Not all are for the lovers; Mr Holmes Bakehouse introduces new “Anti” Valentine’s bakes for deserving treat to self that include a Black Velvet Cruffin ($7.50) piped with cocoa pastry cream and cream cheese core; Raspberry Champagne Donut ($6.50) that pairs raspberry jam with champagne-spiked pastry cream and Mandarin Yuzu Donut ($5.80) for a positively-citrusy load of mandarin yuzu marmalade.
All three new flavours are available a la carte (dine-in or takeaway) across February or as part of Mr Holmes Bakehouse’s Monthly Box of Six ($35) via online pre-orders (pictured above)
Choice Xperience Reporter Arisa Chang shares the following observations after taste testing these baked products taking Singapore by storm.
Mr Holmes Bakehouse, continuing its sweet sensation debut from July last year, has started year 2022 with a completely revamped exciting menu including the first-ever savoury cruffin and brioche donut.
Located at the entry of Pacific Plaza on Scotts Road, the cute little pinky outlet is small but stylish, perfect for Instagram photos. With chill-out corners for special treats and chit chat gatherings, it’s the right pink tone that brightened me up as soon as I walked in.
It’s as if they knew how to win my heart - a really proper coffee was plonked in front of me. Mr Holmes bakehouse certainly passed the test. A freshly made latte with aroma wafting in the air, with perfect foam and latte art too. Ultra-soothing for my soul!
The first savoury item I tried was everything donut. The brioche dough was light and fluffy with chive and capers cream cheese oozing out on my first bite. Lightly glazed spicy sriracha honey gave a hint of sweetness and spice, highlighted with house-made “everything” - sprinkle of garlic, shallots, toasted black and white sesame seeds and sea salt. All tastes present in one bite - spice, sweet, sour and savoury. A truly amazing everything doughnut!
Another savoury hit was the Sundried tomato & bacon jam cruffin. As I bit into the pastry, I could taste bits of Gruyere cheese. Nice! This made up part of the dough which formed the crispy cheesy skirts texture. The sundried tomato and chive cream cheese dominated with bacon jam and caramelised onions elevating this to a crescendo of sweet and savoury. All elements that worked so well in one simple cruffin, a delightful mini meal in itself.
The Bacon Mac & Cheese Danish that arrived next was one for all Mac & Cheese fans. Flaky buttery pastry, filled with a red cheddar Béchamel centre, topped with bacon and another layer of melted cheddar. Wasn’t this decadent? I could see my daughter gobbling this down in no time. A clever invention that would rank very popular!
Mr. Holmes Bakehouse does serve a nice range of healthy choices for sandwiches too. Auguring well for those who do not take kindly to sugary treats, a Tuna sandwich for $13, comes in a good portion. With two chunky slices of homemade rye sourdough, perfectly toasted and wrapped around a thick layer of tuna, kale and pickles spread this is flavoured with mayonnaise and a touch of lime and mustard. The awesomeness of a simply good sandwich like this was so satisfying, I could have it any time of day!
As I moved back to sweet treats, a Pistachio mixed berry croissant stood out for its super flaky texture. Baked twice with generous fillings of nutty pistachio frangipani and tangy mixed berry jam, this I would classify as a soul comforting pastry. Anyone in need of a quick fix? Well this is it. A bit like a posh croissant inspired by the all-time favourite almond croissant, I could relate to both creations side by side.
So inventive at Mr. Holmes Bakehouse, I would never have imagined the array of cruffins that I had on offer. An Irish cream cruffin, newly launched with classic Bailey’s filling with a touch of orange zest. Refreshing elements lifting richness while the crunch of cacao nibs added on an extra layer in texture. I have tried cacao and orange combinations before in other desserts. This was the first time though, that I tasted this combination with Irish cream. A definite thumbs up!
Saving the best for last, who doesn’t love Speculoos? I couldn’t keep my hands off with so many kinds of Speculoos creations - ice creams, cakes, Swiss rolls. I was so glad to find a Speculoos donut here at Mr Holmes Bakehouse. It satisfied my cravings with really yummy caramel-spiced cream loaded with bits and pieces of biscoff. One donut like this could make anyone’s afternoon tea perfect!
I must say these new savoury donut and cruffin creations blew me away. Not expecting anything like this when I walked in, I was eager to try other new items on the menu. French onion danish, garlic gorilla bun and spinach artichoke slices sounded different and adventurous. All sound very dangerously tempting to me!
And the excitement didn’t stop there. More sweet creations such as peach earl grey danish, bourbon caramel pecan sticky bun, and even a gluten-free lemon blueberry muffin and vegan chocolate fudge cookie. If that’s not made your mouth water I don’t know what will.
Check out Mr Holmes Bakehouse online menu at www.mrholmesbakehouse.sg/shop and try something new. They make for great boxed treats to take to a party or just devour yourself on special occasions. I guarantee you will surely discover at least one new favourite snack! Not a bad thing eh?
Mr Holmes Bakehouse Singapore’s new menu is now available for dine-in or takeaway daily from 8am to 8pm at Pacific Plaza. Customers can place orders before 12pm for next day delivery, or purchase in-store on weekends only.
a. 9 Scotts Road, #01-01/02/03 Pacific Plaza, Singapore 228210
s. www.facebook.com/mrholmesbakehousesg
s. www.instagram.com/mrholmesbakehousesg
Opening hours: 8,00AM –6.00PM (with limited quantities available)
