PennDel's Bakehouse — Restaurant in El Cerrito

Process: I placed a gluten-free red velvet cake order earlier in the week for pick up on Saturday for an event. Got an email for order placement and then I called to confirm order and gave payment details. Went in Saturday to pick up the cake and then also picked up pumpkin muffins and gluten-free brownies. Process for pickup was easy.

Tasting: Muffins were light, fluffy and delicious. Brownies were rich and delicious. Given the nature of gluten-free baked goods, I expect the cake already to be a little denser. The gluten-free red velvet cake was denser, but the texture was within range of being good and it tasted phenomenal. I love cream cheese frosting and this made me so happy.

+They accommodated my request for Christmas decorations on top of cake. The piping on top was done well and gave it that little bit of holiday cheer...

I'm grateful for this little bakery near my house. As a former baker, I typically prefer to make my own desserts. I'm notoriously picky as I have sensitive taste buds. But I also have a disability and sometimes I don't have the energy to bake myself and this bakery is my go to! I have full confidence that whatever I order from them I'll be exceptionally pleased with. I just had a tiramisu cake for my birthday and it was thoroughly enjoyed by all. My dad was exceptionally impressed with Vegan cupcakes. He is not vegan but a dinner guest had an allergy. I have also bought gluten free items for another event where a guest had an allergy and again, excellent. No need to buy two different desserts if you have some guests with food restrictions and some without....but you may want to because it's...

PennDel’s Bakehouse is a brand new bakery in El Cerrito. My daughter and I went on opening day. It’s so nice to have a bakery in our village. I’m excited to write that we truly enjoyed the muffins (including gluten free muffins).

I had the Apple Streusel muffins which were divine. My daughter got the peach/pecan gluten free muffins. They, too, were delicious. My favorite was the vegan brownie, which they gave us as free samples. OMG. These are so good. These will be my go to treats.

I hope that once we can dine in, they serve coffee and tea. It’s a cute place and they will be one of the few cafes in the area ( watch out SB’s). Even if they just offer carafes of coffee and hot water. That would be a great start!

Kudos to...