Cream Pan

Cream Pan is know for its strawberry croissants, and for good reason! The strawberry croissant comes with sliced strawberries, custard, and powdered sugar on top. It's not too sweet, which is great, and it's perfect for bringing to an event. I also like the strawberry banana croissant, which is topped with sliced strawberries, bananas, a layer of custard, and chocolate - yum!I appreciate the convenience of being able to grab a prepped pack of strawberry croissants quickly, though the place does get filled with customers. I went around 7:15 am on a Friday, and there was already a line to the door, which only grew as I waited. The line system is efficient and the line goes by quickly. I've only tried these two items, but they've both been hits at events, and I'd definitely recommend them. :)

I used to frequent this place back in the day--before the lines, before the expansion, before it went mainstream. It was a hidden gem--emphasis on was. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for their 'small business' success, but I guess fame comes at a cost?So, this past weekend, I thought I'd stop by for a meal and a treat after a hike with my girlfriend. I get it--long lines, busy day, everyone's tired. But one of the lady workers yelling, "CLOSE THE DOOR AND WAIT OUTSIDE!" was... well, intoxicating to say the least. Was it necessary? Probably not. Like, chill--I just wanted some food, not a boot camp experience.Anyway, I ordered my usual pork katsu, some salmon rice balls, and Azuki's. The katsu? Great as always. The Azuki's? Well, hold on to your seats. I hadn't been here since last year, so I was excited. Took a bite and--my god--I was not ready. This thing was 99.99% cream. I'm talking more filler than any TikTok model out there. Honestly, I thought I bit into a damn cream puff-- tf!In summary: Food's mostly still good, customer service has taken a dive, and the Azuki's are now a dessert betrayal. Five stars for the memories and the katsu that didn't let me down, but seriously--one star for the Azuki and the girl yelling at people. Bring back the OG Azuki's that actually had some azuki, like wtf. OG Azuki lives matter!

Thought I'd give them another shot but it is the same so-so experience. Forget it if you come in after 2. You are best going to one of the Korean or Taiwanese places that bake throughout the day and have something available to eat. Why they even have late hours is ridiculous.No more. Their competitors are more friendly, have food later in the day. Gas is $ these days to be wasted.

Five stars for their strawberry croissants! There's a reason they say they're famous for it. I didn't get to try this place in person but I did have these croissants after my partner came back from a flight home to FL and they had help up in flavor. Although they weren't fresh, these were some of the best croissants I've ever had. The cream is what really got me and the sweetness of their strawberries... amazing. Safe to say I'll be dreaming about their croissants until I visit in April. Can't wait to update this review with my thoughts on getting to try them fresh!

We don't make it out to OC often, but when we do, we always try to check something off our bookmarked list. This time, we finally got to try the famous strawberry custard croissant at Cream Pan--and it did not disappoint!Despite the line stretching out the door, it moved quickly. The croissant was perfectly flaky and crunchy, while the custard had just the right amount of sweetness. These are definitely best enjoyed within a few hours of purchase.If I lived closer, I'd be picking up trays of these for gatherings all the time--just like the many people we saw walking out with boxes full of them. I didn't get a chance to try anything else this time, but I'll definitely be back for more strawberry croissants.

BELIEVE THE HYPE. I've been recommended Cream Pan by friends before and it's always recommended me on Yelp and I never had the chance to try their baked goods until now. I even heard from other friends who came to a recent event that there was a super long line in the morning already. By the time I went here in the evening, a good chunk of their other goods were already sold out (other baked goods, onigiri, futomaki, etc.), but they still had fresh strawberry croissants getting pumped out throughout the day. Deliciously delicately flaky, nice amount of powdered sugar, generous custard cream inside, and sweet, not too tart strawberry slices. We inhaled our croissants, our friends enjoyed the pastries that we shared and I could have easily eaten much more. I can see why these are so popular and why they're known for them. Would love to come back and get more of the strawberry croissants and hopefully one day try more of their pastries.

I absolutely love the smell of this store, it's like stepping into a little slice of Paris! The aroma from the bakery instantly takes me back to an old, traditional bakery in Paris, not the fancy, upscale ones, but the charming, authentic kind filled with warmth and history. The textures of their pastries, the softness of the bread, and the overall freshness are simply perfect.The strawberry croissant, in particular, is a standout. The cream inside is heavenly, rich, smooth, and perfectly balanced with the sweetness of the strawberries. Every bite feels like a little indulgence. They also have an amazing selection of high-quality pâtisseries, from classic favorites to unique treats. It's the perfect spot to grab something delicious to pair with your coffee or freshly squeezed juice. This place is a true gem for anyone who appreciates the art of baking and the simple joys of a well-made pastry!Their service is absolutely outstanding and feels genuinely authentic. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with warmth and care that makes you feel valued as a customer. It's clear that they take pride in providing an experience that goes beyond just good service, it feels personal and sincere.The staff are attentive, friendly, and go out of their way to ensure everything is just right, making every visit feel special. Their commitment to authenticity shines through not only in the way they interact with customers but also in the overall atmosphere of the place. It's rare to find a spot where the service feels this genuine and heartfelt, and it truly sets them apart from others.

Cream Pan Bakery, located in El Camino Plaza, is a beloved local gem, renowned for its strawberry custard croissants. These delectable pastries, though having risen in price over time, remain a crowd favorite. At $14 for a box of six, they make a delightful treat to share at gatherings or to gift, thanks to their beautiful presentation and easy grab-and-go packaging.In addition to the croissants, the bakery offers a variety of other baked goods, such as bread rolls and baguettes. However, arriving earlier in the day is recommended, as stock tends to run low by the afternoon. Coffee is also available, including Vietnamese iced coffee, though the iced coffee drink options are quite limited when I asked. The service at Cream Pan is quick and efficient, and the ambiance reflects a hardworking, no-frills bakery with its wooden interior and focus on quality. While it may not be an Instagram hotspot, this is a place where the food takes center stage. Overall, despite the slightly higher prices, the quality and flavor make it worth a visit.

The food was soooooo good. Our favorites were the Azuki cream puff, chocolate horn, strawberry puff, & strawberry banana croissant. Savory food wise we really enjoyed the chicken curry katsu but the beef curry bread and the onigiris didn't live up to as much expectation. Service was so fast so do not be intimidated by the line out the door. Lots of seating area outside with nice chill vibes and space to enjoy the goodies!

I've been to Cream Pan many times now. I love getting the strawberry croissants for parties I go to. They're always a hit. This spot usually has a line, but it goes by fast. The cashiers are quick and efficient. I've also tried their savory meals, such as the handrolls and Katsu sandwiches, which were pretty good! I can't wait to try their other items. Thank you!