Get ready to embark on a delicious journey through Victoria’s finest vanilla slices!
From the bustling streets of Melbourne to the charming countryside, Victoria has claim to many of the best vanilla slices in Australia. Ask any Victorian, and they’ll gush about their own favourite places to grab one of these tasty treats. That’s why we’ve scoured every nook and cranny to bring you the ultimate guide to the best vanilla slices in the state. So, grab a fork and join us as we uncover the creamy, flaky, and oh-so-sweet delights that make Victoria’s vanilla slices truly unforgettable!
Image supplied.
Bourkies Bakehouse
Right in the northwest of Melbourne lies one of the best vanilla slices in the country. A country style bakery and cafe in Woodend, Bourkies Bakehouse has been serving Australia’s favourite snacks for over 30 years including scrumptious meat pies, sausage rolls, and freshly baked bread. But where Bourkies truly excels is their range of fresh vanilla slices, featuring crisp with puff pastry and vanilla custard, topped with a few dashes of icing sugar. Winning two awards in 2010, whether you eat-in or takeaway, come for breakfast, lunch, or afternoon tea, get on down to Bourkies Bakehouse.
Image supplied.
Bridgewater Bakehouse
Bridgewater Bakehouse keep their vanilla slices simple: smooth vanilla custard, centred between two layers of puff pastry and topped with sweet glossy icing. This delectable Australian treat can be found in their Bridgewater and Bendigo shops, serving fresh vanilla slices and other scrumptious treats daily. Winning the Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph two years in a row, having secured first place in 2018 and 2019; so, if you’re after a classic, no frills vanilla slice in Victoria, then make sure to visit the exquisite bakers at Bridgewater Bakehouse.
Image supplied via Instagram.
Flinders Vanilla Slice
Victoria is winning in this list of the best vanilla slices. At Flinders Vanilla Slice, you’ll find a truly traditional French vanilla slice – think creamy vanilla custard and crunchy puff pastry, topped with icing sugar. They’re most famous for holding the Guinness World Records for the largest vanilla slice that weighed in a whopping 508.11 kilograms. There are a few of their cafes scattered around the Melbourne metropolitan area, with Cheltenham being their most popular spot, meaning you’re never too far from a slice of heaven. For the biggest and best vanilla slices in the country, Flinders Vanilla Slice is a must.
Image supplied via Instagram.
The French Lettuce
With vanilla slices being a French invention, it’s no surprise that a French patisserie and bakery made this list. The French Lettuce in Carlton serves a vanilla slice that is filled with fluffy vanilla custard pressed between two layers of their specialty puff pastry and sprinkled with icing sugar. It’s ridiculously good – just like the rest of their menu that features the likes of cannoli, fruit danishes and a smorgasbord of croissants. Voted the best vanilla slice in Melbourne by The Age and UrbanList, say bonjour to The French Lettuce!
Photographed by Rob D the Pastry Chef. Image via Shutterstock.
North End Bakehouse
With crispy pastry, glistening icing, and gooey custard, it’s not hard to see how North End Bakehouse has become a vanilla slice institution. One of the most beloved bakeries in Victoria, North End Bakehouse in Shepparton has been hand-making delicious vanilla slices for years, with an award-winning recipe that was awarded the Australia’s Best Vanilla Slice of 2023 at the Baking Association of Australia. So if you are looking for a mouth-watering vanilla slice that will satisfy your sweet tooth, then visit North End Bakehouse in Shepparton before they sell out!
Photography by Photography by Rob D via Shutterstock.
Sharp's Bakery
Sharp’s Bakery in Birchip, Victoria, is renowned for crafting some of the best vanilla slices in the state. Their signature vanilla slice, known for its creamy custard, crisp pastry, and glossy icing, has earned them the prestigious title at “The Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph” multiple times, including their most recent win in 2022. Beyond their award-winning vanilla slices, Sharp’s Bakery is also serving up a delicious selection of bread, pastries and treats that have made them a beloved destination for dessert lovers!
Photographed by Kazuki Yamakawa. Image via Shutterstock.
Vanilla Slice Cafe
Named after the thing they are most famous for, it’s no wonder they made the list of Australia’s best vanilla slice! The Vanilla Slice Cafe is a fancy little spot on the main strip of Sorrento, Victoria. And as well as showcasing a menu fit for a royal, they also serve one of the best vanilla slices in the country. It shares crispy pastry layers, plum jam, succulent custard cream and topped with a generous coating of icing sugar. Matched with a coffee or hot chocolate and you’ve got the better part of an afternoon.
As one of the pre-eminate plant-based bakehouses in Melbourne, it should be no surprise that Mister Nice Guy’s in Ascot Vale is also serving up the best vegan vanilla slice around. Since the bakery opened all the way back in 2010, these slices have been a treat for both vegans and non-vegans alike, as each features a perfectly balanced combination of creamy, rich custard and flaky pastry, all crafted without any animal products.
Photography by Photography by Rob D via Shutterstock.Mister Nice Guy's Bakehouse
Looking for something sweet? Here’s where to find all of the Best Doughnuts in Australia! Or, get creative at home with this Vegan Raspberry and Cacao Slice Recipe.
