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Chocolate Maven Review

Tuesday, June 17th

2025 Dessert Club Reviews

Chocolate Maven Review 4.5 Star Rating

Chocolate Maven

4.5 Star Rating
  • Four dessert clubs to choose from: Cookies, Coffee & Cookies, Pie, and Maven Monthly (assortment)
  • Pricing ranges from $19 to $42 per month
  • Free shipping on all subscriptions
  • No long-term commitment required
  • 30-day window for requesting replacements or refunds

Chocolate Maven, owned by husband-and-wife executive chefs Dharm Andrew Segal and Cassie Ramos, started 30 years ago in their home garage. Over the decades, they've grown into an award-winning artisanal bakery known for shipping delicious baked goods nationwide and offering delightful brunch and pickup options for local Santa Fe customers.

Home kitchen origins

Chocolate Maven's journey began with honey-sweetened cinnamon rolls baked in a home kitchen and has evolved into a "must-see" Santa Fe restaurant where you can watch the bakery in action. The company's culture emphasizes goodwill, good food, and the togetherness that food brings, supported by a dedicated team, many of whom have been with the bakery for decades. Celebrating life with laughter and good food is at the heart of everything they make, earning them the Best of Santa Fe award for 22 consecutive years.

4 different dessert clubs

Chocolate Maven has made some big changes to its dessert club offerings since our previous evaluation. There are now four to choose from:

  • Cookies: for $19/month, you'll get flavors ranging from traditional ginger snaps and oatmeal raisin to more novel combinations like chocolate/pine nut and chocolate espresso.
  • Coffee & Cookies: priced at $42/month, you'll get a curated bag of coffee beans from some of the Maven's favorite artisanal roasters (such as Booskerdoo Coffee in NJ and Sterling Coffee in Portland, OR), paired with the featured Cookie of the Month (like coconut macaroons and Mexican wedding cookies).
  • Pie: for just $25/month, you'll get a full-size pie or a selection of tarts. Flavors include classics like wild blueberry and cherry lattice, plus unique ones like green chile apple.
  • Maven Monthly: this is the dessert club offered by Chocolate Maven that we reviewed previously. Priced at $36 for the Essentials monthly box and $42 for the Deluxe, you'll get an assortment of treats from the first three clubs we described (minus the coffee, of course). It's the same large treat in both the Essentials and Deluxe boxes, like a Morning Glory Bundt Cake or a Chocolate Cherry Pie; the higher tier then includes another smaller treat, like Cherry Almond Granola or Chocolate Chip Macaroons.

Free shipping on top of affordable club pricing

Those prices are impressive, right? We were even more excited when we got to the checkout and saw that shipping was free on all of Chocolate Maven's dessert clubs. We're not sure how they can offer complimentary delivery for such amazing treats at those prices, but we'll take it.

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No lengthy subscriptions required

You don't have to make a long-term commitment to Chocolate Maven when you select a dessert club subscription. They simply run from month to month until you cancel. And, if there's ever a delivery that you don't love, reach out right away so they can make it right. They give you 30 days to request a replacement or refund, but since they might request photos of the problem you're reporting, it's best to do it ASAP.

Not as competitive with respect to gift-giving

There aren't a ton of gift-giving features here, beyond the delight of the desserts themselves. You won't find options for upgrades or to enclose a hand-written greeting to your recipient; you'll just specify a delivery address that's different from your billing address, and that's about it. It keeps Chocolate Maven from being on par with many of its dessert club rivals in that regard, but it's not exactly a dealbreaker overall.

You'll have to rely on restaurant's reviews

We do wish that Chocolate Maven provided subscriber reviews on their website. It would make it that much easier to see that the desserts arrive in great condition, that they taste just as fresh after a few days' journey from NM as they do when eaten in person at their restaurant, and that subscribers are excited for each month's package. But, if the Yelp and Facebook reviews for the restaurant are any indication, you'll absolutely love everything you get from Chocolate Maven.

Give this dessert club a try

We encourage you to take a tasty chance on any of the dessert clubs offered by Chocolate Maven. It's a great way to try what they have to offer with no long-term commitment; cancel anytime, no hard feelings. The variety among the clubs is unusual among dessert subscriptions, and everyone who's tried Chocolate Maven's treats in person gives them an enthusiastic chef's kiss.

Where Can You Find the Most Delectable Dessert Clubs?

Imagine a world where delicious desserts are just a few clicks away. This is the magic of online dessert clubs, where sweet treats from around the globe arrive at your doorstep on a regular basis. Joining one of these clubs can be a delightful adventure, bringing joy and indulgence into your life, one dessert at a time.

How do these subscriptions work? Each month (or sometimes less frequently if you prefer), you receive a box filled with goodies. These treats can range from cookies and cakes to chocolates and pastries, which makes opening each box an exciting experience. But, if you've got some taste preferences (or even allergies), don't stress: most of the dessert clubs out there today will let you know in advance what's coming in your monthly box of sweets, so that you can hit "skip” if there's something on the schedule that you wouldn't enjoy.

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Dessert Club FAQ

You can expect a mouth-watering selection of cookies, cakes, cheesecakes, pies and more from a typical dessert club. These plans usually go out of their way to source their treats from small bakeries and chefs from around the nation. Of course, if you prefer a dessert club with a narrower range of sweets - like just cookies and brownies, for example - you can get that too.
The most popular plans offer monthly dessert deliveries for terms ranging from three months to a full year. Many providers also let you choose a bi-monthly or quarterly delivery schedule, spreading out the sweet treats over a longer period of time.
Most dessert clubs are priced from $20 to $45 per delivery, depending on the plan you select. Keep in mind that some memberships include two desserts per shipment, giving you much more for your money.
That varies by club provider. Some include delivery costs within the monthly price, while others tack on fees of up to $7 per shipment. That doesn't sound like much, but over a 12-year dessert club membership, you're looking at nearly $85 more than what you're paying for the treats.
Most of the time, yes. Dessert clubs stay in business because they keep their customers happy with gourmet-quality treats delivered in good condition and on time. You should be able to get a refund or replacement if something isn't right with one of your dessert club shipments.
Unfortunately for your waistline, yes! Some dessert clubs have been in business for decades and have a long list of satisfied customers - many of whom subscribe year after year. It's always a good idea to check client reviews and even look for a rating from the Better Business Bureau, if you have any concerns about a dessert club provider you're considering.
Dessert clubs typically include a fun newsletter with each package. You might get pairing suggestions for wine or other beverages, tips for serving the dessert, and the backstory of the baker of your desserts. A few clubs let you add on to your membership if you're giving it as a gift: stuffed animals, flowers and balloons are just some of the options you might find.
Dessert clubs make one of the best gifts available today. From personalized greeting cards to delivery schedules that let you "share the love” all year long, these membership plans are guaranteed to make your lucky recipient smile. (And don't forget: you deserve nice things too. Treat yourself!)
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Continued from above...

Some dessert clubs offer a variety of payment options. You might find clubs that require an upfront payment for a certain number of months. This can be great if you want to commit to a long-term sweet experience without worrying about monthly bills, or if you're giving the dessert club as a gift that keeps giving. On the other hand, some clubs offer a pay-as-you-go plan, which allows you to enjoy the flexibility of deciding each month whether you want to continue. This can be perfect if you like the idea of trying a club without a long-term commitment, or your wallet can't quite accommodate paying in full.

Subscription plans can also vary in terms of delivery frequency. Some clubs send out dessert boxes every month, giving you a regular dose of sweetness to look forward to. Other clubs offer more spaced-out options, such as bi-monthly or quarterly deliveries. This can be ideal if you want to savor each dessert for longer or if you're watching your sugar intake but still want to indulge occasionally.

Choosing the right dessert club for you can depend on several factors. Here are some key criteria to consider:

  • Variety of desserts. Think about what types of desserts you enjoy the most. Some clubs specialize in certain treats, like cookies or chocolates, while others offer a mix. If you have a sweet tooth for all kinds of desserts or you're a dedicated foodie craving new taste experiences, a club with a wide variety might be the best choice.
  • Subscription flexibility. Consider how often you want to receive your dessert boxes. Monthly deliveries can be great if you love frequent treats, but bi-monthly or quarterly subscriptions might suit you better if you prefer to pace yourself. Also double-check how easy it is to pause your desserts if you're going to be out of town.
  • Payment options and overall value. Decide if you prefer to pay upfront for a set period or if you like the flexibility of paying month-to-month. Upfront payments can sometimes offer a discount, but pay-as-you-go plans provide more freedom to cancel anytime. Is shipping included in your subscription fees? Do you get a lot of desserts for the money? Some dessert clubs give you nice extras like a fun newsletter, too.
  • Customer reviews. Look at what other subscribers are saying about the treats and the service as a whole. Reviews can give you an idea of the quality and reliability of the club. Positive feedback about the taste and presentation of the desserts can help ensure you're choosing a reputable service. Is there a satisfaction guarantee?

Subscribing to a dessert club can be a fun and rewarding way to discover new flavors and indulge in high-quality sweets. With so many choices available, there's a perfect club out there for every dessert lover, and the experts at Top Consumer Reviews have done the oh-so-arduous work of evaluating some of today's sweetest options. Whether you're treating yourself or looking for a unique gift, the right dessert club is sure to bring a smile to your face with each delicious delivery.

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