Where Can You Find Those Viral Fruit Pastries in Iowa?

If you've been on TikTok in recent months, then there's a good chance you've come across some videos of pastries that look a whole lot like fruit. Although the concept for the pastries isn't exactly new (some popular videos date back to 2024), they've become widely available thanks to businesses all over the world coming up with their own versions! That includes several places here in the state of Iowa.

Where Did These Pastries Originate From?

According to a 2025 article from the LA Times, the fruit pastry trend is credited to a French chef by the name of Cédric Grolet. It says that Cédric "is known for his trompe-l’œil desserts, elaborate creations constructed from various fruit, nut brittles, mousse, cake, creams, custards and chocolates." 

In May of 2024, Chef Cédric posted a video on social media of his fruit pies that currently has over 117 MILLION views on TikTok. Since then, the trend has spread all over the world, with bakers everywhere creating their own versions of these edible works of art. An article from CT Insider says the pastries typically consist of a crunchy chocolate shell with a combination of mousse and fruit puree inside.

Where Can I Get Them in Iowa?

Before we get into the places in Iowa that are selling their own versions of the viral fruit pastries, you should be aware that they are a bit pricier than your standard pastry. I've seen them selling for anywhere from $7 to $11 each. But, many people are reporting that they're worth the price, so it's up to you!

One of the newest places selling a version of the viral fruit pastries is a place called Chocolates de Chavelita. They sell their creations out of Rio Burritos at 5001 1st Ave SE in Cedar Rapids. Here's what they have to say about their new menu addition:

"Crack open that gorgeous, chocolatey shell to find a light cream and a fruity center with a praline base. They taste even better than they look!"

Chocolates de Chavelita just started offering the pastries this week, and sold out immediately! The latest Facebook update says that they will be making more very soon and will let customers know when they are back in stock. To follow along, check out the business' Facebook page HERE.

The flavors featured in the photo below are strawberry, raspberry, mango and pistachio.

Macarons by Sani in Waterloo is another local bakery that has been doing a version of the trompe-l’œil desserts. Their 'Mousse Cakes' come in flavors like raspberry, wild berry, mango, and pistachio, and they're absolutely GORGEOUS! The shop is located at 516 Lafayette St, and you can follow the official Facebook page HERE for updates on when the Mousse Cakes are available.

In the city of Grimes, a bakery called European Taste at 250 SE Destination Dr is gaining popularity for their fruit pastries, which come in flavors like orange, strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry.

If you're over in the Des Moines area, Nadia's French Bakery at 2705 Grand Ave has started selling various flavors of the viral fruit pastry. The newest additions to the menu are mango and lemon!

For folks in the Quad Cities, Small Town Pastry at 4572 Wyndham Dr in Bettendorf is offering Fruit Mousse Desserts in flavors like peach, lemon, and pear. You can follow them on Facebook HERE for details on flavor availability.

They don't have them right now, but Barrett's Quality Eats in Coralville did a blueberry version of the pastry back in December that looked stunning! Hopefully they'll consider bringing them back soon so more people can try them!

And, if you want to try something a little different, Hornbill Asian Market at in Cedar Rapids has been offering an ICE CREAM version of the fruit-shaped pastries! A post from January showed a total of seven flavors, including strawberry, grape, and lemon.

Do you know of any other Iowa bakeries selling trompe-l’œil desserts? We'd love to add them to the list! Let us know by sending us a message on our station app.

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