The best bakeries & sweet shops in Santa Ana

Churros Los Cuates makes authentic Mexican-style churros fresh to order, with toppings, ice cream combinations, and specialty drinks like frappes. Catch them in Santa Ana on Sundays, or keep them in mind for a party or gathering when a warm, crunchy churro sounds better than another dessert tray.

El Panadero - Pasteleria is a Santa Ana bakery where pastries get the kind of care that keeps people coming back, and custom cakes can be made into true works of art.

From the Santa Ana newsletter, November 9, 2026

Pengo Drink Station serves handcrafted drinks, smoothies, milkshakes and milk tea with boba, including fruity options like mango oolong and strawberry oolong tea. The drinks come in logo glass bottles, so your treat can double as a keepsake (and a reason to come back with your reusable glass).

From the Mission Viejo newsletter, November 10, 2026

La Michoacana Premium serves up nieves, paletas, aguas frescas and Mexican antojitos, prepared to order. It’s a handy Lake Forest stop when a scoop alone won’t do, or when you want a cold drink and a little snack to go with it.

From the Lake Forest newsletter, November 12, 2026

Massamor Bakery is a Lakewood bakery worth keeping in mind when a homemade treat sounds better than another snack from the pantry. Check out their Hotplate page to see what’s baking.

From the Lakewood newsletter, November 10, 2026

Mix-It-Up Ice Cream Shop serves vanilla and boysenberry soft-serve in cones, with the option to dip your cone in chocolate. The cookiewich sandwiches soft-serve between two freshly baked cookies, while boysenberry ICEE floats and freshly squeezed lemonade offer a sweet or refreshing alternative.

From the Buena Park newsletter, November 9, 2026

Uncle Fluffy brings the jiggly joy of Japanese cheesecake to Costa Mesa, alongside tarts, macarons, smoothies, coffee, and espresso. The cheesecakes are described as high in protein, low in sugar, and high in fiber, so you can enjoy a slice of fluffy without making it your whole personality.

From the Costa Mesa newsletter, November 12, 2026

Outpost of a local chain offering self-serve frozen yogurt & toppings in a contemporary space.

Ice cream parlor chain known for its many ice cream flavors & sundaes, plus cakes, drinks & other treats.

Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items & a variety of coffee drinks.

Franchise bakery specializing in handcrafted bundt cakes, plus curated gifts & party supplies.

Ice cream chain offering design-your-own creations hand-mixed on a granite slab, plus shakes & more.

Longstanding donut shop offering many flavors & varieties, plus sandwiches & drinks.

Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items & a variety of coffee drinks.

Famed for sourdough since 1849, this California bakery/cafe chain also offers light American bites.

Ice cream parlor chain known for its many ice cream flavors & sundaes, plus cakes, drinks & other treats.

Longstanding donut shop offering many flavors & varieties, plus sandwiches & drinks.

Chain of self-serve parlors known for its variety of homemade ice creams, including soy options.

Outpost of a local chain offering self-serve frozen yogurt & toppings in a contemporary space.

Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items & a variety of coffee drinks.

Casual, counter-serve cafe chain offering a standard menu of sandwiches, pasta & pastries.

Long-running chain specializing in freshly made donuts, plus a variety of sandwiches & drinks.

Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items & a variety of coffee drinks.

Frozen custard chain founded in 1936 that offers hand-dipped cones, milkshakes & sundaes.

Outpost of a local chain offering self-serve frozen yogurt & toppings in a contemporary space.

Casual, counter-serve cafe chain offering a standard menu of sandwiches, pasta & pastries.

Cult-favorite scoop shop serving globally inspired ice creams, including vegan options.

Ice cream parlor chain known for its many ice cream flavors & sundaes, plus cakes, drinks & other treats.

Ice cream chain offering design-your-own creations hand-mixed on a granite slab, plus shakes & more.

Strip-mall outpost for decorated cakes, cookies, tarts & bread, plus custom-made treats.

Franchise bakery specializing in handcrafted bundt cakes, plus curated gifts & party supplies.

Ice cream chain offering design-your-own creations hand-mixed on a granite slab, plus shakes & more.

Born in California in 1983, Golden Spoon Frozen Yogurt nails that gelato-like creaminess without the guilt, with low-fat, non-fat, sugar-free, and vegan options that actually taste like dessert. Flavors range from Original Tart to Salted Caramel, plus newer Edible Cookie Dough and milkshakes when you’re feeling extra.

From the Newport Beach newsletter, October 17, 2026

Ice cream chain offering design-your-own creations hand-mixed on a granite slab, plus shakes & more.

Craving a low-key dessert that actually tastes like the fruit on the label? Golden Spoon Frozen Yogurt churns out award-winning, premium since 1983 fro-yo made with fresh Grade A California milk and real fruit, with classic and quirky flavors, a family-owned community vibe, and a breezy spot near Main Beach.

From the Laguna Niguel newsletter, October 13, 2026

Mini Monster Cafe brings together freshly brewed coffee and tea, matcha, milk teas, smoothies, boba, and handmade-from-scratch macarons in a community-minded space.

From the Long Beach newsletter, October 26, 2026

Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items & a variety of coffee drinks.

Counter-serve chain where all of the ice cream selections are made fresh on-site every day.

JC Donuts offers old-fashioned and playful Fruit Loop donuts, plus assorted fancy dozens for sharing (or not), alongside croissants, muffins, bagels, and hot pastrami sandwiches. It’s a handy Aliso Viejo stop when the coffee-and-something-sweet plan needs a savory backup.

From the Aliso Viejo newsletter, November 11, 2026

SoCal supermarket staple for groceries, produce & deli items, plus personal care & home goods.

Snug parlor for gelato & sorbet in inventive, seasonal flavors, plus cakes, shakes & other desserts.

Afters Ice Cream keeps Long Beach dessert runs fun with creative flavors and the Milky Bun, a donutlike pastry stuffed with ice cream that somehow turns errands into events. Scoop it there, snag pints for pickup or shipping, and keep them in mind for catering when your crew gets hungry.

From the Long Beach newsletter, October 20, 2026

Yum Yum Donuts keeps mornings civilized with fresh classics like glazed, old fashioneds, and apple fritters, plus bagel or croissant breakfast sandwiches and legit coffee. m. slump hits...

From the Rialto newsletter, August 18, 2026

For birthdays, baby showers, or "because it’s Tuesday," Gwen's Specialty Cakes has been crafting decorated and specialty cakes for over 25 years with that homemade buttery taste. They also handle catering from breakfast to dinner, so you can bring that same fresh, rich flavor to your next block party or office spread.

From the Inglewood newsletter, October 19, 2026

Whether you’re team tart or chasing something creamy, Yogurtland La Habra Town Center lets you build your bowl with rotating flavors like Pistachio, Thai Tea, and Rocket Pop Sorbet, plus classics like Cookies and Cream, then bury it in toppings. Perfect for post-dinner cravings close to home.

From the Whittier newsletter, October 17, 2026

Franchise bakery specializing in handcrafted bundt cakes, plus curated gifts & party supplies.

YogurtTalk CoffeeWalk nails the summer reset with daily-made frozen yogurt in eight all-natural flavors, plus boba drinks, organic coffee, and teas that actually taste like tea. Build a cup with fruit or candy, grab a bold espresso, then smugly win the heat this week.

From the Colton newsletter, August 26, 2026

Afters Ice Cream keeps things fun with inventive flavors and the famed Milky Bun, a warm donut-like shell hugging scoops like it’s no big deal. Grab a pint to stash at home or chase the occasional limited collab, because dessert deserves some flair.

From the Chino Hills newsletter, October 2, 2026

Ice cream parlor chain known for its many ice cream flavors & sundaes, plus cakes, drinks & other treats.

Ice cream chain offering design-your-own creations hand-mixed on a granite slab, plus shakes & more.

Veteran chain bakery/eatery famed for its pies & offering other American fare in a homey space.

Ice cream parlor chain known for its many ice cream flavors & sundaes, plus cakes, drinks & other treats.

From award-winning OC Fair cakes to Food Network cameos, Sugar Mamas Cakes and Bakery whips up from-scratch desserts that actually taste as good as they look. Think tall sponge layers with silky Swiss buttercream, plus cupcakes, macarons, cookies, brownies, and tarts... basically your week’s happy ending.

From the Whittier newsletter, October 21, 2026

Family owned for over 27 years, Laura's Cafe & Bakery nails the everyday cravings with its famous Almond Chicken Salad sandwiches, breakfast croissants, and cinnamon buns that somehow vanish from the box.

From the Orange County newsletter, October 25, 2026

Craving something cold and customizable? Yogurtland Los Angeles in Baldwin Hills lets you pull your own swirl, then go wild at the toppings bar, with a rotating cast of flavors, easy takeout or delivery, and that clean, contemporary vibe you swear makes it taste better.

From the Los Angeles newsletter, September 15, 2026

Ice cream parlor chain known for its many ice cream flavors & sundaes, plus cakes, drinks & other treats.

S. I Crepe You is locally owned and serving irresistible crepes, coffee, and desserts since 2023, with locations in Riverside, Chino Hills, Tyler Mall, and Rancho Cucamonga. Treat yourself this week to a sweet pick-me-up that turns any random Tuesday into a tiny celebration.

From the Chino Hills newsletter, September 25, 2026

Craving a showstopper cake and real-deal Mexican eats in one run, Lupita's Bakery Inc has you covered.

From the Inglewood newsletter, October 30, 2026

Counter-serve bakery/cafe chain serving sandwiches, salads & more, known for its bread & free WiFi.

Whether you're craving a quick post-dinner treat or a kid-bribery-level dessert, Yogurtland La Habra lets you swirl your own and go wild at the toppings bar, with rotating flavors like Root Beer Float, Alphonso Mango Tart, Pistachio, and Rocket Pop Sorbet that keep things fun and very local.

From the Brea newsletter, September 2, 2026

Yum Yum Donuts keeps Riverside buzzing with fresh-made classics, legit coffee, and a sneaky value move... every dozen includes fourteen. Beyond the glaze, they crank out breakfast burritos, bagel sandwiches, wraps, and tortas, making it an easy go-to for mornings, lunch breaks, or snack o'clock.

From the Fontana newsletter, November 5, 2026

Ice cream parlor chain known for its many ice cream flavors & sundaes, plus cakes, drinks & other treats.

Nobibi Buena Park keeps dessert interesting with handcrafted ice cream made from fresh fruit in a boutique setting, plus playful signatures like Strawberry Blush Ice-cream, Ninja Ice-cream, and Egg Puff Ice Cream. Perfect for a post-errand treat or a low-key date when you want something fun without trying too hard.

From the Buena Park newsletter, November 6, 2026

Twice Baked Gluten Free Baking Company is Long Beach’s only dedicated gluten free bakery, crafting peanut free, wheat free sweets since 2012 that are worth the quick hop from Cypress. Think cinnamon rolls, bagels, cheesecakes, even pizza crusts, plus vegan and keto options, all made for worry free indulging.

From the Cypress newsletter, September 8, 2026

Katella Bakery, Deli & Restaurant keeps it classic with piled-high pastrami on rye, soul-soothing matzo ball soup, and bakery cases loaded with pastries, breads, and custom cakes. Perfect for a quick lunch this week or a treat run, and the blintzes and Monte Cristo are sleeper hits.

From the Cypress newsletter, August 25, 2026

If your sweet tooth won't quit, Afters Ice Cream keeps things interesting with Milky Bun doughnut ice cream sandwiches and flavors like cereal milk, horchata, and ube. Pick up a pint for movie night or turn a regular Bellflower evening into a tiny celebration.

From the Bellflower newsletter, October 21, 2026

Ghost Town Bakery pairs hot coffee and fresh-baked cinnamon buns with savory picks like stuffed croissants, sandwiches, and soup in a sourdough bowl. Save room for Mrs. Knott’s boysenberry or apple pie, cookies, cake, or fruit tarts.

From the Buena Park newsletter, November 4, 2026

The Spoon is a cozy, open-feel bakery specializing in mousse, cheesecake, and other desserts, with coffee and drinks to round things out. A good local pick when “just a bite” turns into a very reasonable dessert-and-coffee situation.

From the Orange County newsletter, October 28, 2026

Craving a post-errand cooldown that doesn't judge your gummy bear to fruit ratio? Yogurtland La Palma keeps the self-serve vibes strong with rotating frozen yogurt flavors and a stackable topping bar, plus online ordering and catering for when your HOA meeting turns into a dessert emergency.

From the Buena Park newsletter, October 6, 2026

La Real Michoacana serves classic Mexican ice cream with both dairy and water-based flavors, plus paletas, chamoy gummies, aguas naturales, diablitos, crepes, and jamón tortas. Ideal for a Buena Park cooldown after errands or when your sweet tooth stages a full-on coup.

From the Buena Park newsletter, October 22, 2026

Whether you need a post-beach cool down or a party upgrade, Pacific Organic Pops handcrafts fruit, cream, dairy free, cookie, and wellness pops daily with organic ingredients. Locals love that you can rent their pop carts for birthdays, weddings, and office shindigs, because dessert should travel.

From the Long Beach newsletter, September 1, 2026

Ice cream parlor chain known for its many ice cream flavors & sundaes, plus cakes, drinks & other treats.

Whether you call it ice cream or gelato, Pampas Helados Argentinos calls it helado, a silky Argentinian classic made with natural ingredients, plenty of dulce de leche, and rotating monthly flavors worth a visit this week. Grab a scoop of Sambayon or Pure Pistachio, then take home alfajores by pastry chef Fabi Hoyos.

From the Aliso Viejo newsletter, October 15, 2026

KC Paan & Icecream with Arya Ayurveda brings together live paan, kulfi, Indian-style ice cream, fresh sugarcane juice, and Ayurvedic products. It’s a fun stop when you’re in the mood to try something beyond the usual scoop.

From the Lakewood newsletter, October 27, 2026

On warm Lakewood afternoons when only something cold will do, Meet Fresh nails the classics with 8-hour simmered grass jelly, chewy taro balls, non-GMO soy tofu pudding, and shaved ice that actually cools you down. Add an Oolong milk tea and call it even.

From the Lakewood newsletter, October 25, 2026

Craving something warm from the oven that actually tastes like home? Valerio's 1979 keeps Filipino tradition alive with handmade breads, pastries, and desserts crafted the way Jimmy and Gloria started it in 1979. The Cerritos spot is close, and the family vibe turns a quick pickup into a little reunion.

From the Norwalk newsletter, August 25, 2026

Start the day at Saffron Bakery for organic artisan breads and European café fare baked fresh every morning. Think flaky croissants, strawberry choux, Belgian waffles, and legit coffee including Turkish, then circle back at lunch for a chicken pesto sandwich or a very respectable NY-style burger.

From the Aliso Viejo newsletter, November 3, 2026

When only a chewy classic will do, Mrs. Fields has your back with soft-baked cookies, brownies, and personalized cookie cakes you can order online for delivery, perfect for surprising a neighbor, bribing your group chat, or turning a Tuesday in Fullerton into a small celebration.

From the Brea newsletter, October 17, 2026

Counter-serve chain where all of the ice cream selections are made fresh on-site every day.

Whether you crave handcrafted ice cream made with fresh fruit or a Brown Sugar Bobo Cup, Nobibi Ice Cream & Boba Tea Fullerton keeps things playful with picks like Strawberry Blush Ice-cream, Smore Ice-Cream, Ninja Ice-cream, Egg Puff Ice Cream, and Lychee Dragon Fruit.

From the Fullerton newsletter, October 18, 2026

Vibrant bakery offering a selection of breads, cakes and pastries; plus sandwiches and coffee drinks.

French - and Asian-inspired bakery providing the community with freshly baked goods, cakes and coffee.

Franchise bakery specializing in handcrafted bundt cakes, plus curated gifts & party supplies.

Whether you’re craving tart, something tropical, or a coffee kick, Yogurtland Laguna Hills keeps things fun with favorites like Pistachio, Alphonso Mango Tart, Matcha Green Tea, and Sumatra Coffee Blend. Build your dream cup, try a couple wild combos, then call it “self-care” and mean it.

From the Aliso Viejo newsletter, September 29, 2026

From Filipino classics like silvanas and sans rival to the five-layer Dream Cake in a tin can, Bakes and Pastes delivers desserts you’ll stash on the top shelf. Pistachio, cashew, and chocolate options keep things interesting, and Solo Cakes handle those stealth cravings.

From the Lakewood newsletter, September 29, 2026

When your sweet tooth wants an upgrade, Hapa Cupcakes & Cakes turns out moist, flavor-forward cupcakes and celebration-worthy cakes that actually taste as good as they look. Locals love them for creative combos and clean decorating that nails birthdays, office wins, and those Tuesdays that beg for frosting.

From the Brea newsletter, October 27, 2026

Chain of Filipino bakeries selling cakes, sweets & pastries, some with savory fillings.

Yogurtland Artesia is bringing the summer vibes with today’s lineup like Root Beer Float, Pistachio, Alphonso Mango Tart, and Rocket Pop Sorbet, plus the no-sugar-added Space Ranger Berry Blast celebrating Toy Story 5. Quick pick-me-up this week that hits creamy, tart, and nostalgic in one stop.

From the Cerritos newsletter, August 26, 2026

Ice cream chain offering design-your-own creations hand-mixed on a granite slab, plus shakes & more.

Snowflakes keeps things fun with authentic Hawaiian style shave ice, halo halo stacked with ube and jellies, signature acai bowls, Dole soft serve, and the ube haupia crunch bowl, all dreamed up by a family crew that experiments with fresh seasonal flavors so locals never get bored.

From the Lakewood newsletter, October 6, 2026

When the heat hits or need a mood lift, Yogurtland Brea lets you call the shots with a rotating lineup of flavors and all the fixings. Peek at today’s flavors, build your perfect cup, maybe even snag catering for the next backyard hang because willpower is seasonal.

From the Brea newsletter, October 20, 2026

Get Coned Creamery slings stuffed cones dripping in hard shell and cheeky, punny boba, turning dessert into a little sweet chaos in the best way. When the post-dinner sugar itch hits, this spot delivers big flavor and bigger personality without taking itself too seriously.

From the Mission Viejo newsletter, October 6, 2026

Italian ices & frozen custards star at this counter-serve chain with a range of other cold treats.

If your pan dulce standards are high, Panaderia y Pasteleria La Mexicana delivers with artisanal breads, flaky pastries, and custom cakes built on traditional Mexican flavors. Perfect for birthday spreads, office treat days, or a just-because concha run from Brea to nearby La Habra.

From the Brea newsletter, October 3, 2026

Grocery chain, with a bakery, deli counter, fresh produce section and pharmacy.

Whether you need a wow-worthy custom cake, crave Indian-style pastries, or want desserts that disappear at potlucks, The Cake Korner delivers with high-quality bakes, thoughtful designs, and even catering. They also stock bake-at-home essentials if you’re feeling ambitious... or just want the house to smell amazing.

From the Lakewood newsletter, September 8, 2026

When the merienda mood hits, Pampanga's Bakery has the goods: fresh pandesal, fluffy ensaymada, crispy turon, plus ube-packed treats and classic pies that taste like home. Keep it casual with a box for the fam this week or ask about catering for your next shindig.

From the Cerritos newsletter, August 24, 2026

Rolled on the spot with real fruit and premium chocolates, Velvet Scoop Ice Cream nails that fresh-made, watch-it-happen vibe. Go classic with mango or cookies & cream, or lean extra with their Dubai Collection layered in pistachio cream and chocolate drizzle...

From the Mission Viejo newsletter, October 30, 2026

Ice cream parlor chain known for its many ice cream flavors & sundaes, plus cakes, drinks & other treats.

Ice cream chain offering design-your-own creations hand-mixed on a granite slab, plus shakes & more.

Craving something sweet without the eggs? Simply Eggless Bakery - Délicieux turns out Indian-inspired vegan and eggless cakes, mini desserts, and cheesecakes that actually taste indulgent, with flavors like mango mousse, pistachio, and pineapple.

From the Norwalk newsletter, August 29, 2026

From French-style dacquoise to their own Clairoise hybrid, Baking Room leans on premium French butter and patisserie technique to make desserts that actually taste like something. Swing by for a Basque cheesecake, a Dubai Chewy Cookie, or a custom Rose Garden Pavlova when you need to quietly outshine every potluck.

From the Cypress newsletter, September 15, 2026

Counter-serve chain where all of the ice cream selections are made fresh on-site every day.

Whittier birthdays, quinceañeras, or office shindigs just got a glow up with Cre8ive Cake and Candy, known for custom showpiece cakes, cupcakes, and cookies that taste as good as they look. Elevate the party with candy buffets or self-serve sundae, s'mores, popcorn, candy apple, or root beer float stations.

From the Whittier newsletter, November 1, 2026

Franchise bakery specializing in handcrafted bundt cakes, plus curated gifts & party supplies.

Yum Yum Donuts in nearby La Mirada keeps the mornings and snack breaks honest with fresh glazed, old fashioneds, apple fritters, and bagels baked daily. Not just sweets either... think breakfast burritos, build-your-own bagel or croissant sandwiches, and deli-style melts plus hot or iced coffee or fresh-squeezed juice.

From the Whittier newsletter, October 25, 2026

Long-standing ice cream parlor offering many flavors of ice cream & sorbet, plus sundaes & shakes.

Bakery known for its cakes as well as other sweets in a modern setting with couches and chairs.

Long-standing ice cream parlor offering many flavors of ice cream & sorbet, plus sundaes & shakes.

Long Beach Creamery is cranking out inventive scoops that taste like this city: Whiskey Vanilla with a little swagger, Saltine Dream for sweet-salty crunch, Midnight Oolong for chocolate-with-tea vibes, plus Black Ring Coffee made with beans from the local roaster. Grab a pint and call it self-care this week.

From the Lakewood newsletter, August 30, 2026

For engagement parties, baby showers, and just-because sugar fixes, Butter + Cream Bakery turns out custom wedding and celebration cakes with legit flavor combos, plus pastries and cookies that disappear faster than you planned. They even do pizza, so grabbing dessert conveniently turns into dinner.

From the Long Beach newsletter, September 7, 2026

The Bakehouse by Arcade serves pastries, breakfast items, sandwiches, and serious espresso drinks, plus draft cocktails if your brunch needs a little sparkle. It’s the kind of spot locals swing by for a pastry and a latte, then somehow linger for one more.

From the Riverside newsletter, November 12, 2026

Ice cream shop for scoops of classic and creative flavors (including vegan options), plus sundaes and milkshakes. Cookies and pints to go.

Warm, pillowy kolaches are calling at Kolache Factory in Tustin, from bacon, egg & cheese to a spicy Ranchero, plus sweet Cinnamon Twists and muffins. Pair it with a legit espresso or Americano, then coast through your morning like a pastry-powered superhero.

From the Tustin newsletter, September 29, 2026

Counter-serve chain where all of the ice cream selections are made fresh on-site every day.

Porto's Bakery and Cafe is the Buena Park go-to for flaky cheese rolls, iconic potato balls, and those Dulce de Leche Besito cookies you promise to share then don't. Order online for pickup, or get catering delivered when the group chat suddenly becomes a full-blown reunion.

From the Buena Park newsletter, October 19, 2026

Since 1986, Pacific French Bakery has been that dependable spot for made-from-scratch French rolls, baguettes, and a pan dulce lineup that hits every craving, plus specialty cakes when celebrations sneak up. Family-run, community-minded, and always warm from the oven, it’s the low-key upgrade your week deserves.

From the Inglewood newsletter, August 20, 2026

Mashti Malone’s is that rare LA classic where you can bounce from classic vanilla to rosewater, saffron, or lavender without your friends rolling their eyes. Vegan options hit, faloodeh is a must, and they cater too... so your next backyard hang can actually taste memorable.

From the Los Angeles newsletter, September 22, 2026

Popular ice cream shop from Oregon known for inventive flavors & farm-sourced ingredients.

Cafe offering shaved snow with a variety of toppings, plus coffee, and dairy-free options.