The Ugly Bakery in West Ryde is a popular spot for pastries and breads, particularly its cinnamon scrolls and their various iterations. We had the opportunity to try it through an acquaintance of D’s.
Glazed Cinnamon Scroll ($6.00). This was the bakery’s original cinnamon scroll, topped with a generous glaze and a dusting of icing sugar.
When heated (20 seconds in the microwave), the cinnamon scroll offered a pleasant experience. The cinnamon filling was well-balanced, providing a satisfying presence between the layers. The pastry itself had a tender texture, retaining sufficient moisture and avoiding dryness. However, the thinness of the layers detracted from the chewiness typically enjoyed in Swedish cinnamon buns. The addition of the glaze and icing sugar, while visually appealing, felt unnecessary, as the pastry was sufficiently moist on its own. Instead, the sweetness became overwhelming with each bite.
While this was an enjoyable cinnamon scroll, the preference remains for Swedish-style buns with their more substantial texture. Future visits might explore other flavours, though the ‘naked’ cinnamon scroll would likely take priority.
The Ugly Bakery is located at 67 Ryedale Rd, West Ryde NSW 2114.