Vanilla slice – the sexy minx of the bakery shelf selections. The golden cube that glimmers and makes my tastebuds sing.
It is part of our culture. Fancy enough to feel like a custardy, velvet treat and yet simple enough to remind us of our grandparents and slow-walking trips to the bakery. Well, the Sunshine Coast has been robbed, with the release of the latest list of the top 10 best vanilla slices in Australia.
We did not make the cut. Outrageous. I asked my friends where they think the best cubes of custard are sold across the Coast and the avalanche of responses on my Instagram stunned me. I had the taste of being an international influencer with my 35 (!) friends who replied.
Thanks, guys. I will remember you all when I am on my yacht in the south of France, snapping photos of myself for social media and drinking fancy cocktails.
My radio buddy Toddy calls them ‘snot blocks’ and says Bucks Bakery at Landsborough has the best vanilla slices in the region. Popular chef and local legend Matt Golinski led the charge with his recommendation of La Maison du Pâtissier at Meridan Plains. Matt describes the bakers as magicians and says the off-the-Richter scale vanilla slice really should be called a ‘La Block De Snot’.
My buddy Kat says Bli Bli Bakery is the bomb for custard creations. Laura leans on Ricks on Sixth Avenue in Maroochydore for her hit of vanilla slice. Katrina vows Pacific Haven Bakery at Currimundi holds vanilla slice supremacy. Colleen praises Dutchy’s Bakehouse. The list is long, as my friends are clearly connoisseurs of the best bakery goods going. Pete’s Village Bakery at Yandina, Wonky Loaf in Kulin, Gluten Free 4 U at Caloundra and Sunrise Mudjimba all scored many votes.
Of course, the colour of icing on top is controversial. Pink. Passionfruit. Yellow. I do not care. Just feed me them.
The panel of judges in this latest national competition sampled 590 baked goods from 143 Aussie bakeries over two days. Sounds a great gig, hey! They were searching for the perfect pastry top and bottom that is not too gluggy, with a soft icing on top and a smooth and creamy custard filling that is firm enough to not run everywhere when you bite into it.
I am confident the Coast bakeries deliver product in spades. So, I am going to have to do some serious research and taste testing and get back to you with the results.
