Sugar rush

Auntie Em’s Kitchen

This colorful spot has been likened to a Clementine’s of the east. There are soulful stews and satisfying sandwiches. But the baked goods are the real stars. The red velvet cupcakes topped with luscious cream cheese frosting win the popularity contest. Cakes and pies can be ordered too, including a chocolate chunk pecan pie made with Valrhona chocolate that is as decadent as it sounds.

* Cupcakes, $3.50; full-size cakes and pies, $16 to $18.50. 4616 Eagle Rock Blvd., Eagle Rock, (323) 255-0800.

Leda’s Bake Shop

In just nine months, this bakery has developed a cult following. There’s no seating. But the miniature cupcakes in flavors such as passionfruit, dulce de leche and chocolate-peanut butter are easy to pop in your mouth on the road. For the holidays, Leda’s will top the cakes with edible sugar angels, snowflakes and dreidels.

* Mini cupcakes, $1.50. 13722 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, (818) 386-9644.

Apple Pan

Everyone knows about this iconic counter’s terrific burgers. But they also make some of the best pies in town. We’re partial to the banana creme made with plenty of ripe bananas, cool, ultra creamy custard and fresh whipped cream. There’s also apple -- natch -- coconut, pumpkin, chocolate creme, pecan, boysenberry and, on Saturdays, cherry.

* Slice of pie, $5.25-$5.50; whole pie, $15.50-$16.50. 10801 W. Pico Blvd., West L.A., (310) 475-3585.

Urth Caffe

The displays of individual-sized cherry pies and cheesecakes are irresistible for those who haven’t sworn off carbs and sugars. This convivial cafe also sells full-size pies and cakes by special order. But they look so good, you probably won’t be able to pawn them off as homemade to your holiday guests.

* Individual pies and cakes, $5.95; full-size pies and cakes, $25-$60. 267 S. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, (310) 205-9311.

Amandine

The cafe tables outside this patisserie are nearly always occupied with locals savoring flaky croissants, pain au chocolat and pretty tarts topped with glistening berries. For the young set, there are creature-shaped golden sweet breads with edible eyes.

* Croissants, $1.50; pain au chocolat, $2; “zoo” breads, $2.50. 12225 Wilshire Blvd., West L.A., (310) 979-3211.

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-- Leslee Komaiko