Retro bakery favourites are back and better than ever
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the smell of a fresh cinnamon scroll or the sight of a pink-frosted finger bun, loaded with sprinkles.
These classic Aussie bakery staples are making a serious comeback, and today’s versions (with a modern twist) are as delightful as ever.
Why retro treats are trending again
From vintage fashion to ‘90s playlists, everything old is new again, and bakeries are no exception. The return of traditional baked goods is striking a chord with customers of all ages.
These time-honoured favourites bring back memories of school lunches, Saturday morning bakery runs, and special occasions with the family.
But more than just comfort food, they’re now being reimagined by creative bakers and business owners who know how to blend nostalgia with innovation.
1. The cinnamon scroll is still king
The humble cinnamon scroll is leading the charge in this retro revival.
Once seen as a simple sweet treat, it’s now the hero of the bakery cabinet: swirled with cinnamon and sugar, baked to golden perfection, and topped with sticky glaze or cream cheese icing.
Want to serve scrolls without the hassle of mixing and kneading? Suprima’s versatile cinnamon scroll dough makes it easy to prepare fresh, soft cinnamon scrolls from frozen dough — ready to bake, top and serve. Ideal for cafés, bakeries, and in-store bakeries looking to meet demand with less labour.
2. Lamingtons, a national treasure
Few baked goods say ‘Aussie classic’ quite like the lamington. These soft sponge squares dipped in chocolate and rolled in coconut have been gracing school fetes, bake sales, and bakery cabinets for generations.
What’s great about lamingtons is their versatility. Alongside the traditional way, we’re seeing modern twists like:
- A jam or cream filling
- Chocolate ganache drizzle
- A raspberry-flavoured twist
They’re delicious, bite-sized nostalgia, no wonder they’re appearing in fancy cafes and high-tea menus.
3. Millionaire’s shortbread still a high roller
Millionaire’s shortbread has long been a festive favourite — a rich, layered slice of buttery shortbread, smooth caramel, and glossy chocolate.
And while the classic combination still holds up, you’ll now find modern takes featuring freeze-dried berries, a sprinkle of sea salt, or even edible gold flakes. Because if you’re going indulgent… why not go all in?
4. Finger buns are back, pink icing and all
Bright icing, soft sweet dough, and a generous sprinkle of coconut or hundreds-and-thousands – the finger bun is the ultimate feel-good treat. Whether it’s iced pink or filled with cream, it’s the kind of bakery classic that stops people in their tracks.
Bakers can recreate this nostalgic favourite with ease using Suprima’s finger bun dough. It’s ready to proof and bake, then finish with your choice of toppings…from traditional pink icing to more creative, modern takes. Perfect for stores wanting to serve fresh, customisable buns without starting from scratch.
5. Cheese and bacon rolls never went out of style
Soft, fluffy, savoury, and topped with golden melted cheese and smoky bacon. It’s no wonder cheese and bacon rolls have never left Aussie lunchboxes or bakery shelves. They’re filling, familiar, and always a reliable seller across all age groups.
Whether enjoyed warm for breakfast or packed cold for school or work, they’re a classic comfort food that continues to fly out the door.
Suprima offers fully baked cheese and bacon rolls, ready to thaw, display and sell. No prep required. They’re a great option for bakeries, school canteens, cafés or convenience stores looking to serve fresh-tasting baked goods without extra labour.
6. Neenish tarts, sweet, simple, and satisfying
With their neat shortcrust pastry shell, jam and mock cream filling, and iconic half-pink, half-chocolate icing, neenish tarts are a sweet memory for many Aussies. They’ve got that unmistakable look, and flavour to match.
These little tarts are a brilliant canvas for creativity. Think citrus curd fillings, pastel icing colours, or edible glitter on top. Nostalgic, neat, and surprisingly versatile, the neenish tart has found new life on modern menus
7. Classic vanilla slice
The vanilla slice, with its thick, wobbly custard, crisp pastry layers and sweet icing top, is an icon in its own right.
Known affectionately as ‘snot blocks’ in some parts of Australia, this cheeky classic is a messy delight. Harking back to Saturday morning bakery visits that left us dusted with flaky pastry and icing sugar, it’ll never go out of style.
8. Crunchy, chocolatey hedgehog slice
Despite its confusing nomenclature, there’s something charming about a hedgehog slice. No baking required, just crushed biscuits, cocoa, coconut, and condensed milk all set in a fudgy chocolate base. It’s rich, chewy, and totally moreish.
Hedgehog slice is one of those understated classics that appeals across generations. Whether you keep it traditional or give it a twist of nuts, dried fruit or ganache, it’s a classic for a reason.
9. Custard tarts are making a quiet comeback
With their buttery shortcrust base, silky custard filling, and a light dusting of nutmeg, custard tarts are understated, elegant, and full of old-school charm.
They’ve long been a staple in Aussie bakeries — and now, with the rise of simple, nostalgic desserts, they’re being appreciated all over again. Some bakers are experimenting with spiced custards, citrus twists, or even brûléed tops for extra flair.
Whether served warm or chilled, they’re a familiar favourite that holds its own in any display.
10. Jam drops — the biscuit with a sweet centre
A buttery biscuit with a thumbprint of jam in the centre, jam drops are the kind of treat that reminds people of lunchbox surprises or weekend visits to grandma’s.
Simple, sweet, and visually appealing, they’re making their way back into bakery cabinets thanks to their nostalgic pull and easy adaptability. Think apricot, raspberry, or even lemon curd fillings — and a shortbread-style dough that melts in the mouth.
Jam drops might be humble, but they hit the sweet spot for customers of all ages.
Why customers love the classics
- Nostalgia. They tap into warm memories and comfort food cravings.
- Visual appeal. Bright icing, sprinkles and layered slices stand out in any display.
- Customisation. Easy to personalise with flavours, toppings and colours.
- All-ages appeal. Whether it’s Nan or the little ones, everyone has a favourite.
Whether you run a corner bakery, a café or a supermarket, Suprima makes it easy to bring these timeless bakes to life. With our frozen dough and fully baked range and new Grab & Go scroll range, you can create a mix of traditional and modern offerings that keep your customers coming back.
- Fresh-baked quality without the extra labour
- Flexibility to customise and innovate
- Reliable supply of scrolls, buns, breads, rolls and more
- A wide range of method sheets and support from our expert baking team
