National Hot Cross Bun Day returns on 13th March with 150,000 free buns nationwide

Baker’s Delight will distribute more than 150,000 free hot cross buns across Australia on Friday, 13th March 2026, as National Hot Cross Bun Day returns. More than 500 bakeries will each provide 300 free buns to the first customers through the door during regular trading hours. No purchase is required.

The initiative follows the inaugural National Hot Cross Bun Day held last year. According to the company, strong customer turnout has made the event an annual fixture at the start of the Easter season. Therefore, the 2026 event will mirror last year’s format, with free buns available on a first-come, first-served basis until allocations run out.

Traditional, Choc Chip, Apple and Cinnamon varieties will be available. Each participating bakery will provide 300 buns, bringing the national total to over 150,000 units. As a result, bakeries are preparing for early demand at opening time.

“Last year’s National Hot Cross Bun Day exceeded all our expectations. We had queues out the door before opening, and the energy was incredible,” said Jodi Murray-Freedman, Chief Marketing Officer at Bakers Delight.

“It’s become a highlight for our customers and our team – a proper celebration of the Easter season and a chance to share what we do best with the community. We’re expecting even bigger crowds this year.”

National Hot Cross Bun Day falls during the chain’s peak production period. Between January and April, Bakers’ Delight produces approximately 18 million hot cross buns. During Easter week alone, 4.2 million buns are baked across Australia. That volume equates to roughly seven buns every second.

To meet seasonal demand, the company uses large volumes of ingredients. Baker’s Delight will use around 66 tonnes of chocolate chips for Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns. In addition, production requires 105 tonnes of sultanas and 75 tonnes of currants for the Traditional variety.

Easter production figures

Apple and Cinnamon Hot Cross Bun production requires approximately 27 tonnes of Pink Lady apples. That quantity equates to roughly 173,342 apples used during the production period. Consequently, bakeries coordinate supply chains in advance of the Easter rush.

Free buns will be distributed during regular trading hours on Friday, 13th March 2026. Participating bakeries will provide 300 buns each, with allocation ending once stock is exhausted.

Location: More than 500 Bakers Delight bakeries across Australia
Date: Friday, 13th March 2026
Time: Regular trading hours
Access: First 300 customers at each bakery, no purchase required