Sydney’s home of nostalgic baked treats has a dedicated festive menu this year. The Santa’s Belly is a chocolate and coconut mousse cake layered with raspberry compote and coconut dacquoise. They’re also making a nut-free gingerbread house with a roof covered in dripping snow/ icing. Only 100 available for pre-order. 38 Toorak Rd, South Yarra VIC
Santa's Belly cake Source: Luxbite
This Melbourne artisanal Italian foods and smallgoods HQ is your one-stop Italian Christmas shop come December. Enoteca Sileno has been around since 1982 but relocated to its new slick digs on Lygon Street in 204. Stock up on everything you’ll ever need to create a killer antipasto board along with Prosecco flown in from Treviso and the most gorgeous hand-wrapped pannetone. Their classic Pandora, originally from Verona, is made from a leavened dough that’s rich in butter and egg, giving the sponge a lovely deep yellow. It comes with a packet of vanilla icing sugar to sprinkle over for a snow-like effect. Or, go for the Flamigni Pannettone ‘Grab Pustacchio – a near kilo of fluffy panettone filled with pistachio cream, coated in white chocolate and pistachios, then wrapped in gold foil and a green bow. 920 Lygon St, Carlton North VIC
Pandoro Classico Source: Enoteca Sileno
The Sydney stalwarts are cranking out their signature fruit mince pies replete with buttery sablée pastry, both individually and in packs of six. And of course, those adorable spiced gingerbread people. See for store locations.
Gingerbread men by Bourke Street Bakery Source: Alan Benson
Some families will argue that it isn’t the holidays without a trifle hitting the table. But all those layers and setting time can wreak havoc on the old Christmas nerves, which is why Saga’s Andrew Bowden (Andy Bowdy) is encouraging folks to nab one of his Nana Trusses’ trifles instead. It’s inspired by a “boozed up bowl” of custard, madeira cake, multi-coloured Aeroplane Jelly and whipped cream that his nan used to serve up and Bowden promises that it’s easy to transport, too. Available in three flavours: Ted (chocolatey), Cath (fruity) and tiramisu. 178 Enmore Rd, Enmore
The French artisanal bakehouse has seven versions of the Buche de Noel to choose from. The traditional format comes in coffee, hazelnut and chocolate flavours but they’re also doing fruity and dark chocolate logs too, topped with edible, cute-as-a-button red toadstools.
Buche de Noel, Laurent Melbourne Source: Laurent
Messina have introduced what they’re dubbing a “not so humble” gelato trifle. Expect layer upon layer of peach jellies, raspberry and marsala jelly, vanilla custard gelato, whipped vanilla cream, raspberry meringue, sherry-soaked jam rolls, blood peach sorbet, white chocolate leaf garnishes and cherry truffles. If that wasn’t enough, it comes with one litre of Messina brandy custard and a bag of Messina choc-coated nuts and rice crispies to either serve with it or down as you please. Collection times: between 12pm - 10pm on 22nd -23rd December or until 6pm on Christmas Eve.
Messina's 'Christmas Coma' trifle with all the trimmings Source: Gelato Messina
Winners of the ‘Best Gelato in Italy’ title from Golosaria have paid tribute to Italy’s signature yuletide treat – in gelato form. Their Italian panettone is filled with fresh gelato, smothered in gianduia (Italy’s answer to Nutella) and finished with caramelised almonds. 280 Crown Street, Darlinghurst & Shop 4, Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo, Sydney
RivaReno have released a gelato panettone. Source: Riverina Gelato
Opt out of the conventional box this year with one of Black Star’s signature cakes. While their strawberry and watermelon one will earn you much Insta aplomb, their seasonal mango cake is summer in slab form. Or, go the tried and true path with half a dozen of their traditional fruit mince tarts, made with an ultra short cinnamon pastry laced with a little extra spice. Newtown, Rosebery, CBD
Melbourne's Aussie bakery with an American twist has both lamingtons and pumpkin pie on their menu and for Christmas, they're continuing their fun twist on things. There's Christmas cake in a jar, Nutella panettone and rocky road pie among the more traditional likes of fruit mince pies and gingerbread people. 81A Hudsons Road, Spotswood VIC
Candied Bakery's fruit mince pies Source: Candied Bakery
