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Chocolate Maven Review

Sunday, February 16th

2025 Dessert Delivery Reviews

Chocolate Maven Review 4.5 Star Rating

Chocolate Maven

4.5 Star Rating
  • About 50 shippable desserts to choose from
  • Treats include brownies, pastries, cookies, pies, and more
  • Unique regional flavors plus classic treats
  • Prices range from $4 to $32+
  • Gluten-free and vegan options offered
  • Shipping fees starting around $12
  • Best of Santa Fe award-winner for 22+ years

Chocolate Maven, founded by husband-and-wife executive chefs Dharm Andrew Segal and Cassie Ramos, has come a long way from its humble beginnings in a home garage 30 years ago. Today, it's an award-winning bakery celebrated for its handcrafted, delicious treats, available for nationwide shipping and served fresh to local Santa Fe customers. What started with honey-sweetened cinnamon rolls in a home kitchen has blossomed into a vibrant restaurant where visitors can enjoy the bakery experience up close. At the heart of Chocolate Maven is a passion for good food, togetherness, and the joy of sharing meals, supported by a dedicated team, many of whom have been part of the bakery's success for years. With a culture built on goodwill and a commitment to quality, it's no wonder Chocolate Maven has earned the Best of Santa Fe award for 22 years running.

Make sure to filter for shippable sweets

As you start to browse the site, we recommend that you make sure to click the box in the filters to indicate you only want to see Chocolate Maven's shippable desserts - because unless you live close enough to Santa Fe to go pick up your treats in person, you're going to feel sad when you get your taste buds dancing, only to discover that something you'd love to try... is only available for in-person pick-up.

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Classic flavors and unique regional specialties

But, don't despair: there are still plenty of options. Here are just a few of the traditional and unique desserts we wanted to sample ASAP:

  • Green Chile Apple Pie: $30 (available with signature Maven crust, gluten-free, or vegan)
  • Croissants: $24 for a half-dozen (available in chocolate, almond, raspberry, or assorted)
  • Cherry Chocolate Brownies ($28 for nearly 2 lb. of brownies, 8 servings)
  • Lazy Morning Pastry Box ($26 for an assortment of 12 mini pastries)
  • Cookies in numerous flavors, like Classic Shortbread, Chocolate Piñon, Biscochitos, Coconut Macaroons, Piccadilly Lemon Snaps, Cape Cod Cranberry Orange, and King Harold Ginger Snaps (all starting priced at $12, but Chocolate Maven doesn't specify how many you get at that price; we'd guess either a half-dozen or a dozen)

Affordable even for gluten-free and vegan desserts

As you can see, there's nothing at Chocolate Maven that's going to break the bank, and you might even be brave enough to try something bold and new-to-you. And, if you need something that's gluten-free, vegan, or both, there are filters that will take you right to those treats as well. We love bakeries that are considerate like that.

2-day delivery for under $12

However, you'll need to get to the checkout to find out how much your Chocolate Maven desserts will cost to ship. On a $30 blackberry apple pie we were interested in sending as a gift, we were quoted $11.96 for FedEx 2-Day or Express Saver, making for a 4- or 5-day period between placing our order and its delivery. We also were given the choice of upgrading to FedEx Standard Overnight for $87.10, but that would have only gotten the pie there a day earlier than the 2-Day.

No future scheduling of dessert deliveries

That also highlighted the fact that there's no advance scheduling of dessert deliveries through Chocolate Maven - at least, not through the online ordering process. Given the small business nature of this bakery, it seems likely that you could reach out to make other arrangements: if Grandma's birthday is in a month and you know she'd be thrilled to receive a lemon pound cake, we don't imagine it would be too hard to reach out to Chocolate Maven and ask to schedule that ahead of time, so that the delivery would be more likely to get there right on time for the special day.

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Big-time fan favorite

Although there aren't many reviews on the desserts listed on the Chocolate Maven site, and there's no listing for the bakery with the Better Business Bureau, we have zero concerns about this company's reputation. You don't earn awards like this place does if you're not consistently providing delicious food and top-tier customer service. All it takes is a peek at Chocolate Maven's feedback on Yelp, Facebook, or even Tripadvisor to see that these desserts are going to be tasty. And, you can count on the support team at Chocolate Maven to make it right if you (or your desserts' recipient) aren't completely satisfied with your order, offering either an appropriate replacement or a refund.

A must-try dessert shop

We're all about supporting small businesses like Chocolate Maven, especially when they deserve our recommendation like this bakery does. You'll love the variety of treats and flavors to choose from, the prices are really reasonable, and they've been a huge hit in the Santa Fe area for more than three decades. If we were looking for something crafted with love and maybe just a bit off the beaten path (like a red chile chocolate pecan pie), Chocolate Maven is the first place we'd buy dessert.

Where Can You Get the Best Desserts Online?

The rise of online bakeries and dessert shops has made it easier than ever to access gourmet sweets from the comfort of your home. Craving macarons from a Parisian-style patisserie or a slice of authentic New York cheesecake? Ordering online means you can enjoy these treats without booking a flight.

This kind of dessert shopping takes the guesswork out of finding the perfect sweets for any occasion - whether it's a surprise birthday treat, a holiday celebration, or just an excuse to satisfy your sweet tooth. And let's not overlook the gift-giving convenience - these desserts usually arrive beautifully packaged, making them ideal gifts that show you care.

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Dessert Delivery FAQ

Desserts are typically packed with dry ice or gel packs in insulated containers to maintain freshness and make sure they arrive in perfect condition. You can usually get more information on the website detailing how the sweet shop you're considering will package your treats - sometimes they even have unboxing videos.
Shipping fees vary by company and location, but they usually range from $10 to $30. Some bakeries may offer free shipping promotions for larger orders or during special events.
Delivery times depend on the bakery and shipping method. Many offer next-day or even same-day delivery for certain locations, but it's always good to order in advance for special occasions.
Yes, most online dessert shops let you include a personalized gift note. Some even offer elegant gift boxes to jazz up the presentation. And, don't forget upgrades - some sweet shops will give you the option to include birthday candles, a teddy bear, flowers, or other extras once you get to the checkout process.
Upon arrival, check the packaging for specific storage instructions. Many desserts should be refrigerated immediately or kept at room temperature in an airtight container, depending on the type. Some can go into the freezer for longer-term storage if needed.
Yes! Some bakeries offer gluten-free, vegan, or sugar-free desserts. Be sure to read the product descriptions or use site filters to find the right options.
A few online bakeries offer customization options, such as personalized messages, specific designs, or flavors. But, most dessert deliveries fall under the "what you see is what you get” category, so you might have to look a little harder if you need something tailored to your event or special occasion.
Fortunately, most online bakeries guarantee their deliveries and will refund or replace your order if it arrives damaged or late. Be sure to contact their customer service team as soon as possible, though, and be sure to take photos before you throw anything away - they may require those images before you can get a refund or replacement dessert.
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Continued from above...

Desserts are the sweet exclamation point to any meal. From decadent cakes and flaky pastries to rich puddings and creamy gelato, desserts have been delighting palates across cultures for centuries. Fast forward to today, and the world of desserts has expanded in ways our ancestors could never have imagined.

Their origins are as varied as their flavors, with ancient civilizations crafting sweets from honey, fruits, and nuts, while later innovations brought us sugar-based confections and baked goods. Whether served at grand feasts or enjoyed quietly at home at the end of a long day, desserts are often synonymous with celebration, comfort, and creativity. In many cultures, sweets are intertwined with traditions, marking holidays, family gatherings, and even daily rituals with a touch of delicious indulgence.

If you're imagining something delicious coming right to your doorstep, where should you order that dreamy dessert? There are a lot of online shops to consider, and they're not all the same. Here are a few things to keep in mind that might influence which online dessert shop you choose:

  • Small business vs. well-known retailer. Do you really enjoy supporting up-and-coming entrepreneurs, or do you prefer to shop with a tried-and-true big-name company? You'll find both in the online dessert world.
  • Variety. How many desserts are there to choose from? It's okay to order dessert from a business with a smaller selection if they specialize in what you want to send, but having a broad range of options is better if you're just browsing for ideas.
  • Value. How many servings do you get for what you pay? Is shipping included? Look at the customer reviews too: they're a good guide to whether or not a dessert tastes as good as it looks.
  • Reliability. Desserts are often perishable and easily damaged. How dependable is the retailer when it comes to getting the treats to their destination in presentable, fresh condition? When customers have issues, does the company take the appropriate steps to make it right (like with a refund or redelivery)?

There are so many great options out there for ordering dessert online, and the treat-loving experts at Top Consumer Reviews have reviewed and ranked some of today's most popular sweet shops. Use our research to choose the right dessert company, whether you're buying something special for yourself or ordering something to "wow” everyone at the company's holiday potluck (we won't tell anyone that you didn't make it, we promise). Just don't forget to save us a piece!

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Bake Me a Wish! vs Chocolate Maven Bake Me a Wish! vs David's Cookies Bake Me a Wish! vs Harry & David Bake Me a Wish! vs Edible Arrangements Bake Me a Wish! vs Magnolia Bakery Bake Me a Wish! vs Mackenzie Limited Bake Me a Wish! vs The Swiss Colony Bake Me a Wish! vs Milk Bar Bake Me a Wish! vs Williams Sonoma Chocolate Maven vs David's Cookies Chocolate Maven vs Harry & David Chocolate Maven vs Edible Arrangements Chocolate Maven vs Magnolia Bakery Chocolate Maven vs Mackenzie Limited Chocolate Maven vs The Swiss Colony Chocolate Maven vs Milk Bar Chocolate Maven vs Williams Sonoma David's Cookies vs Harry & David David's Cookies vs Edible Arrangements David's Cookies vs Magnolia Bakery David's Cookies vs Mackenzie Limited David's Cookies vs The Swiss Colony David's Cookies vs Milk Bar David's Cookies vs Williams Sonoma Harry & David vs Edible Arrangements Harry & David vs Magnolia Bakery Harry & David vs Mackenzie Limited Harry & David vs The Swiss Colony Harry & David vs Milk Bar Harry & David vs Williams Sonoma Edible Arrangements vs Magnolia Bakery Edible Arrangements vs Mackenzie Limited Edible Arrangements vs The Swiss Colony Edible Arrangements vs Milk Bar Edible Arrangements vs Williams Sonoma Magnolia Bakery vs Mackenzie Limited Magnolia Bakery vs The Swiss Colony Magnolia Bakery vs Milk Bar Magnolia Bakery vs Williams Sonoma Mackenzie Limited vs The Swiss Colony Mackenzie Limited vs Milk Bar Mackenzie Limited vs Williams Sonoma The Swiss Colony vs Milk Bar The Swiss Colony vs Williams Sonoma Milk Bar vs Williams Sonoma
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