FAQs

1. What makes this bakery different?

All baked goods are sweetened only with fruit—bananas, apples, and dates. No refined sugar, honey, maple syrup, artificial sweeteners. 

2. Do you have a storefront?

No, this is a home bakery operating under California Cottage Food Laws (Permit #PR148145). Orders are picked up at a designated patio pickup area. 

3. How big are your baked goods? 

Muffins and cookies are standard size. Cookies are approximately 2 tablespoons but appear on the "smaller size" since they do not have as much "spread" as cookies made with table sugar. Waffles are mini (4 inches in diameter). 

4. Do you sell bread?

No, but The Fruit-Sweetened Bakery's partner company, Wild Start Sourdough, does make sourdough bread—among many delicious baked goods! Coming soon, you can order bread through Wild Start Sourdough and pick up your order at The Fruit-Sweetened Bakery.

1. How do I place an order?

Orders can be placed through the order form, embedded in the website. The order form opens on Sundays at 8 a.m. and closes on Wednesdays at 8 a.m. 

2. Why am I only seeing a couple options on the order form?

The menu is intentionally small and changes weekly. Keeping the selection limited ensures each batch is baked fresh and with care. Rotating items also allows for seasonal flavors and variety over time. While only a few choices appear on the weekly order form, all menu items are available for larger orders with advance notice. 

3. When are items baked? When do I pick up my order?

Fresh baking is done on Fridays, and customers pick up their orders on Saturdays anytime between 8 and 11 a.m.  (Please contact us if you need a 7 a.m. pick up time). 

4. How do I pick up my order?

Orders are set out at a safe patio location in Mission Viejo. The exact location will be disclosed in the order confirmation receipt that will be emailed to you. 

5. Do you offer delivery?

At this time, pick up only.

6. Do I need to bring anything when picking up?

No—your first name and last initial will be written on the bag. We have a Ring doorbell security camera to deter theft.

1. Are your baked goods really only sweetened with fruit?

Yes—only the whole fruit of bananas, dates, and apples are used for sweetness. 

2. Why use fruit instead of natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar?

Fruit is nature's perfect sweetener. Bananas, dates, and apples add not only sweetness but also fiber, vitamins, minerals, and natural moisture. While honey, maple syrup, and coconut sugar are healthier than traditional table sugars and artificial sweeteners, blood sugar levels spike less with whole fruit along with the added nutritional benefits. 

3. But wait, you have chocolate and chocolate chip products—how is that possible?

The Fruit-Sweetened Bakery uses Just Date chocolate chips, which are chocolate chips made from whole dates, cocoa beans, and cocoa butter—no added sugar or sugar alcohols! 

4. Do you use nuts?

Yes, many of the baked goods incorporate nuts (pecans, almonds) such as the Classic Banana Muffin, Banana Almond Butter Muffin, Morning Glory Muffin, and Choco-Coco Almond Buttermilk Waffle. Please note that even if you purchase an item without nuts, all goods are baked in a kitchen that uses nuts. Therefore, those with severe nut allergies should not purchase these goods. 

5. Do you have any gluten-free items?

None of The Fruit-Sweetened Bakery's baked goods are gluten-free certified by the state. However, if you are not allergic to gluten but simply prefer gluten-free items, the Banana Almond Butter Muffin is made with coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour. 

6. Do you have any dairy-free items?

No. All of the baked goods are made with butter. 

1.  How should baked goods be stored?

Muffins, cookies, and waffles are best enjoyed fresh the same-day as pick-up. If not eaten on the same-day, transfer goods to an airtight container or ziplock. They can be stored at room temperature for 2 days or frozen.

2. Why do these baked goods have such a short shelf-life?

Sugar doesn’t just make baked goods sweet—it also helps retain moisture and extends shelf life. Since The Fruit-Sweetened Bakery's baked goods are made without sugar, they tend to lose moisture more quickly and aren’t as shelf-stable. 

3. Can baked goods be frozen?

Yes! Muffins and waffles freeze very well. Place in a ziplock freezer bag and enjoy within a month for best taste. This is a great solution if you want to purchase baked goods for the entire week but want to "lock in" in the freshness. Defrost in a toaster oven or the defrost setting of your microwave. 

1. Do you take custom or bulk orders?

Yes! Custom packages are available for bulk orders upon request and in advance. Please email The Fruit-Sweetened Bakery at thefruitsweetenedbakery@gmail.com or DM on Instagram to discuss. 

2. Can I request a flavor not currently on the menu? 

The menu rotates both weekly and seasonally, so suggestions are always welcome. Ideas can be sent to thefruitsweetenedbakery@gmail.com or DM on Instagram.