Oh So Yummy! The Sweet Avenue Bake Shop!

Somebody better tell the cake to step up its game because it’s one and only rival, the cupcake, is about to take over the world! These mini versions of the greatest sweet treat there is are quickly becoming the “Belle Of The Ball,” and bakers everywhere are diving into the fad head on. Each day another delectable little cupcake shop is opening up all over the place. So why is it that the cupcake is out-doing its predecessor, the cake? “I think people like it because you can walk in and get ten different flavors instead of one chocolate layer cake – you can get whatever you want; you get a lot more variety.” That’s what Jake Vance, owner of a new cupcakery called the Sweet Avenue Bake Shop, thinks.

Not too long ago, a cute little shop opened up right across the street from my gym in Rutherford, NJ; just what I need, right? This irresistible temptation is staring me right in the face every day after I work out. Well, I’m proud to say that I’ve resisted their powerful lure…that is until about a few weeks ago. I just couldn’t take it anymore – it’s such a cute shop – pink and girly and full of sugary, sweet treats! I finally caved; and I’m happy I did because I enjoyed some of best damn cupcakes ever that night. Located at 153 Park Ave. in Rutherford, NJ, this amazing little cupcake boutique is the newcomer among a block lined with history and sustenance; and I believe they have what it takes to settle in for the long haul.
A family entity owned and operated by husband and wife bakers extraordinaire Danielle and Jake Vance, Sweet Avenue is the latest and greatest store front to hit the busy streets in the town of Rutherford. Inspired to bring phenomenally baked goods to everyone after being served a not-so-great wedding cake, Danielle and Jake started their new business primarily as an event catering/delivery business, while both still maintained full time positions in other fields. Danielle was stuck at a financial position which didn’t exactly provide her with the creative outlet she craved, while Jake could be found taking apart and rebuilding computers as a technical support engineer. He also runs his own web master business and did the designing for the Sweet Avenue Bake Shop internet site.

Danielle and Jake were busy as could be, splitting their time between their day jobs, while managing to maintain a successful cupcake delivery business during their off hours. When the two realized that opening up a gourmet cupcake store was their destiny, they put all of their efforts into making this dream come true. While Jake still holds his tech position, Danielle was able to leave her job in the financial industry and focus solely on the birth of a new career: owner of the Sweet Avenue Bake Shop.
Of course, it’s hardly an easy task running a successful business alone, so Danielle and Jake recruited family members to help out at the store. Ann, Danielle’s mom, signed on to handle the day-to-day work load as Sweet Avenue manager, while Kristina, Danielle’s sister, joined the team to help out around the shop as well as provide creative input for new and unusual cupcake recipes. She is the one responsible for the oh-so-yummy “Cookies And Cream” and “S’mores” cupcakes.
Sweet Avenue Bake Shop is unique in the fact that more than half of their available cupcake recipes are entirely vegan, meaning they’re made without using any dairy products such as eggs and milk. Instead they use non-dairy substitutes and let me tell you – you’ll never know the difference. So don’t be scared to step out of the box and go for a vegan treat – it’s just as good (if not better, and better for you) as the traditional cupcake. Their daily flavors range in variety to whatever they feel like having on any given day – but for the most part you’ll be choosing from creations such as Mocha Madness (chocolate cake with mocha coffee frosting), Fluffernutter (vanilla cake with peanut butter and marshmallow frosting), Little Cutie (chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and a cute topper), Carrot Cake (carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and fresh shredded carrots) and many, many more! It gets better. Not only do they bake these lovely little cupcakes for all to enjoy – but their menu also includes a delicious assortment of cookies, muffins and mini-muffins. So if cupcakes aren’t really your thing, there are other options to choose from to satisfy that darn sweet tooth of yours!

Now, as if I didn’t love this place enough already, get this; Danielle and Jake must have some great taste in music, because a few of their cupcakes boast names such as “White Room,” “Strawberry Fields,” “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds,” “Ruby Tuesday,” “Dark Side Of The Moon,” and “Purple Haze.” Also, something I initially missed, the name of their store, Sweet Avenue, is actually a song title from one of their favorite bands, Jets To Brazil. Come on, it doesn’t get any better than that!
Sweet Avenue treats are available in single purchases or in quantities, such as a tier of 25-65 cupcakes, a tier of 75-175 cupcakes or a tier of 200-300 cupcakes and they do custom designs as well; so put aside your New Year’s resolutions to drop the pounds and starve your self, and head on over to this adorable, delectable, fantastic little cupcake shop and treat your taste buds to some of the best cupcakes in New Jersey!

For more info visit them at www.sweetavenuebakeshop.com