Don’t have time to make Christmas dessert this year? The city centre’s got you covered for festive treats. From cookies to mince pies, pavlova, cakes, specialty chocolates and macarons, they're all here in the heart of the city, and we’ve rounded up some of the best:

The Pantry-Christmas

The Pantry | 99 Halsey Street

Every December, Chef Callum transforms The Pantry’s kitchen into Santa’s Workshop, whipping up batches of their famous Christmas desserts and gingerbread. This year, they’re bringing back their beloved gingerbread house and wreath, along with an assortment of trifles, tarts and boozy mince pies. See the full Christmas range, here.

gateau

The Gateau House | 332 Queen Street

Enjoy the festive spirit with The Gateau House's delightful chocolate mousse cake. Topped with a strawberry mousse 'Santa hat', this delicious cake is the perfect blend of rich and creamy goodness! Order one online, here.

mince pie

Mince Pies | Various city locations

Mince pies are a timeless holiday indulgence that captures the essence of Christmas in every bite. Elevate your festive experience by savoring these classics, available at beloved spots like Amano Bakery, Daily Bread, Tart Bakery, The Pantry and Scratch BakersDon't miss out on the seasonal joy—treat yourself to the best mince pies in town!

Amano-Christmas

Amano | 66-68 Tyler Street

Amano Bakery's online store is bursting with so many luscious treats, it’s easy to experience decision paralysis. If you love a fruity dessert, our recommendations are the Strawberry & Vanilla Trifle and the Pavlova. If you’re after a showstopper to bring to Christmas Lunch, try the Seasonal Fruit Custard Tart.

Chocolate dessert

La Petite Fourchette | G02/85 Daldy Street & 9 Britomart Place

Francophiles look no further. La Petite Fourchette's Buche Aux Chocolat, otherwise known as chocolate and mousse log is perfect for traditionalist chocolate lovers. Otherwise, if you fancy an elevated take on a Kiwi classic give their pavlova a whirl. It includes Swiss meringue; raspberry rose and vanilla chantilly. Or start Christmas Day right with their breakfast box – there’s something for everyone, from buttery croissants to a golden brioche loaf. Check out their range here

Island-Gelato-Christmas

Island Gelato Company |  Ferry Building 99 Quay Street

Diversify your Christmas dessert selection with Island Gelato’s take on a retro classic: a Summer Bombe Alaska Cake. This carefully handmade concoction blends Caramelised White Chocolate Gelato with vibrant berry layers. There’s ice cream cakes on offer too with flavours like Merry Berry Pavlova, Chocolate & Forest Berry, Pic's Peanut Butter & Jam, and more. Make sure you preorder 48 hours in advance here.

Daily Bread-Stollen

Daily Bread | Galway Street and Federal Street 

Daily Bread have a solid reputation for delivering mouthwatering Christmas goodies and this year’s no different. Their Stollen (a German fruit bread), is an elite post-present-ripping breakfast. Its recipe is close to the heart of Daily Bread’s owner and baker Patrick, as it was his grandfathers. Loaded with fruit and a house-made almond marzipan core, this beautiful 1kg creation will feed the whole family and probably last long after Christmas Day. 

Scarecrow Christmas cake

Scarecrow | 33 Victoria Street East

If your festive to-do-list keeps getting longer, let Scarecrow take care of your Christmas cake. Be sure to get in quick, their moist, classic cakes fly out the door for a reason! Place your order here

Doe

Doe Donuts | Commercial Bay Level 2

Elevate your holiday joy with Doe Donuts' Christmas trio! Indulge in the tropical bliss of Passionfruit Pavlova, the warm embrace of Eggnog Custard with spiced rum, and the decadence of Scorched Almond featuring creamy chocolate ganache and roasted almonds. Pre-order now to secure your collection, or hurry—there will be a limited quantity of these delights available in-store each day throughout the month of December. Order, here.

Miann

Miann Britomart | 36 - 38 Galway Street

Indulge in the magic of the season with Miann's enchanting Christmas Collection! Meet Rudolph, a whimsical creation featuring layers of Black Forest cake, cherry compote, and velvety milk chocolate mousse. Unwrap the joy and savor the festive delight in every bite. Explore their array of limited edition Christmas gateaux to elevate your holiday table. Check out the Christmas range, here.

Rudolph cake

Bluebells Cakery | Commercial Bay, 7/21 Queen Street 

Whether you want to say thank you to clients, workmates, friends, family or just treat yourself, Bluebells Cakery makes it easy this year with their delectable collection of Christmas treats. Think Rudolph cakes and macarons, festive cupcakes, rocky road, gingerbread cookies and of course, mince tarts! 

Honest Chocolat-Christmas

Honest Chocolat | Commercial Bay, 7/21 Queen Street

Honest Chocolat's delightful, handcrafted treats make for perfect stocking stuffers or are great to add to your secret Christmas stash. This year, they've crafted chocolate Christmas trees, chocolate lollipops, chocolate 'reindeer droppings', adorable advent calendars and more. Find their Christmas collection here.

Cocoa-wilds-Christmas

Cocoa Wilds Chocolate | 12 O’Connell St

If you’re not sure if you want quirky or classic flavours this Christmas, why not have both? Coca Wilds Chocolate has everything from marshmallow to balsamic vinegar and honey. Check out their Chocolate range here.

More Christmas inspiration

Last updated: 31 December 2023

Next