the best hot cross buns this Easter.
Walkinstown, more info here
You already know that a café is special if they’re in the business of making their own bread. Farmhouse café and bakery are no strangers to awards, now in their 11th year of serving a seasonal breakfast and lunch menu, using fruit, vegetables and salads grown in a walled garden in Enfield, co. Meath.
They also take their seasonal baking very seriously, so this time of year you will of course be able to find the limited-time-only pastries, Hot Cross Buns, for sale.
These bad boys are bound to fly off the shelves, so don't wait too long before going to try one.
Farmhouse Café closes on weekends but opens 8.00 to 15.00 between Monday and Friday.
Stoneybatter, more info here
The self proclaimed buttery love child of Proper Order Coffee Company, No Messin' Bakery does exactly what it says; no messin'. So it's no wonder that they would be picking up the Easter mantle by dropping some fresh hot cross buns for the people of Dublin 7 and beyond.
No Messin' will only deal with seasonal, fresh, and local ingredients when creating their pastries, and it is immediately obvious from that first bite, so you know the Hot Cross Buns are nothing short of elite.
The delicious treats from No Messin can only be found within Proper Coffee at Haymarket in Smithfield.
Pearse Street, more info here
The word institution tends to get thrown around quite a bit, but Bread 41 is just that. The Pearse Street bakery is a touchstone for quality baked goods in the city, stocking many cafes around with bread and pastries. With queues often snaking around the corner of the building, Bread 41 is known to sell out at lightning speed, so whatever day you decide to drop in, make sure it’s super early.
Not one to miss an occasion, Bread 41 are whipping up Hot Cross Buns for the week that's in it. Expect a classic blend of spices and raisins in enriched, and glossy brioche, and like their other baked goods, these bad boys are likely to sell out at lightning speed, so make sure you get down early on whatever day you choose to get them.
The Bread 41 café and bakery opens from 7.00 on weekdays, and 8.00 on weekends.
Phibsborough, more info here
Another Dublin 7 location in the business of Hot Cross Buns this Easter is Two Boys Brews. Open all Easter weekend, these buns are made fresh on-site. If you're not based in D7, not to worry - TBB's second café Milo's, based in Drumcondra, Dublin 9, are also selling HXBs.
All buns are served with a hefty helping of real Irish grass fed butter to slather all over the pastry.
Check out the opening hours for both Milo's and Two Boys Brew here.
South William Street, more info here
An absolute staple in Dublin that has been in operation for years is Pepper Pot, hardly in need of introduction. Famous of course for the pear and bacon sambo, if you show up for a wee coffee and treat combination over the next week, you will also be able to enjoy one of their Hot Cross Buns.
Pepper Pot is closed on Sunday, but otherwise open Monday to Thursday between 10.00 and 17.00, and Friday and Saturday between 9.00 and 17.00.
Phibsborough, more info here
Oxmantown, known as something of a sandwich dynasty in Dublin, expanded their products in 2022 by opening Elliot’s, a micro-bakery that offers close-your-eyes-and-you-are-in-France baguettes, with the perfect ratio of crispy crust and soft melt-in-your-mouth bread.
They are also embracing Hot Cross Bun season, creating spiced, buttery brioche studded with earl grey soaked dried fruit and blood orange marmalade, one of the few independent locations in Dublin serving them. If you've been looking for an excuse to pop by, let this be yours.
While Elliot’s official closing time is 15.00, they tend to sell out of their goodies long before then, so you will want to make like the early bird to get your pick of the goodies, without fear of items already selling out (because trust me, they will sell out).
Here at Lovin, we're wishing you all who celebrate a very Happy Easter. With so many Dublin spots doing them, be sure not to miss out on indulging in some toasty Hot Cross Buns.
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