Crème Caramel LA

In the vibrant culinary landscape of the San Fernando Valley, Crème Caramel LA stands out as a true neighborhood gem. Located in Sherman Oaks, this Filipina-owned custard and coffee shop has been a fixture since opening its brick-and-mortar location in 2013, after years of building a devoted following at Los Angeles-area farmers markets. It’s far more than just a bakery; it is a destination for unique, globally inspired sweet treats and specialty coffee that beautifully bridges Filipino heritage with French culinary technique.

Crème Caramel LA specializes in custards, which are their most popular items, particularly their spin on the classic Filipino dessert, Leche Flan. Owner Kristine de la Cruz took her family's recipe for the traditional Filipino flan—which is known for its creamier texture and heavier egg ratio compared to its Spanish counterpart—and elevated it with contemporary French baking methods and a vibrant, distinctly Filipino-American flavor palette. This unique approach results in a dessert that is both familiar and excitingly new.

Since its launch in 2010, the business has grown from a farmers market staple into a full-service dessert restaurant, wholesale bakery, and local market. Their commitment to quality and community has allowed their tasty treats to be featured in dozens of coffee shops and restaurants across the Southland, cementing their place in the diverse Los Angeles food scene.

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Nestled in the heart of Sherman Oaks, Crème Caramel LA offers a conveniently accessible spot for locals and visitors alike looking for a quick and satisfying dessert fix or a comfortable place to meet. The shop is located at:

5616 Kester Ave, Sherman Oaks, CA 91411, USA

The location is designed with accessibility in mind, welcoming all members of the California community. The establishment provides a wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible parking lot, making it easy for everyone to visit. For those driving, the availability of a free parking lot removes one of the typical stresses of dining in Los Angeles.

The neighborhood setting makes it ideal for a quick visit or an extended stay to enjoy their cozy environment and outdoor seating. The welcoming atmosphere also proudly identifies the shop as LGBTQ+ friendly, emphasizing its role as an inclusive community hub.

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Crème Caramel LA provides several convenient services to ensure all customers can enjoy their unique offerings, whether they are on the go or settling in for a treat.

• Delivery: Get your favorite custards and pies brought directly to your home or office.
• In-store pickup: Order ahead online and quickly grab your items without the wait.
• In-store shopping: Enjoy the full experience of browsing their selection of sweets, savory items, and locally sourced artisan goods.
• Onsite services: Enjoy your food and coffee right at the shop, with access to Wi-Fi.
• Takeout: Perfect for grabbing a treat to enjoy elsewhere.
• Wholesale: Their famous desserts are available for other local businesses, including over 34 coffee shops and restaurants across the Southland.

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What makes Crème Caramel LA a must-visit in the Southern California dessert scene is its unique fusion of flavors, quality ingredients, and strong community focus. They've skillfully carved out a niche by championing Filipino-American cuisine.

• Filipina-Owned Business: The shop proudly identifies as women-owned, bringing a personal and passionate touch to every item they create.
• Signature Ube Desserts: Their most iconic and sought-after items feature Ube (purple yam), a distinctly Filipino ingredient, in treats like the Ube Upside Down Pie and Ube Crème Caramel.
• Custard and Flan Focus: They specialize in delicious, creamy custards and Leche Flan, including popular flavors like Buko Pandan (young coconut and screwpine leaf), Honey Thai Tea, and the classic Vanilla Crème Caramel (The O.G. - a true family recipe).
• More Than Just Desserts: In addition to their decadent custards and pies (including savory quiches and sandwiches), the establishment operates as a market, selling a variety of artisanal goods from other local purveyors.
• Specialty Coffee: They offer a range of coffee drinks, including unique specialty options like Iced Matcha with Ube Cold Foam, making it a fantastic stop for coffee enthusiasts and dessert lovers.
• Customer Favorite Pies: Beyond flan, the Upside Down Pie is a fan favorite, featuring different flavored custards topped with a graham cracker and Greek yogurt crumble crust.

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For inquiries, placing custom orders, or just checking their hours, you can reach Crème Caramel LA via the following information:

Address: 5616 Kester Ave, Sherman Oaks, CA 91411, USA

Phone: (818) 949-8352

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For anyone in California searching for an authentic, high-quality, and creative dessert experience, Crème Caramel LA is an undeniable choice. The value here lies in the masterful combination of rich Filipino heritage with precise French technique, resulting in custards that are richer and more flavorful than typical flan.

If you're a first-time visitor, you should undoubtedly try their Ube Upside Down Pie or the Buko Pandan Crème Caramel—these are the desserts that put the shop on the map and truly highlight the best of their Filipino-inspired flavors. The Ube flavor, in particular, offers a delicious, naturally sweet, and earthy taste that is a true revelation for those unfamiliar with the purple yam. The custard itself is often described by customers as incredibly smooth, while the caramel is rich and beautifully thin.

Beyond the desserts, choosing Crème Caramel LA means supporting a women-owned business that has demonstrated a strong commitment to its community and ethical practices, as noted by dedicated patrons. The inclusion of specialty coffee and savory breakfast items—like sandwiches and possibly quiches—makes it a perfect all-day spot, whether you need a quick morning caffeine and pastry fix or a delightful dessert to end your evening. With easy access, free parking, and consistently fresh, delicious offerings, this Sherman Oaks staple provides a sweet, one-of-a-kind experience that keeps Californians coming back for more.

Crème Caramel LA

5616 Kester Ave, Sherman Oaks, CA 91411, USA