What’s the first thing you think of when you hear the word “muffin”? Is it the crumbly texture, the soft, moist center or the sumptuous ingredients within and on top of this heavenly treat? Do you prefer consuming the hardened top first, or do you slice it down the middle and eat each half separately? Is there a favorite beverage you enjoy pairing it with, whether it’s a cold glass of milk or steaming hot morning coffee?

Indeed, any way you slice it – some pun intended – there’s really no wrong fashion in which to enjoy a spongy, soft and scrumptious muffin, and whether your taste leans towards chocolate chip or blueberry, there’s something for everyone when it comes to this classic snack. In this roundup, we’re going to suggest some spots where you can find the best muffins around Woodland Hills so you, too, can satisfy that sweet craving…with a bit of SoCal flair.

Sweet Laurel Bakery, located at 15279 Sunset Boulevard in Pacific Palisades, is a whole foods baking company, which equates to menu items with no fillers, no “weird stuff” (as the business likes to say) and just the best organic, whole ingredients going into delicious, grain-free, dairy-free and refined sugar-free baked goods. The brainchild of Laurel Gallucci, Sweet Laurel Bakery was established in 2015 to offer indulgent, healthy food with a body positive perspective, making it all about loving the food we eat rather than punishing oneself for craving it. All of the treats here are paleo, with some being vegan and keto-friendly as well, in addition to being made with less than five ingredients.

The Bagel Broker, located at 7825 Beverly Boulevard in Los Angeles, was founded in 1987 by Bill Tarnol and has been family-owned-and-operated ever since, the business being proud to have served multiple generations of Angelinos over the decades. Situated in the heart of L.A.’s Fairfax District, The Bagel Broker now offers bagels that have become a Los Angeles legend and favorite among locals. The restaurant has also become renowned for its muffin selections, a group that includes Banana Nut, Blueberry, Bran, Chocolate Chip, Coffee Cake and Double Chocolate Chip variants.  

Pascal Patisserie and Café, located at 21040 Victory Boulevard Unit A, offers European desserts, chocolates, breakfast pastries, sandwiches, salads and more, this pastry shop having become a go-to favorite amongst Woodland Hills residents in the know. From croissants and soufflé cheesecake to flourless cake and muffins of all types, Pascal’s will surely become a neighborhood favorite of yours when you’re looking for a great spot for a morning/afternoon pick-me-up.

Zen Bakery, located at 10988 Pico Boulevard in Los Angeles, earns a special place in our roundup, as this Woodland Hills business focuses on muffins in particular, its products found at such notable outlets as Whole Foods, Sprout’s, Gelson’s and more. If you can’t find a muffin you like at Zen, chances are you’re not finding it anywhere – consider the fact that the bakery offers such incredible creations as Apple Bran Muffin, Apple Cranberry Muffin, Carrot Cake Muffin, Blueberry Bran Muffin, Pumpkin Muffin, Banana Nut Muffin, Blueberry Raspberry Oat Bran Muffin, Blueberry Oat Bran Muffin and Blueberry Cranberry Oat Bran Muffin, in addition to other specialty items like Blueberry Fiber Cake, Apple Cranberry Fiber Cake, Cinnamon Raisin Rolls, Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies and Peanut Butter Carob Chip Cookies.  

Nat’s on Ventura, located at 22737 Ventura Boulevard, has been serving up great food and coffee in the San Fernando Valley for over three decades, becoming a favorite dining spot for residents in Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, Encino and surrounding areas. The throwback-esque “ye ole coffee shoppe” approach of Nat’s incorporates an award-winning variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes along with homemade muffins, cookies and pies, and when it comes to muffins, very few Woodland Hills bakeries can even come close to offering the selection on display here. Choose from Honey Nut Bran, Blueberry, Monkey Love (banana, walnuts and chocolate chips), Morning Glory (carrot, apple, coconut, raisins and walnuts), Lemon Glaze with Blueberries, Raisin Bran, Banana, Strawberry Cream Cheese, Lemon Glaze and Double Chocolate varieties.

Los Angeles boasts plenty of sweet shops, cake spots and bakeries, many adopting styles and flavors from around the world, but when it comes to lip-smacking-good muffins in Woodland Hills, the aforementioned suggestions will leave you wanting for nothing.