Ten O'Clock Cookie Cafe Bakery has regained the crown as bakers of the best hot cross buns in New Zealand.
The Masterton bakery has been named the 2014 winner of the National Champion Hot Cross Bun Competition after a golden run as back-to-back national champions for three years up to 2009.
Nathanael Cressey, bakery manager, said he was more than pleased the bakery had again seized the mantle for the best hot cross buns in New Zealand even though victory was always hard-fought and never guaranteed.
"We knew we had the right recipe but it's just a matter of pulling off the premium product on the day. You're never quite sure how it's going to turn out."
Mr Cressey, who has worked at the bakery for eight years, said only the best buns are made and selected for the contest and bakery customers and about 5000 six-bun packets will be baked over the six weeks leading up to Easter.