Finger buns: A classic Aussie treat made simple with Suprima
Few bakery treats are as nostalgic and comforting as the humble finger bun. Soft, sweet, and topped with irresistible icing, they’ve been a favourite for generations. Whether you remember them from school canteens, local bakeries, or weekend family outings, finger buns hold a special place in Australia’s food culture.
Today, they’re still just as loved, and thanks to Suprima’s frozen finger bun dough, they’re easier than ever to bake fresh in your café or bakery.
What is a finger bun?
A finger bun is a soft, slightly sweet bread roll shaped like an elongated oval or finger, hence the name ‘finger’ bun. Traditionally, it’s glazed or iced and finished with sprinkles or desiccated coconut.
Unlike a heavier cake or pastry, a finger bun is light, fluffy, and perfectly portioned for a quick treat. Many bakers also add sultanas or currants to the dough for a fruity twist, while others prefer them plain, letting the sweet topping shine.
Why are finger buns so popular?
There’s something timeless about a finger bun. For many Australians, they’re a taste of childhood. That special treat after school, a weekend bakery pick-up, or a reward after sports.
They’re also very versatile. Cafés love them because they pair beautifully with coffee, and families love them because they’re simple, affordable, and always a crowd-pleaser.
For bakeries, finger buns tick all the boxes:
- They’re quick to decorate and customise.
- They appeal to kids and adults alike.
- They have a long-standing place in our food culture.
Pink finger bun vs iced finger bun
Not all finger buns are the same! Here’s how they differ.
Classic pink finger bun
The classic version, topped with soft pastel-pink icing. It’s instantly recognisable and an Aussie classic.
Iced or sprinkled finger buns
More versatile, iced with white, strawberry or chocolate icing. Some bakers top with sprinkles, coconut, drizzle melted chocolate, add cream fillings, or sprinkle crushed nuts for a gourmet twist.
Iced vovo finger bun
This is decorated in the style of the iconic iced vovo biscuit. Featuring strawberry-flavoured icing, a line of jam down the centre, and garnished with coconut sprinkles.
Boston iced finger bun
The bun is topped with a thick, sweet coconut icing that perfectly complements its soft, pillowy texture.
Whichever style you choose, the base remains the same. A perfectly baked, fluffy sweet bun.
How to make a finger bun (the traditional way)
Traditionally, making finger buns from scratch takes time and skill. You need to:
- Mix a sweet yeast dough with flour, milk, sugar, and butter.
- Knead the dough and allow it to proof (rise) for up to an hour.
- Shape the dough into elongated buns and proof again.
- Bake until golden, cool completely, then ice and decorate.
It’s a labour of love, but in your busy bakery or café, that extra time isn’t always available.
The easiest way to bake finger buns
With Suprima’s frozen finger bun dough, you can skip straight to the best part – baking and decorating.
Our dough is made from scratch using high-quality Australian ingredients, then snap-frozen to lock in freshness. All you need to do is:
Thaw – take out as many as you need.
Proof – let them rise to perfection.
Bake – in your own bakery, so they’re fresh and warm.
Decorate – get creative with icing and toppings.
This means you can serve freshly baked finger buns every day without extra labour, expensive equipment, or inconsistent results.
Creative ways to customise finger buns
Want to make your finger buns stand out? Try these fun variations:
- Classic sprinkle bun – pastel icing with rainbow hundreds and thousands.
- Coconut delight – a thin pink or white glaze rolled in desiccated coconut.
- Filled finger bun – split and fill with whipped cream or custard for a café-worthy twist.
- Seasonal specials – use festive colours for Easter, Christmas, or Valentine’s Day.
With our single sweet dough base, you can create endless variations that suit your customers.
> Find out more about our Finger Bun Dough here.
How to add finger buns to your café or bakery menu
Finger buns are an easy way to expand your menu and boost sales. They’re:
- Perfect with coffee or tea as a morning or afternoon treat.
- Kid-friendly and ideal for family-focused bakeries.
- A low-cost product with great upsell potential.
- You can serve them full-size, or even create mini finger buns for bite-sized catering, lunchboxes, or kids’ parties.
A versatile solution
The same dough base that you use to bake finger buns is the same dough base that can also be used to bake donuts. This means you can extend your product range by simply using a single dough base.
> Find out more about our Sweet Bun Dough here.
Where to get finger bun dough
Ready to bring this Aussie favourite back to your bakery? Suprima makes it simple.
Our frozen finger bun dough is designed for busy bakeries and cafés who want to offer fresh, high-quality products without the hassle of making dough from scratch.
