This is the one that broke the group chat and made Sydney fall in love with the finger bun all over again. The milk dough is impossibly plush, freckled with cranberries, raisins and currants, then split to house a thick, unapologetic slab of Copper Tree Farms butter and a little sprinkle of crunchy fleur de sel. On top, that glossy baby-pink cream cheese frosting delivers tang as well as sugar, which is why it never tips into sickly territory. It’s generous, a bit messy and completely delicious. You don’t just eat this one; you become completely obsessed with it. Multiple locations; humblesydney.com

Let’s be honest – gluten-free baking can be a bit hit-and-miss, particularly when it comes to reworking the classics, but this Bondi Junction specialist gets the balance bang-on. The finger bun is soft and fluffy rather than crumbly, topped with glossy icing and coconut – just as tradition dictates – or icing and 100s and 1000s. It all feels like a proper bakery treat, not a substitute. The sweetness is balanced, the texture holds together and it delivers the same nostalgic comfort as the wheat-based original. For coeliacs or anyone avoiding gluten, this version makes joining the finger bun conversation refreshingly easy. 238 Oxford St, Bondi Junction; hudsonsbakery.com

This popular Penrith bakery keeps things proudly traditional across the cabinet, but few treats bring the same wave of nostalgia as this pretty finger bun. It starts with sweet yeast dough mixed with sultanas, then gets topped with either plain or strawberry fudge icing. From there, it’s dipped in coconut or 100s and 1000s for extra texture and colour, and a bit of choose-your-own-adventure novelty. They’re generous, cheerful and properly sweet; the sort of treat that feels right at home at a family gathering or weekend catch-up. Nothing complicated; just a classic suburban version done satisfyingly well. Shop FC005 Nepean Village Shopping Centre, Penrith; polespatisserie.com.au

You won’t always find a finger bun on offer at this Gelato Messina-run bakery, but that’s a big part of the appeal. When it does appear, it’s usually as a ‘fingerbun pain suisse’: golden, flaky croissant dough wrapped around a raspberry jam and coconut frangipane, finished with coconut icing. It’s playful, but also cleverly executed, blending buttery pastry layers with proper fruity sweetness and that familiar coconut hit. This isn’t a daily staple here, so checking the bakery’s Instagram for specials is essential to avoid disappointment. When it does land in the cabinet, it’s a fun, limited-edition spin worth grabbing quickly. Multiple locations; shadowbaking.com

For many of us, this is the benchmark finger bun, and a list of the city’s best just wouldn’t be complete without it. The soft fruit base, bright pink icing and coconut topping are instantly recognisable, and have stayed reliably consistent across suburbs (and states) for decades. It’s not trying to reinvent anything, but that’s exactly the point. Is it the height of bakery sophistication? No, but it’s affordable, accessible and always the same, and it has fuelled countless lunchboxes and afternoon tea breaks. When the craving hits and you need something dependable, delicious and familiar, this (and a Cheesymite scroll) is the easy answer. Multiple locations; bakersdelight.com.au

Restraint isn’t really the vibe here. Alongside standard single-serve finger buns, you’ll find oversized loaf versions designed to be sliced, buttered and shared (or downed alone over the course of a weekend. We won’t judge…). The dough is soft and fruit-filled, the icing thick and generous, and the coconut plentiful. Its bakery theatre at its best: bold, cheerful and built for a crowd. If you’ve ever wished your finger bun was bigger, this St Marys spot has it sorted. And if you’re after other bakery treats in the Aussie oeuvre, the pies, sausage rolls, lamingtons and vanilla slice do not disappoint. Shop 1/48 Sydney St, St Marys; facebook.com/Sydney-Street-Patisserie

The cabinets here are a riot of colour, but even still the finger buns proudly hold their own. These are proper old-school versions: soft, pillowy fruit dough, thick icing and a generous blanket of coconut. No twists, no reworks, just a dependable, sweet bakery staple made the way most people remember it. They’re satisfyingly substantial and best enjoyed fresh, preferably with a cup of tea and no solid plans for afterwards (although you should grab a pie before you go). This is the sort of place that channels your childhood and reminds you why you became obsessed with finger buns in the first place. 208C William St, Earlwood; clemton-park-cake-shop.com-place.com

Don’t ask us why, but a finger bun tastes especially good when eaten within sight of the ocean. This Manly bakery sticks to the traditional formula: soft fruit dough, thick icing and coconut scattered generously over the top. It’s portable, pleasantly messy and absolutely ideal after a swim or coastal walk. There’s no attempt to dress it up, nor would anyone ever want them to try. Instead, this is just a solid, satisfying version of a bakery favourite in a postcard setting. Sweet, simple and easy to enjoy, it does exactly what you want a finger bun to do. 31 Sydney Rd, Manly

This family-run neighbourhood bakery feels comfortingly familiar, like stepping back into your childhood, with cabinets full of colourful classics, along with other Aussie bakery staples including pies and freshly baked bread and rolls. The finger buns follow suit: fluffy fruit dough, thick icing and a generous coating of coconut. They’re sweet, satisfying and refreshingly straightforward, offered at prices that encourage you to grab more than one. There’s no reinvention on offer here, just a well-made version of a beloved bakery treat that’s kept locals happy and returning for years. It’s proof that sometimes a classic done properly is more than enough. 2 Greenacre Rd, South Hurstville