Cherry Blossom Bakery

Cherry Blossom Bakery on Ocean Avenue: A San Francisco Treasure for Authentic Asian Treats

For residents and visitors of the Bay Area craving authentic, freshly baked Asian pastries, the search often leads to the doors of Cherry Blossom Bakery. Located on the bustling Ocean Avenue in San Francisco, this beloved local institution has carved out a unique and cherished place in the city's diverse culinary landscape. More than just a simple bakery, Cherry Blossom is a delightful destination that offers a vast array of sweet and savory treats, reflecting the rich tradition of Hong Kong and Chinese-style baking. It’s the perfect spot for a quick breakfast bun, a mid-day snack, or a beautiful cake for a special occasion.

The bakery’s reputation is built on its commitment to traditional recipes and the sheer variety of its offerings. From fluffy sponge cakes to savory meat-filled buns and seasonal delicacies like handcrafted mooncakes, there is a temptation waiting for every palate. For many in California, this establishment offers a comforting taste of home and a reliable source for high-quality, generously portioned, and flavorful baked goods. The atmosphere, while known to be busy and a bit dim, speaks to its status as a consistently high-traffic spot where freshness is key. When you step inside, you are immediately greeted by the sight of colorful mousse cakes, delicate Swiss rolls, and trays overflowing with golden-crusted buns—a truly mouth-watering spectacle.

One of the hallmarks of the Cherry Blossom Bakery experience is the incredible diversity found within their showcases. Unlike typical Western bakeries, this establishment features an impressive blend of categories, operating simultaneously as a full-fledged bakery, a dedicated cake shop, a delightful dessert shop, and a traditional pastry shop. This multifaceted approach ensures that whether you need a quick, protein-packed breakfast item or a sophisticated layered cake, Cherry Blossom has you covered. Their ability to deliver across such a broad spectrum of baked goods is a testament to the dedication of this long-standing, family-owned business.

Location and Accessibility

Cherry Blossom Bakery is conveniently situated at 1552 Ocean Ave, San Francisco, CA 94112, USA. This prime location on Ocean Avenue places it within a vibrant community, easily accessible to the local San Francisco populace. For those traveling by car, there is paid street parking available in the vicinity. The bakery demonstrates a commitment to serving all members of the community, as it features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that everyone can comfortably enjoy their delicious offerings.

Operating hours are notably early, reflecting the bakery's dedication to providing fresh breakfast options. Based on current information, the bakery opens as early as 5:45 AM for online ordering and a slightly later time for in-store shopping, often remaining open until around 6:30 PM daily. This extensive daily schedule makes it a highly convenient stop for morning commuters, students, and afternoon snack hunters alike. Customers looking to grab a favorite item, such as their famous Egg Tarts, are encouraged to arrive early, as the first batches are often ready shortly after opening, and popular items can move quickly throughout the day.

Services Offered

Cherry Blossom Bakery provides several flexible options to accommodate the needs and preferences of their diverse customer base. The available services are centered on convenience and a quick visit model, perfect for a fast-paced Californian lifestyle.

• Takeout: Customers can quickly select and purchase their items in-store to take away.
• In-Store Shopping: Enjoy browsing the full selection of freshly baked goods and desserts on display.
• Delivery: For maximum convenience, the bakery partners with various platforms to offer delivery services directly to homes or offices in the area.
• Breakfast Service: The early opening hours cater perfectly to the breakfast crowd, offering savory and sweet buns as morning meals.
• Custom/Specialty Ordering: The bakery is well-known for its specialty cakes and its seasonal Mooncakes, offering great options for celebrations and traditional holidays.
• Quick Visit Planning: The service model is designed for a fast and efficient experience, ideal for customers on a tight schedule.
• Payment Method: Please note that the bakery primarily accepts Cash-only payments for in-store transactions.

Features and Highlights

Cherry Blossom Bakery stands out in the San Francisco market thanks to several key features that drive its popularity and consistent business. The blend of traditional items, diverse fillings, and special seasonal products ensures there is always something new or a familiar favorite to enjoy.

• Signature Egg Custard Tarts: Widely cited as a bestseller and a must-try item. The first batches are usually ready very early in the morning.
• Extensive Savory Bun Selection: The bakery offers a substantial variety of savory baked goods, including Barbecue Pork Buns (plain or with a crust top), Ham and Cheese Buns, Curry Beef Buns, Dried Pork Buns, Chicken Buns, and Hot Dog Buns. These options feature protein-packed fillings, making them a satisfying meal or snack.
• Seasonal Specialty Mooncakes: A major highlight and long-standing tradition. The bakery is known for making specialty mooncakes for the Moon Festival, boasting a wide selection of flavors such as White Lotus, Red Bean, Black Sesame, Green Tea, Durian, and Combination Nuts. They offer options with or without egg yolk.
• Variety of Swiss Rolls and Mousse Cakes: The Cake and Roll section is highly popular, featuring Cream Swiss Rolls, Mocha, Chocolate, and Green Tea Swiss Rolls (available by the slice or whole), as well as individual servings of Strawberry Shortcake, Mango Mouse, Mocha Mousse Cake, Tiramisu, and Cheesecake.
• Traditional Chinese Pastries: The menu includes classics like Coconut Tarts, Wife Cakes (Winter Melon and Red Bean), Pineapple Strudels, and Walnut Pound Cake, offering a true taste of authentic Asian baking.
• Diverse Drink Menu: Complementing the baked goods is an array of beverages, including hot options like Hong Kong Style Milk Tea, Organic Coffee, and Hot Almond Milk, as well as a selection of boba and cold fruit teas like Classic Milk Tea, Taro Milk Tea, Thai Tea, and Rose Peach Green Tea.

Contact Information

For those planning a visit or needing to place an order, the contact details for the Ocean Avenue location are as follows:

• Address: 1552 Ocean Ave, San Francisco, CA 94112, USA
• Phone: (415) 333-9088

What is Worth Choosing at Cherry Blossom Bakery

Deciding what to try first at Cherry Blossom Bakery can be overwhelming given the sheer number of options. However, focusing on their proven bestsellers and unique offerings ensures a memorable experience. The most popular items, frequently mentioned by local patrons, offer an excellent starting point for new customers.

The Egg Custard Tart is undeniably the star of the show. Customers often praise its rich custard and perfectly flaky crust, making it a quintessential Hong Kong bakery experience. Equally popular are the savory buns, particularly the Barbecue Pork Bun (Char Siu Bao). Whether you choose the traditional soft bun or the special version with a crusty topping, the sweet and savory pork filling is a California favorite. The Ham and Cheese Bun and Hot Dog Bun are also top-ranked options for a quick, satisfying bite.

For those with a sweet tooth beyond the tarts, the Cocktail Bun (filled with a buttery coconut paste) and the Pineapple Crust Bun (with its sweet, crumbly crust) are highly recommended. These are classic items that showcase the bakery's skill with soft, airy dough and flavorful fillings.

Finally, no trip to Cherry Blossom Bakery is complete without considering their cakes. The Swiss Rolls—especially the Cream, Mocha, and Lemon varieties—are a consistent draw, valued for their light, fluffy texture, though customers should be aware that quality can sometimes be inconsistent. For special occasions or a lovely individual dessert, the Strawberry Shortcake and Mango Mouse slices offer light, fresh, and often-praised alternatives to heavier cakes. The bakery’s dedication to seasonal treats, particularly the wide range of unique Mooncake flavors during the festival season, solidifies its position as a cultural and culinary hotspot in San Francisco. While some customers note issues with service consistency or rough handling of products, the enduring appeal of the freshly baked, affordable, and authentic Asian pastries ensures that Cherry Blossom Bakery remains a vital and celebrated part of the San Francisco food scene. For an authentic taste of Asian bakery culture in the Bay Area, this Ocean Avenue locale is an essential stop.

Cherry Blossom Bakery

1552 Ocean Ave, San Francisco, CA 94112, USA