Last chance: These 5 carnival buns you must try this year

Fastelavn is just around the corner, and it’s about to kick off in full swing.

We say “in full swing” because – honestly – we’ve been writing about carnival buns for over a month now. We’ve covered every variation, from the classic to the more creative and daring.

That also means we’ve tasted a fair number of carnival buns, which makes us more than qualified to rank the best of the year.

This year, we’ve selected five very specific buns that have won both our hearts – and our stomachs – over the season.

These are the five we think you should make a priority to try if, like us, you find it absolutely impossible to choose when faced with a display of all the options.

Søgaards Bryghus

Just like last year, Søgaards Bryghus ranks at the very top when it comes to carnival buns.

Specifically, it’s their choux au craquelin with Nutella and hazelnuts that has once again sneaked straight into our top five.

The filling is soft and creamy with a clear chocolate flavor, without becoming heavy or cloying, as Nutella-based buns can sometimes risk.

The chopped hazelnuts add a crunchy contrast, which, together with the chocolate, feels like a small stroke of genius and creates a really nice balance in the bun.

Basically, it tastes like Nutella – just a notch better.

And yes, we know that’s quite a claim.

But it’s actually true.

The Daily Brew

For The Daily Brew, this is the bakery’s very first Fastelavn season, and it has been celebrated with a constantly changing display.

Rather than offering an overwhelming selection, Henrik Bruse has chosen to work with themes and rotate the lineup, so there’s always something new to look forward to.

The inspiration comes from childhood. The season started with lemon moon, continued with raspberry roulade, and ended – naturally – with the Kajkage carnival bun.

The latter is undoubtedly the best of the year from here and also the one that has made the biggest impression.

The flavor is classic, with raspberry jam and cream, and the cute little frog face only adds to the experience – quite the opposite, actually.

KaffeFair Strandvejen

If you want something less traditional, KaffeFair Strandvejen is the perfect stop.

Here too, the selection has changed throughout the season, which now concludes with a Valentine’s-themed carnival bun – a slightly different twist on the tradition.

But it’s not the wildest variations we want to highlight today (although they’re also very good).

Instead, it’s the old-fashioned version that truly impressed us.

Unlike many of the city’s other buns, this one definitely doesn’t skimp on cream. On the contrary, it’s almost overgenerous.

It’s so packed that it almost requires a bib – and that’s meant as a compliment.

Penny Lane

If there’s one place in town truly known for its carnival buns – and always has been – it’s Penny Lane on Boulevarden.

They’re especially famous for their old-fashioned bun, but this year we want to shine the spotlight elsewhere and highlight one of their other varieties.

Their cream version with puff pastry, lemon curd, vanilla cream, and whipped cream deserves its own tribute.

It’s undoubtedly the cream bun to go for this year – especially if you’re not a fan of the classic version and want to try something a little different.

BreadbyKaerup

The final pick is also one of our absolute favorites this year.

William Kærup has created a slightly unusual carnival bun that hits straight in the heart from the very first bite.

The flavor evokes an extremely luxurious version of a Solero ice cream, but in bun form.

Mango and passion fruit, vanilla, crunchy almonds, and diplomat cream come together to create a fresh yet creamy experience.

In short, it’s a carnival bun you won’t forget – not even when the season ends … which is almost upon us.