Anna’s Bakery

I have a confession: Although I bake everything from bread to pies from scratch, and love nothing more than a croissant, I have a great fondness for standard grocery store or Costco white buttercream frosting. My husband ordered me an “all corner” cake for my 30th birthday which made me love him even more. I adore that white stuff–its slight graininess, its cloying sweetness, and if I could have a corner piece with a big flower on it, I would consider myself content. 

Growing up, I begged for a cake from French’s Cupcake shop in Costa Mesa, California. My mom had other ideas. She usually baked my birthday cake herself, and even though she is not a chocolate fan, she would honor my preference for a layered chocolate cake (except for that one year, which I will never forget, when she–bafflingly–made me an angel food cake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream frosting). I do dearly remember a couple of Winnie-the-Pooh themed cakes from French’s when I had parties in elementary school. They were fantastic. 

Given its fancifully and generously decorated cakes, Anna’s Bakery in Goleta is a place I have often equated with French’s, so why don’t I go there all the time? I think as my palate has expanded, I have fewer cravings for heavily frosted cakes and donuts. But I’ve been missing out, as Anna’s does several things very, very well. 

I stopped by the other day to try Anna’s apple fritter, which a friend had raved about. The bike ride there was uneventful and not super diverting. I took the path from my house, rode through UCSB, and then along El Colegio until it curved into Storke Road. I am convinced that whoever designed that part of Goleta was not a keen biker or pedestrian. Riding or walking around Camino Real Marketplace feels life-threatening, with drivers popping in and out of parking spaces and making crazy turns in the lots. Even riding or walking across Storke to the Target shopping center is fraught with hazards. Back to that fritter though: It was rather perfect, filled with apple chunks, crispy, bumpy edges, and a doughy, cinnamon spiced interior. 

In order to do a thorough job, I brought home a variety of baked goods from Anna’s, including an apricot dainty, date granola bar, pumpkin donut, and old fashioned glazed donut. My dad and I had a great time tasting everything and comparing the donuts with our favorite ones at Eller’s. 

First of all, who wouldn’t want to order a dainty? Or to bring a few home to share with friends and family? Heck, I just relished saying the word “dainty” aloud today. This two-bite sized pastry looks like a mini turnover, filled with apricot jam. The pastry was light and flaky and the filling was very nice. You recall how much I enthused about the donuts at Bossie’s Kitchen, right? Anna’s are different and bring to mind the ones I got with my dad at our local donut shop when I was a kid. They taste fresh and aren’t too heavy. 

The rather plain looking date bar stole the show for me. Its filling was generous and sweet, spread between layers of oaty, caramely streusel. This is something I would love to have with tea in the afternoon when I need something to lift my spirits. 

Everyone who works at Anna’s is friendly and helpful, even when I took my time deciding what to order. I can see why locals have favored Anna’s for decades and plan to return soon.