Bun fight! How do Melbourne's best cinnamon scrolls compare to cult US chain Cinnabon?
We taste five local buns, scrolls and 'Rhondas' and rank them against the American franchise.
Cinnamon scrolls have long been an Aussie bakery staple, but lately, they seem to be everywhere – in cafe cabinets, food courts and all over social media.
The pillowy, heavily iced spirals developed by Swedish immigrants in the US are arguably the most iconic version of the form. It's this style of scroll that American chain Cinnabon has been perfecting for years, and recently introduced at Watergardens Shopping Centre, where queues form before the shop even opens.
Independent venues are also embracing the rise. Caulfield South's Sebby's, which sells out regularly, is expanding to St Kilda; Red Hill's Red Gum Barbecue now has a cinnamon scroll bread-and-butter pudding on its menu.
With every bakery adding its own twist, the quest for the perfect cinnamon scroll ultimately comes down to personal taste. But if you would like some guidance, here are six spots to hit.
6. Hector's Bakery cinnamon bun, $8.50
Best icing
Hector's fan-favourite buns use a laminated dough layered with a syrupy blend of cinnamon sugar. The result is a delicate, pull-apart texture that lies somewhere between a croissant and panettone. But the real highlight here is the icing, which has a higher proportion of cream cheese than most. While some cinnamon buns can lean sickly, this one's bright and tart.
33 Stewart Street, Richmond, hectorsdeli.com.au
5. Sebby's classic cinnamon scroll, $7.50
Best cinnamon
Sebby's is all about doing one thing well. Its scrolls are slightly denser than the squishy Cinnabon style, but what sets them apart is the Saigon cinnamon, which lends a sharper flavour than the more common Dutch or Sri Lankan varieties. It's balanced by a generous swirl of cream cheese icing or a dairy-free alternative, making it one of the few vegan-friendly scrolls around (for another solid vegan option, check out Mister Nice Guys in Ascot Vale).
4. Heart Bakes cinnamon scroll, $7.50
Best value
Heart Bakes' scrolls are hefty – about 9cm high and almost doughnut-like in texture, doused in a liberal drizzle of icing. The cinnamon flavour is subtle, ideal for those who prefer a less intense spice. All baking is done on-site, and dining in means your scroll can be warmed to order. Can't make it to Port Melbourne? You'll also find them at its sibling cafe Heart Coffee in Richmond.
220 Bridge Street, Port Melbourne, instagram.com/heartbakesmelbourne
3. Everyday Coffee cinnamon Rhonda, $8.50
Best non-traditional
Everyday's take on the cinnamon scroll isn't the most traditional, but it stands out for its depth of flavour. Made from wholegrain brioche fermented for 24 hours, it's laminated with Lard Ass butter, dusted with cinnamon, and baked until flaky and crispy –almost like a palmier. The spice level is strong, rounded out by a thick dollop of cream cheese icing. Visit on a Tuesday to pair it with a coffee for $10.
36-38 Sackville Street, Collingwood, everyday-coffee.com
2. Candied Bakery cinnamon roll, $6.20
Best traditional
If a gooey cinnamon centre is your hallmark of a good roll, Candied delivers. Perfected over 11 years, its version is made with wholegrain flour and butter fondant for an extra soft, doughy interior. Thick frosting is swapped for a light glaze that doesn't push the boundaries of sweetness. It's not Cinnabon, but for a local brand, it scratches a similar itch.
136 Hall Street, Spotswood, candiedbakery.com.au
1. Cinnabon Classic Roll, $7.95
Best overall
Nothing eats like the original. Cinnabon's owners launched the business with a mission to create 'the world's greatest cinnamon roll from scratch' and they've got the process down to a science. Dough is spiralled tightly with Makara cinnamon, an Indonesian variety exclusive to Cinnabon, resulting in five thick, buttery layers. It has a subtle saltiness that's not present in other rolls, and it's always served warm.
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