Unfortunately, this was a disappointing experience. The atmosphere felt different than previous visits, and the sweet bread I pulled from the case was damp, and almost sweaty to the touch. Looking at the display case, many of the other sweet bread appeared to have the same texture, which didn't give the impression of being fresh. I hope this was just an off day, but based on this visit, I wouldn't return. read more

The cupcake I had was very stale like a rock, it was crunchy. I didn't even want to go back to get a replacement or anything. read more

Efren's Bakery - Chocolate cupcake - Bakeries Near Me - Lake Forest, California

This quaint bakery, has always been one of my favorite places to pick up a fresh tasting tres leches cake. Always nice to appreciate, support, local, small businesses, in Efron, bakery, has always been grateful! Yeah, very nice outside seating, I've made special requests, (during the holidays ). such as gingerbread cookies that look like me, lol One time I ordered a delicious cake, and asked them to write " I love you, Tony!" on it, the lady asked, who is Tony ? and I told her that the cake was a treat for myself! read more

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After seeing many good reviews about the challah bread here, we thought we would pick up a loaf and try it out since my husband loves good bread. I was actually disappointed because the dough wasn't as chewy as I was expecting. It tasted just like egg bread. It wasn't bad but just not what I was hoping for. Maybe it is better fresh out of the oven? I would say it's a 3.5/5 but will round it up to a 4/5 since there's no .5. I will continue with my search for a good loaf of challah bread. read more

Efren's Bakery - Challah bread - Bakeries Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Owner is there! Palmitier is flaky, sugary delicious! Efren offered me coffee, but I don't drink coffee! You should go! Yum yum! He is rebuilding after a short break! read more

we had a mishap. I was supposed to pick up an order but the store was closed. I then bought my items at another bakery. But Efren's explained the problem and apologized profusely. He then gave me my original order at no charge. If you want a bakery with great taste, go to Efren's. If you want an honest owner, go to Efren's. if you want to be treated as if you are special, go to Efren's. It is simple---GO TO EFREN'S!!!!!!!! BUT PLEASE BRING BACK THE BEST APPLE FRITTERS IN THE WORLD!! read more

I had the worse experience i have ever had at any place of business. I ordered a Tres Leche cake and asked her if she could decorate like a picture I sent her, but I wanted less flowers to add Happy Birthday to the cake. She said no problem and had me write out the instructions. I was kinda shocked when she said it would be 100.00. But it was what my grand neice wanted. I went to a Mexican bakery on purpose to get a Tres Leche cake. When I pick up the cake, the flowers were huge and she said the baker said he couldn't put writing cause there was no room. The party was in 1 hour, so I had to take it. She gave me $8.80 off for the Happy Birthday missing. I paid $91.20. We didn't cut the cake until around 6 pm as it was a swim party. When I cut the cake, it wasnt even a tres Leche cake. It was very dry and it got worse. It was a 2 layer cake, but 1/2 the cake didn't have a top layer. It was missing and was filled in with the whipped cream frosting to make it look like it was ok before we cut into it. I dished up the cake for people to eat, but I saved approximately 1/5 th to take back and show them the quality. I took it back on Monday and the lady at the counter was the roudest I have ever been treated. She didn't know English very well, but just started yelling that we should have brought it back same day or Sunday. That it wasn't even the same cake. She wasn't nice about it and didnt even give a chance to discuss. She just yelled. She wouldn't even talk responsibly or without yelling. I got so angry that I squished up the rest of the cake and walked out. I have never been treated like that from anyone, especially a place of business. I will attach pictures of what I asked for and what I got. I would have gone somewhere else if she would have told me they can't do what I asked for. I sent her the picture 2 hours before she called and said to come to the store to put in the order. I am attaching pictures of the cake from the day of the party. The pictures shows how the left side had a top layer, but the right side has only whipped cream filling where the second layer should be. The cake wasnt Tres Leche. It was dry. I hope people read this review before selecting this bakery. read more

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I had a horrible experience here. while i hope that this is a one off for this business, the unprofessional way things were handled needs a write up. I had heard good things regarding the tres leches cake here. It was my fathers birthday and I came in to order a tres leches cake. The cake was more expensive than many of the higher end bakeries in the area, but I didnt even flinch at the cost as it was my fathers birthday. I am only mentioning cost as one would assume that with a higher price tag that service was going to be amazing. Sadly that didnt correlate to this order. the ambiance is a little off putting as well as its a bad presentation for all the baked goods...which honestly should have been a hint for me. Long story short, we made sure to mention that we needed the cake ready by 10:15 am since the birthday party was at 11am. We arrived a little after 1030 to pick up, and the gentleman who took our order looked at me like he had never seen me before and had totally forgotten our order. Ok, I had asked that they simply not post the credit card charge and i could source a replacement cake. not optimal, but stuff happens. The convinced me that they would deliver the cake in time for the end of the party (around noon)...and to please give them a chance to make it right. I left my address and directions how to get to my location and practically begged them to make sure they either delivered or they called me. right before 12 a person i had not interracted with before called to verify that the employees did indeed offer to deliver the cake...once i explained what happened before, they saif the cake will be there in 5 minutes... 20 minutes pass and I text...then call....then...they are no longer answering any calls from my number on that number. I call then the direct line...i get yet another person on the phone and i ask when the cake will be delivered...they only can tell me the guy is already out for delivery and will call him and find out and call me right back... long story short, they didnt call back...nor did they take any of my calls from that point on from the main number. At this point i text the initial number to not post the charge or i will have it reversed...still no response... I called the credit card company and the charge hasnt posted, but its still there. I have zero communication from anyone at the bakery and as of now it just seems like they took my money for a cake, and they simply never delivered at all much less on time... I have screenshots of all the chats, and call logs showing all my calls that went unanswered as the leadership of this place didnt even want to handle this professionally. We ended up going to Saffron in Aliso Viejo...which i have written a great review months if not years ago...if you need a good bakery, please hit them up...Saffron Bakery in Aliso Viejo saved the day. Im hope that this place gets its act together...what i experienced today was so egregious, that it got me to write this review. read more

Saw a sign for Mexican & Jewish bakery so obviously I had to go in. What a fantastic discovery! The staff were lovely and patient. The place had so many amazing treats. We ended up leaving with a super affordable loaf of challah. When I got home and tried it... Best challah I've had in years! My partner and I will be coming back!! read more

Efren's Bakery - Challah - Bakeries Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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When I used to be a caregiver, I had a Jewish client in his 90's... luckily I found Efren's where I could get challah so I could make him challah toast, French toast, and bread pudding! This took him back to younger years... A great find!! read more

This place does not honor their hours. No integrity, I see other reviews with the same issue. Do not waste your time driving here when you peek through the window and can see old food lying around and the place is a mess. read more

This local bakery is awesome. The brownie was delicious and I really enjoyed that it was covered in chocolate. I also picked up a challah bread, which was excellent as well. A good place to pick up some amazing baked goods. read more

Efren's Bakery - Brownie - Bakeries Near Me - Lake Forest, California

I don't think this business is operating anymore. I called yesterday to get a Tres leches cake made for my wife's birthday. Nobody picked up but eventually Efren called me back. He took my order and told me it would be ready today. I've called multiple times today to figure out what's going on with it and nobody's picking up. I just showed up to the bakery when I was supposed to pick up the cake and the doors are locked. Really glad I didn't give my credit card number. read more

Twice I've gone here in the last minute nth past 7:30 AM and they were closed. Update your hours!!! read more

Had a pretty large order for my daughter's wedding. They were very helpful and friendly when ordering. Customer service is A+. Bakery items were delicious and fresh and a very large variety to choose from. They sent us home with the most delicious bread, and when I returned to pay the remainder of the bill they sent me off with cookies. I highly recommend using this bakery, you don't experience this kind of service these days. read more

Efren's Bakery - Mini concha's assorted cookies. - Bakeries Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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A nice little Mexican bakery with Pan Dulces, drinks, food and Cakes for all occasions. The store is very cleanly kept and has a good selection of cookies as well. I was looking to find a Tres Leche Cake for Fathers Day and I had come to the perfect place for it. They had them in Small, Medium and Large sized cakes. I had chosen the medium sized one and they also write on the cakes. I'd definitely come and get other items for future events here if needed. The cake itself was very nice and not extremely sweet. It had the right amount of moist to it and came with a layer of strawberry jam in the middle. The medium size is decent sized so I believe that's good for about 10-12 people. Service was good here too as the lady helping was very nice and helpful. read more

Efren's Bakery - Tres Leches Cake. - Bakeries Near Me - Lake Forest, California

What an unfortunate situation. There are new owners in this bakery is nothing like it's been in the past. I placed an order to be picked up on the 20th. Got there on the 20th at the designated time and of course nothing is ready. Then I was promised they would deliver it the next morning on the 21st at 7:45 AM. I called at 7:30 AM and they're nowhere near ready. As I looked in the kitchen, they are totally disheveled and to me. It's looks like there are some serious health violations. It's just a terrible thing that this long-standing bakery has gone so far downhill. What a shame. read more

I recently ordered a birthday cake from this bakery in advance for a special occasion. Despite paying in advance on Monday and scheduling the pickup on a Friday, I was met with confusion and no cake upon arrival. They gave us a random cake from the display case, which was not what we ordered. The cake was dry and not fresh, especially disappointing for a tres leches cake that's supposed to be moist. It was a huge letdown and I won't be returning. It's a shame, as I wanted to support a local business. Recientemente ordené un pastel de cumpleaños en esta pastelería con anticipación para una ocasión especial. A pesar de haber pagado en avance el Lunes y programado la recogida para el viernes, cuando llegué me encontré con que no tenían el pastel listo. Parecían confundidos y simplemente me dieron uno de la vitrina. El pastel estaba seco y no fresco, lo cual fue especialmente decepcionante considerando que se trataba de un pastel de tres leches, que debería ser húmedo. Fue una gran decepción y no pienso volver. Es una lástima, ya que quería apoyar a un negocio local. read more

Came in for a slice of chocoflan and left with two plus a box of pastries. Chocoflan was delicious - rich cake and eggy flan. Can't wait to try the pastries later. I definitely recommend. Very nice and helpful staff. I will be back read more

Best Apple and Pineapple Challah Bread in OC! I love the friendly service and that they make custom orders. read more

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Very friendly. Fresh pastries. Challah bread so delicious. Can be made with raisins or chocolate chips. Sell on Fridays. Cakes are very delicious. Reasonable pricing. read more

I have no idea what happened here i've been coming here for about 3/4 years we love the taste and the experience . I turned 25 this week so I wanted a specific cake theme and flavor and all. I showed them pictures told them what to write. This whole situation when it was time to get the cake went down hill. I went to pick up the cake and they had NO CAKE. We confirmed three times on three separate occasions. Well they tried to make it up by offering a $20 discount plus delivery. Delivery was supposed to be at 5 & we did not get it till 6:30. I looked at the cake and the writing was all wrong despite being promised it would be okay. This sounds dramatic but the cake was not what I expected. I contacted the guy he fought with me saying if I did not like it he could take it back. This man was at my door for a good 30 minutes wanting the cake back. My mother talked to him explain to him how the cake situation was already bad so to please not ruin our party anymore & he ended up leaving. read more

Efren's Bakery - it was supposed to say "what's funnier then 24? -25?" "whet"&"bunnier" not correct. - Bakeries Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Great baked goods. Rye and Mexican pastries. Quite a spread for a small business. Enjoy.

Their made goods are terrific and the owners are very friendly! I highly recommend their Challah!

Their cinnamon roll was very nice and they offered to warm it up as well. I was even given two free bolillos by the very kind lady working in the front. It made my day. Great place, would recommend! read more

The Challah is amazing!!! Everything I tried was fresh and delicious. I look forward different variations of the Challah.

I placed an order for a birthday cake. When I went to pick it up they never made it, despite paying in advance. They never apologized or seemed to care. They thought that it was no big deal and I should just take a random cake. Would never order anything from them again. read more

Delicious cake and polite service. Easy to order, cake was ready as promised and packaged well for the ride home. Our guests loved it! read more

They now sell Donuts Came in today to buy pan de muerto with my twins and they were so kind to us. They asked us two pick out 2 donuts on the house since they just started selling donuts. They were so yummy toddler approved. read more

Efren's Bakery - Donuts - Bakeries Near Me - Lake Forest, California

I found this bakery by mistake and everything i purchased was so fresh and delicious. The rolls, the pan duelces the croissants with jalapeños. I totally recommend this bakery. read more

Came here five minutes before close today and the door was locked and the female employee looked at us and shrugged, was gonna buy a cake real quick but just terrible service. It must be nice in this economic environment to sell so much stuff you can close early when people want to drop $50 in less than 2 minutes yet they sure had a lot of cakes still for sale...... If you're going to advertise your hours till 7, stay open till 7, simple business practice. Will never come here again, went to another bakery in the next plaza over that's actually open as advertised. read more

Lovely little bakery, tucked back in the corner of this shopping center that is under construction. Efren is open and has delightful treats for you and your family - tres leches cakes, rolls, cookies, and pastries of all types. I couldn't resist the cinnamon roll, but grabbed a fruit Danish, a bear claw and a chocolate muffin as well because, why not? Efren is as friendly as can be and I hope the neighborhood will drop in and support these local small merchants as the shopping center is undergoing a huge facelift. read more

When another bakery fell short- (A Little Something Sweet Desserts)... I found Efren's Bakery on Yelp. I had a great feeling about after my phone conversation with Diana. I told her what I wanted, which was a photo cake. I texted her photo and she gave me a cake that was nothing short of perfection. My guests raved about the quality, freshness, taste and design. It was so perfect. I'm grateful to have found this bakery and the price was great. Thank you Diana. It was delicious and perfect. I give you 10 stars! read more

Efren's Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Their challah is INCREDIBLE. If we lived closer we would buy their baked goods every day, but as is, we make the trek every thanksgiving just for the joy of a turkey shaped challah. read more

Staff was nice. Baked goods were a mixed bag. Some stale and others odd tasting. Nothing was good, unfortunately. Will not be returning.

DELicious!!!!! So I was craving tres leches and I was in the area and no one else had it so I decided to go here. The cake was unreal!! It was so delicious but it was literally 11 dollars for a slice which I thought was pretty pricey for a cake but if you split it with someone than it's more like 5.50 a slice lol so depends how you look at it. Little cute spot and easy parking. read more

Thank you Efren for theTres Leches cake with fruit. It was the best cake my dad ever had and he is 86 years old. My dad is a picky eater. We will definitely order from you again. read more

Years later, I'm still coming to Efren's Bakery for my husband's birthday Tres Leche cake!! The bakery has been remodeled and looks nice. Came in on a Sunday morning and didn't have an existing cake order. But as usual the bakery was fully stocked with pastries, donuts and Tres Leche cake! The service was friendly and amazing as always! I will be back. Thanks again, Efren's bakery we are a satisfied customer. read more

Efren's Bakery - Got a chocolate heart donut! Cute and tasty. - Bakeries Near Me - Lake Forest, California

We stopped into Efren's to pick up some of their yummy treats! So hard to choose from donuts, jelly filled, frosted or powdered sugared. They even had a challah menorah! read more

I decided to give this place a try because they sell Mexican sweet bread. They had a limited selection but ones you can't find at nearby Mexican bakeries so I was excited to try them. I got only a couple pastries and it turned out to be more expensive then expected. At this point I had high expectations but was let down when I took the first bite. Their cinnamon roll is good but was a bit dry and a VERY strong taste of cinnamon. I really enjoyed their muffins but they taste like the ones from Costco. I got another bread (not sure what it's called) but it seemed as if they poured over a tbsp of sugar over it and that's the only thing that gave it flavor. Overall, I did like that they weren't overly sweet or buttery like other places but I don't think this place is worth it. It didn't taste fresh or of high quality. Service was okay as it took them a while to acknowledge us & we were the only ones in there. Bread: 7/10 Service: 6/10 read more