Amai Ume Bakery

Amai Ume Bakery stands out in the Mesa, Arizona, culinary landscape by offering a distinct and highly specialized selection of baked goods. Far from a conventional neighborhood bakery, Amai Ume is a unique operation that blends the delicate craftsmanship of traditional French pastry with the nostalgic, subtle flavors of Japanese sweets. The name itself, which loosely translates to "sweet plum," hints at the unique, sometimes tart and always delightful, flavors found within.

The bakery’s unique concept is the result of the owner, Alynn’s, ten-year experience in Japan and subsequent training in Culinary school and fine dining. This background has inspired a fresh take on beloved classics, all delivered with an aesthetic described as "kawaii goth style," Japanese bakery inspiration, and nods to favorite animes.

What truly sets Amai Ume Bakery apart for Arizona locals is its commitment to inclusivity and ingredient quality. They are actively determined to make pastries accessible to everyone, specializing in custom desserts that cater to various dietary needs, including gluten-free, sugar-free, and vegan options. They proudly emphasize the use of high-quality ingredients, sourcing local products from farmers markets, Asian markets, and even their own garden, and featuring heritage grain flours from Hayden Flour Mills. While operating as a cottage food permitted home bakery (meaning no storefront and specialized service options), Amai Ume Bakery has become a beloved source for beautifully crafted cakes, pastries, and Japanese breads for any occasion in the East Valley. Their motto perfectly encapsulates their mission: “Everyone should be able to enjoy dessert!”

Amai Ume Bakery operates under a cottage food permit, meaning it does not maintain a traditional public storefront. Instead, it functions primarily as an online and special-order business with designated public pickup locations, optimizing efficiency and order-based service.

The public pickup location provided is: 1122 N Higley Rd, Mesa, AZ 85205, USA.

It is crucial for local Arizona users to note that this address is a designated public meeting spot for order pickups, not a walk-in retail storefront. All orders must be placed in advance.

Key accessibility and planning information includes:

• Service Model: Strictly Takeout (through pre-arranged pickup at the public location). There is no dine-in option or storefront browsing.
• Planning for Convenience: The service is structured for a "Quick Visit" once the pre-ordered items are ready for collection.
• Physical Accessibility: The designated pickup location is accessible, featuring a Wheelchair Accessible Entrance and a Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot for ease of retrieval.
• Payments: Payments for pre-ordered items are accepted via modern methods, including Credit cards and Debit cards.
• Hours: Weekly hours are subject to change based on the chef's availability, and customers are advised to contact the bakery for specific details. Delivery/Pickup is typically available on Sunday and Monday.

Amai Ume Bakery provides specialized baking services focused on high-quality, custom, and nostalgic Japanese-French hybrid desserts and breads.

• Specialty Japanese Breads: Handcrafted bread items are a core offering, including:
  • Milk Bread ($7-$8): A Japanese favorite known for its soft, fluffy texture.
  • Melon Bread ($10 for 3): Japanese Melon Pan—a soft roll with a sweet cookie crust. Vegan options are available.
  • Anpan ($3 for 1 / $8 for 3): Sweet red bean-filled rolls topped with sesame seeds.
• Signature Japanese and French Pastries: Offering unique baked items that blend culinary traditions:
  • Taiyaki ($15 for 6): Fish-shaped cakes filled with chocolate or sweet red bean. Gluten-Free (GF) options are available.
  • Fuwa Fuwa Cheezu ($12-$13): Soft-baked Japanese Cheesecake, available in traditional, Matcha, Ube, or Sakura flavors (GF options available).
• Custom Celebration Cakes: Specializing in homemade cakes for any occasion, including detailed Wedding Cakes, customized with amazing cake flavors and out-of-this-world buttercreams. The bakery focuses on aesthetic presentation while ensuring a fantastic taste, avoiding fondant with the exception of small accents.
• Inclusive Dessert Specialties: A strong commitment to catering to dietary needs by offering custom pastries and cakes that are:
  • Gluten-Free (GF)
  • Sugar-Free
  • Vegan
• Takeout Service: All products are available for pre-order and arranged Takeout, with Delivery and Pickup available on specific days (typically Sunday and Monday).

The uniqueness of Amai Ume Bakery lies in its fusion concept, commitment to quality, and personalized service model, making it a standout choice for Mesa locals looking for specialized baked goods.

• Japanese-French Fusion: The primary highlight is the blend of traditional French techniques and nostalgic Japanese flavors, offering East Valley residents a unique culinary experience that evokes childhood memories for many.
• Dietary Inclusivity as a Specialty: Unlike many bakeries, Amai Ume is expressly skilled in catering to various dietary restrictions, making it a reliable and preferred source for gluten-free, sugar-free, and vegan desserts. This commitment is a major draw for health-conscious Arizona consumers.
• High-Quality, Local Ingredients: A dedication to quality is a core feature, demonstrated by the use of organic, GMO-free ingredients, sourcing from local farmers markets, and utilizing heritage grain flours from Arizona's own Hayden Flour Mills.
• Custom Cake Artistry: The bakery specializes in creating customized, beautiful, and delicious wedding and celebration cakes that reflect the client's unique personality and design inspirations, combining fantastic flavors with edible art.
• Unique Menu Items: Offering difficult-to-find Japanese favorites in Mesa, such as Milk Bread, Melon Bread, and traditional Taiyaki, provides a niche product offering highly valued by those familiar with Asian bakery culture.

Arizona customers interested in placing an order or learning more about the availability of products from Amai Ume Bakery should use the following contact information:

Public Pickup Location: 1122 N Higley Rd, Mesa, AZ 85205, USA

Phone: (623) 755-1154

Mobile Phone: +1 623-755-1154

Note: The bakery operates on a pre-order basis and uses the address above as a public meeting spot for pickups only. Contacting the baker directly is essential for ordering and scheduling.

Amai Ume Bakery is an essential choice for Mesa locals who value artistry, unique flavors, and thoughtful ingredient sourcing over the convenience of a traditional walk-in bakery. It is particularly worth choosing for three compelling reasons.

First, for those craving authentic, nostalgic Japanese-style baked goods, Amai Ume offers items like Taiyaki and Milk Bread that are difficult to find in the East Valley, providing a truly unique culinary experience. The skill demonstrated in the soft-baked Fuwa Fuwa Cheezu in flavors like Ube or Matcha is a testament to their specialized craft.

Second, the dedication to accommodating dietary restrictions is a huge benefit for the Arizona community. If you are planning an event where guests have needs for gluten-free, sugar-free, or vegan desserts, Amai Ume is a trustworthy source that doesn't compromise on flavor or presentation. Their motto, “Everyone should be able to enjoy dessert!” is reflected in their adaptable menu.

Finally, choosing Amai Ume means supporting a local, professional culinary artist committed to quality. By sourcing locally from places like Hayden Flour Mills and farmers markets, they ensure the freshest, most ethical ingredients go into every custom cake or pastry. When you need a specialty cake or a unique, high-quality dessert that goes beyond the standard, Amai Ume Bakery provides a truly exceptional product and personalized service that is well worth the pre-order process.

Amai Ume Bakery

1122 N Higley Rd, Mesa, AZ 85205, USA