Locals Can't Get Enough Of The Artisan Creations At This Tiny Family-Run Bakery In Southern California
By Natasha Kayes|Published July 05, 2023
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Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
Every town and city has those little mom-and-pop places that everyone in the neighborhood seems to love but are really only known by locals. You know, the kind of place that when you go there, you feel like you know a secret, which makes it even more special. This tiny bakery in Oxnard, California, is one of those places, and they usually have a line out the door.
Xielo Desserts is a true hidden gem tucked in the corner of downtown Oxnard’s historic Woolworth Building.
The bakery was founded by a local family with three generations of love for the unique flavors of Mexico behind them. Xielo is an expression of a rich heritage of culinary passion and artistry.
Every light, crispy, creamy, sugary, or spicy delight you see when you walk in the door is freshly made in-house. Using hand-selected original family recipes that go back almost 100 years, unique Mexican pastries like orange and cactus breads, guava empanadas, pecan blossom cookies, etc. are baked to perfection.
Xielo takes fusion to a mouthwatering new level, starting with authentic sweet and savory French crepes, which are also popular in Mexico, and made right in front of you.
Fillings and toppings tend to have a Latin flair, including homemade Mexican caramel and berry sauce, or Crepes a la Mexicana with corn, squash, and roasted Poblano peppers. They even make their own chili hot sauce.
They do have traditional Nutella, strawberry, etc. too, for the crepe purists!
Specialties at Xielo include decadent things like this Mexican cheesecake, Tarta de Queso y Manzana, with a creamy cheese filling and an apple crumb topping.
The hand-crafted beverages are every bit as delicious as (and make the perfect pairing for) the baked goods. From the authentic Café de Olla - a family recipe of course - to the Mexican hot chocolate and Spanish-style drinking chocolate made with quality cacao from Oaxaca, you really can’t make a wrong choice.
Oh, and they have iced and blended drinks made with their signature Cafe de Olla and chocolate, as well as traditional Mexican shaved ice, or Raspados, and Mangonada.
If you don’t live in the area, you may never have heard of this bakery, but the next time you are in Oxnard, make sure you stop by! If you have been to Xielo, we would love to hear your thoughts in the comments. What is your favorite thing here? Find out more about this local gem at the Xielo Desserts website or follow Xielo Desserts on Facebook to keep up with new and seasonal offerings. If you are looking for somewhere to escape for a few days, this is just one place that makes for a great getaway in Oxnard. If you are visiting, or live here but want to take a little staycation, we have the perfect Oxnard hotel for you, right on the water.