Skip to main content

A Visual Guide to L.A.'s Pan Dulce

pan dulce assortment
An assortment of pan dulce. | Justin Cram
Here's just a small sampling of the many kinds of pan dulce available across Los Angeles.
Support Provided By

Pan dulce comes in many different forms, from the highly decorative to the deceptively simple, but it's all equally delicious and comforting. Below, find just a small sampling of the many kinds of pan dulce you can find in the City of Angels (and of bakeries).

All photographs by Henry Cram and Justin Cram.

Cocada

cocada coconut macaroon pan dulce
Also known as a coconut macaroon, this golden and crisp treat is made with shredded coconut, egg whites, sugar and vanilla. From La Monarca Bakery & Cafe.

Concha

concha pan dulce
A concha (or conchita) is a round bun covered with a light crust made of sugar and fat that's molded or cut to resemble a seashell. The crust on the top can be flavored with the traditional chocolate and/or vanilla, but many variations exist. From La Monarca Bakery & Cafe.

Cuernito

cuernito croissant chocolate drizzle pan dulce
Sometimes called a cuerno, this layered delight is the Latin American response to the French croissant. It can be plain, filled or simply drizzled on top. From La Monarca Bakery & Cafe.

Cuerno con Ajonjolí

cuerno de ajonjolí sesame croissant pan dulce
This Guatemalan relative of the cuernito comes dressed in sesame seeds. From Pacific French Bakery.

Danés

danés danish pan dulce
This flaky pastry is similar to Danish puff pastries and is topped with fruit preserves or cream filling. From La Monarca Bakery & Cafe.

Margarita Fresa

margarita fresa pan dulce
Large and crumbly, this buttery cookie is filled with strawberry preserves. It's also available with lemon filling. From Pacific French Bakery.

Nixtamal Queen

nixtamal queen gusto bread pan dulce kouign amann
This version of the French kouign amann, with its shiny and caramelized exterior, contains masa made with heirloom corn. From Gusto Bread.

Oreja

oreja palmier
This flaky creation made of caramelized puff pastry is the Latin American version of the French palmier. From La Monarca Bakery & Cafe.

Pan de Maíz

pan de maíz cornbread pan dulce gusto bread
Subtly sweet, this cornbread is made using heirloom corn and honey. From Gusto Bread.

Pastelito de Guayaba

pastelito de guayaba pan dulce
This colorful pastry is filled with guava paste and sprinkled with sugar. From Pacific French Bakery.

Pegadito

pegadito pan dulce
This sweet and spongy roll is also known as a "mojicón" and could honestly work as a pillow. From Pacific French Bakery.

Quesadilla

quesadilla pan dulce
A moist, tender pound cake enriched with cheese and decorated with sesame seeds. From Pacific French Bakery.

Semita Pachita

semita pachita pan dulce
A rectangular slice of a cake-like bread filled with fruit preserves and sprinkled with crispy caramelized sugar. From Pacific French Bakery.

Sourdough Concha

sourdough concha gusto bread pan dulce
A twist on the common concha, this specialty bun with a cocoa top is made using "masa madre" or sourdough starter, which gives it slight tang. It's perfect enjoyed on its own or dipped in some coffee or hot chocolate. From Gusto Bread.

Torta de Azúcar

torta de azucar pan dulce guatemala
A decorative, rounded bun from Guatemala featuring granulated sugar on top. From Pacific French Bakery.

Do you have a pan dulce story? Let us know.

About This Story

This article is part of a collection of stories exploring the ways pan dulce has been a part of the Southern California sweetscape, connecting us to deeply-rooted traditions and the flavors of home. Find more stories in the pan dulce universe in this collection.

Story written by Juliana Duque Mahecha. Additional text by Victoria Gonzalez. Audio and Video by Paula Kiley. Photography by Justin Cram, Henry Cram and Paula Kiley. Edited by Carren Jao, Carla Pineda and Victoria Gonzalez. Special thanks to Carla Pineda and Melissa Arellano for pan dulce delivery.

Support Provided By