
Ah, Melbourne! A city that pulses with a vibrant coffee culture, laneway secrets, and a burgeoning foodie scene. But beyond the flat whites and smashed avo, there lies a treasure trove of French delights. Today, we’re on a quest for the city’s finest canelés.
These petite pastries, with their burnished, caramelised crusts and custardy interiors, are a testament to the art of French baking. And trust us, dear readers, we’ve scoured Melbourne’s patisseries and boulangeries to bring you this curated list of where to find the most exquisite specimens.
So, join us as we embark on a delectable journey, where each bite promises a symphony of textures and flavours. From traditional renditions to innovative twists, we’ll unveil the canelé havens that will have you saying “oh là là!” with every mouthful.
Let the canelé adventure begin!
Our first stop takes us to Sucre du Jour, a charming patisserie in the heart of Melbourne. This artisan bakery has garnered a reputation for its exquisite French pastries, and their canelés, oh mon dieu, are truly something special. Sucre du Jour offers a delightful quartet of canelé flavours, each a testament to the bakery’s commitment to quality and creativity.
The classic Canelé de Bordeaux stays true to tradition with a beautiful marriage of bourbon vanilla and dark rum. The rum adds a subtle complexity, while the vanilla provides a comforting warmth.
But Sucre du Jour doesn’t stop at tradition — their innovative spirit shines through in creations like the Canelé de Melbourne, a tribute to the city’s coffee culture with its rich coffee and hazelnut notes. The Canelé de Prana, with its zesty orange and candied orange confit, is a burst of sunshine in every bite. And for those seeking a taste of the East, the Canelé de Matcha delivers a unique and delicate matcha cream flavour.
Each canelé we sampled boasted a perfectly crisp, caramelised crust that yielded to a soft, custardy centre. The flavours were distinct and well-balanced, showcasing the quality of ingredients and the skill of the bakers.
And for those who can’t decide on just one flavour (we certainly couldn’t!). Sucre du Jour offers a delightful package of six, allowing you to savour the full spectrum of their canelé artistry. Sucre du Jour is a must-visit for any canelé enthusiast, offering a delightful experience that tantalises the taste buds and leaves you wanting more.
Rating: 9/10
Location: s10/436 Burke Rd, Camberwell VIC 3124
Contact: info@sucredujour.com.au / 0403 448 906
Website: https://sucredujour.com.au/
Next, we venture to Canelé Alain, a bakery that carries a heartwarming story of family tradition and a passion for these delightful French pastries. Named after the founder’s uncle, who inspired his love for canelés, this establishment offers a tempting array of flavours, all at a remarkably affordable price. Where else can you find 15 canelés for under $40?
Canelé Alain boasts a menu that caters to both traditionalists and adventurous palates. Alongside the classic authentic recipe, they offer intriguing combinations like Pandan & Malibu, Orange & Cointreau, and Lemon Myrtle, White Chocolate & Limoncello. They even cater to dietary needs with vegan and low-gluten options, ensuring everyone can partake in the canelé joy.
However, while we admire Canelé Alain’s commitment to variety and affordability, we found the flavours themselves somewhat lacking in depth. The canelés, though possessing a decent texture, didn’t quite deliver the intense, nuanced flavours we were hoping for.
They tasted a bit mass-produced, lacking the finesse and character that truly elevates a canelé from good to exceptional. While Canelé Alain is a great option for those seeking an affordable introduction to the world of canelés, or for catering to a large crowd, it may not satisfy the discerning palate seeking a truly unique and memorable experience.
Rating: 6/10
Location: Order online!
Contact: contact@canelealain.com / 0403 683 958
Website: https://www.canelealain.com/
And finally, we arrive at our last stop, and arguably the pinnacle of our canelé journey — Wakéwaké. This Brunswick West gem has captivated our hearts (and taste buds) with their unwavering dedication to crafting the perfect canelé. While they offer a select range of other pastries, their canelés are the undeniable stars of the show.
Wakéwaké stays true to the original Bordeaux recipe, offering a single, exquisite flavour — Vanilla Rum. Their philosophy is simple: “Caramelised and crispy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside! That’s our way, the way.” And oh, what a way it is! These canelés are nothing short of a revelation. The strong vanilla aroma and taste envelop the senses with a rich creaminess, while a subtle hint of rum adds depth and warmth without overpowering the delicate balance.
If we were to make canelés ourselves, Wakéwaké’s creations would be the absolute benchmark. We dare say these canelés could even rival some of the best offerings in France. The texture is flawless, the flavours are harmonious, and the overall experience is one of pure bliss.
Wakéwaké has truly mastered the art of the canelé, and their unwavering commitment to tradition and quality shines through in every bite. This is a must-try for any canelé enthusiast in Melbourne, and we implore you to follow their Instagram for a daily dose of canelé goodness.
Rating: 11/10 !!!
Location: Order online!
Contact: hellowakewake@gmail.com / 0449 756 770
Website: https://www.wakewake.com.au//
For our next destination, we’re heading to Morning Market, a bakery that embraces the philosophy of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” And when it comes to canelés, they’ve certainly proven that mastering the fundamentals can lead to pure perfection.
Morning Market offers a singular canelé experience, focusing solely on the classic rum and vanilla flavour. But oh, what a canelé it is! With a soft and tender custard centre encased in a dark, thick caramelised crust, it’s a testament to the timeless beauty of this French pastry. As they aptly describe it, it’s the perfect companion to a morning espresso, a delightful pairing that evokes Parisian charm.
Plus, a visit to Morning Market is a treat for all the senses, with the aroma of freshly baked bread filling the air and the sight of golden pastries lining the shelves. Beyond their canelés, Morning Market is a haven for bread and pastry lovers. We’re talking an entire range of offerings — from sourdough loaves to croissants and pain au chocolat.
We were thoroughly impressed by Morning Market’s perfection of the classic canelé. The texture was impeccable, the flavours were harmonious, and the overall experience was one of pure indulgence. Sometimes, simplicity reigns supreme, and Morning Market has certainly mastered the art. Plus, at a reasonable $4 a piece and with the convenience of online ordering, it’s an accessible treat that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Rating: 8/10 !!!
Location: Fitzroy Store – 59 Gertrude St Fitzroy 3065 VIC
Prahran Store
579 High St Prahran 3181 VIC
Contact: hello@morning.market
Website: https://morning.market/
Inspired by our canelé adventures? Why not embark on a baking journey of your own? You might be surprised at how easy it is to create these delectable pastries in your own kitchen. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can become a canelé connoisseur in no time. Forget the fuss and intimidation – baking canelés can be a rewarding and surprisingly simple experience.
Pro tip: Visit our blog for quick and easy canelé recipes that will have you whipping up these golden treats with confidence.
Of course, no canelé baking adventure is complete without the proper equipment. And when it comes to achieving that signature crispy crust and custardy interior, authentic copper molds are essential. Their superior heat conductivity ensures even baking and that perfect caramelization. But finding high-quality copper canelé molds can be a challenge… until now!
We offer a range of handcrafted, tin-lined copper canelé molds, made with the same dedication to quality and authenticity as the pastries themselves. Visit our shop today and equip yourself with the tools to create canelé magic.