Cream Pan
| Address: | 602 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA 92780, USA |
| Phone: | +1 714-665-8239 |
| Site: | creampanbakery.com |
| Rating: | 4.6 |
| Working: | 6AM–7PM 6AM–7PM 6AM–7PM 6AM–7PM 6AM–7PM 6AM–7PM 6AM–7PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 5
WA
Walter Macalma
First all shout out to Trina for introducing me to this place. So much better than 85 when it comes to many aspects, but the proximity of 85 to my work is super convenient. Cream Pan sometimes runs out of certain items so this isnt a must go for me if Im craving pastries. I normally limit my caffeine intake to minimal, but when the coworkers make runs to Lollicup and 85 I usually get an iced something. Cream has a coffe menu, but doesnt pump them out starbucks style like 85. Its much smaller, much simpler, but easily overlooked. I was warned to get here early and get the Strawberry Croissant, but I actually came here a few times to try the less popular items like the chocolate croissant, custard pastries, berry milk scone. I really tried to rate this place based on something more than just the strawberry croissant. A small Japanese bakery right off the freeway its still very old school in the looks and not commercialized and assembly line like similar places. I found the service to be acceptable, not exemplary considering I had high hopes for the overall seeing the popularity of the famous items. Is there such thing as too flaky. Head me out now. If Im in my car trying to eat 2-3 strawberry croissants on my way to work, its super messy, like everywhere buttery flakes and powdered sugar on my clothes, on my seats on my floor. So what I do is a ball them up into a more compact form and I can eat it with minimal mess and in half the time. Dont judge me. I see absolutely no reason to get the minis. Its a bit out of the way and morning traffic in and around this part of OC can be brutal so its a treat for me to come here. Service is slower and not necessarily in the attentive good way. With all the people only eating the strawberry croissant Id think they might just call themselves the Strawberry Croissant. Ill bet you there is a hidden gem amongst the menu that probably beats that, but goes under the radar. If there is one Im gonna find it. The trifecta for me is to get 2 croissants 1 chocolate and 1 strawberry from here then get a sea salt iced coffee from 85 then give a nice 10 minute vape session all while people watching Diamond Jamboree parking lot.
LU
Luis Patron
One of their bestsellers is a Croissant filled with strawberries and pastry cream. Purchased almost 40 of these pastries for Easter Sunday, because I do not like to arrive empty handed to any invitation. Everyone agreed the pastries were fine, but not great. The croissant dough was very fluffy and buttery, as a croissant should be, and the rest was the cream and strawberries. I personally thought it was better than most, but not as good as some. Slightly above average at best. The places is busy. One can tell right away they have a solid clientele and that their ovens are humming along. We also purchased their Baguette bread, that according to a reputable publication, were supposed to be the best of the best. Once again, they were better than average but not incredibly so. We also had a pastry with bananas and strawberry (yes, they seem to have embraced the fruit theme filled pastries here), and it was a little better than their croissants. The pastry was flaky, almost crunchy, and very light. The banana filling is an acquired taste, for we all know how soon bananas can decompose. They are considered top shelf in Orange County, and their Japanese influence shows in the efficiency in how the place was run. I would have settled for a 3.5 Stars, but knowing there is is only 3 or 4, I think it merits the higher number. Not very many items in this bakery, but enough to warrant a visit, and perhaps discover a jewel or two in their selection. The Chiabate bread (probably spelled wrong) had a rough crust (look out denture bearers) and very airy inside. Overall, we were impressed with the human traffic in this otherwise deserted plaza, since it was the only place open. Still, it is commendable to see a thriving business in full activity, running out and making more, I can not imagine how many bakers in the back but I was told they had arrived at 11PM Saturday night, and they were still busting their goodies at 10AM when we arrived. 4 Stars.
ES
Esther Kim
I bookmarked this place for their strawberry croissants, but it was a long time before I finally found myself close enough to justify a visit here! They are located in a plaza that shares a large parking lot, so parking is plentiful here. You walk in, stand in line, and spend the entire time in line debating what to order since everything looks and sounds good! Of course I had to get their famous Strawberry Croissants and I decided to try out the Strawberry & Banana Croissant as well. In addition I got their Curry Pan as well as an Azuki Cream one for my mum. The Le-Nu Iced Coffee, made with espresso and condensed milk, sounded really good so I ordered one of those as well. The line moves pretty fast and of course the pastries are already prepared for packaging. My friend and I sat at one of their tables since this was also our "lunch" and I got to try their Curry Pan. It was quite delicious. I really liked the Le-Nu Iced Coffee as well, but I finished it so quickly because the cup was mostly ice :( I tried the two croissants when I was at home, and they were both pretty good. While I love bananas, I did prefer the original Strawberry Croissant slightly more. It is the most famous one here for a reason! The staff is friendly and efficient here, and there is a decent amount of seating available inside. They have one unisex bathroom, nothing special. But if you are in the area, I recommend stopping by for some strawberry croissants. And if you are feeling like something savoury, those curry pans are pretty good too.
MA
Maureen Stout
Located in old town Tustin, in the corner of a plaza. I came by Cream Pan on Friday late afternoon with my husband a few weeks ago. We pulled up into their parking lot and walked inside. No one greeted us when we entered, nor did anyone greet us when we came up to one of the display cases. Anyways, after looking around and checking out the menu board, we ended up getting 2 Strawberry Croissant, $1.40 including tax ($2.80 total). My husband and I both really enjoyed them. The croissant itself was rather flakey (and a bit messy, so eat under a plate or napkin). The vanilla pudding inside the croissant was perfect and its a nice touch to have have two thin slices of strawberry. Unfortunately the azuki cream ($2.30 including tax) was already sold out when we arrived. Maybe next time we will try them. By the way, there are a few tables and chairs here (and outside) so you can enjoy your purchase here in case you wanted to stop by here for a snack, meal or to catch up with a friend. They take both cash and card (no minimum purchase for transaction and no transaction fee). The unisex restroom was clean upon this visit. Will be back.
NE
Nei Ng
I used to live 5 minutes away from Cream Pan, and I always make it a point to come here whenever Im in SoCal. Its pretty easy to get to since its right off the freeway. Like what everyone else said, the Strawberry Croissants are always a safe bet. The pastry and custard arent as rich as French bakeries, but I think the sweeter flavor pairs better with the fresh strawberries. The lighter puff pastry in general works well with their various fruit options. It helps preserve the refreshing nature of the sweet fruit. Im also a pretty big fan of the Chocolate Horn. Its a sweet bun thats topped with chocolate and filled with a sweet chocolate goop? The best thing I can compare it to would be Jello Snack Pack Chocolate Pudding, and its lightness and sweetness pairs well with the soft bun. It sounds pretty janky, but I think its great.
