TikTok's viral 'dot cake' revives centuries old Mexican pan dulce

Recently, pan dulce – Mexican sweet bread – has been trending all over social media, such as the “Dot Cake” that people have been posting on TikTok, but the bread isn’t anything new; in fact, it is a traditional Mexican bread called cortadillo that is dated all the way back to the colonial period and became a staple in Mexican bakeries between the 1940s and 60s. 

And Tlaxcala Bakery Panadería, located in the City of Santa Ana, has been selling cortadillo and more than 60 plus types of traditional Mexican bread for years because to them, Mexican bread isn’t a trend, it’s their whole life. 

“Bread means everything to us. We were born into it,” said John Sedeño, one of the brothers who co-owns Tlaxcala Bakery Panadería and is the son of Jesus and ColumbaSedeño, who opened up the pandería in Santa Ana back in 1994. “I remember helping my dad sell bread in a van, yelling ‘¡pan pan!’ at just 12 years old. Looking back at it, it made me a hustler,” said the other brother, Jesse Sedeño. 

“I grew up seeing my parents go to the panaderíaearly to make the bread, and although it was tiring and stressful even for us as kids, it made me see how bread brings a community together,” Jesse said. 

All those memories and years of making bread would allow the brothers in the future to expand to a second location in Orange County, but that road to success wouldn’t have been possible if it weren't for their parents showing them traditional Mexican bread. 

Jesus Sedeño, father of both brothers, first came to the United States from Mexico to continue his boxing career in Los Angeles, but was then told he could no longer box due to potentially losing his eyesight if he continued the sport. So in order to provide for his family, Sedeñostarted to work at a Cuban bakery in Los Angeles, where he worked and learned more about the bread culture. 

With some money saved up and with experience of making bread, Sedeñoco-openedhis first panaderíain L.A. called La Centro-Americana Bakery. Then, after some time in L.A. with his panadería, Sedeñowas offered a space by the owners of the Nuño Brothers Market, who were looking to open another supermarket store in Santa Ana and mentioned that a panaderíaalongside it would be perfect. He agreed, and in August 1994 Sedeñoopened Tlaxcala Bakery Panadería, naming it in honor of his hometown, Tlaxcala, Mexico and although it is the smallest state in Mexico, Sedeño always told his sons to “never forget where you come from.”  

And years later, the brothers have held on to that saying by making their bread with traditional ingredients and techniques that their father taught them. When asked what they think made their panaderíasuch a success, the brother said it is because they keep it “OG”. 

“I believe the customers have continued coming here for years because we are doing something right, the bread is still coming out good and we put the best ingredients that keep people coming back and keep that traditional taste,”Jesse said. 

And although their father, Jesus Sedeño, passed away, the brothers said that when he was around, their dad was proud of what they accomplished with the bakery and following the family business because Mexican bread isn't only important for their family but for their whole community. 

“Mexican bread is important to the community because it reminds us where we came from. It makes us feel like we’re back in Mexico,” Jesse added 

So when asked what they thought of the ongoing trend of “dot cake,” both brothers said that to them Cortadillohas been in their and the lives of multiple generations forever and are happy more people are being introduced to their bread and also made them realize that Mexican culture is here and “will always be here.” 

The brothers also say that Mexican bread is so unique and special because of the shapes and colors that make it stand out to any other type of bread. A taste that can be different and new for many but also a taste of home to so many others. 

“We have been here for 32 years. Itfeels amazing that we have customers that continue coming here for years,” John said. With the community support and the love of their bread, the brothers were able to open up their second panaderíain the City of Anaheim in 2021, where they not only sell bread but have started delivering bread to restaurants such as El Torito, Kalaveras in San Bernardino, Los Angeles and Riverside. 

Now both locations carry more than 60+ types of Mexican bread such as cordadillo, bollio, orejas, perritos, oyos de anchas, los payasos and quesadillas salvadorenas just to name a few. 

When asked what the best way to support local panderias is, Jesse said to explore multiple local panderias, “Give different bakeries a try because not all of them taste the same,” he said.

So next time you see a Mexican sweet bread trending on social media, do yourself a favor and visit a local traditional panadería and show them love, because to them bread has been an everyday part of their lives, not just a trend. 

Tlaxcala Bakery Panadería is located on 1208 S. Standard Ave, Santa Ana, CA, 92707. It isopen seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Their second location on 3174 W Lincoln Ave Ste104, Anaheim, CA, 92801 is open seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.