Planning A Celebration? This Is The Go-To Spot For Showstopping Custom Cakes That Taste As Good As They Look

Picture wandering down a quiet side street in downtown Rutherford when the unmistakable aroma of butter, fresh-baked bread, and citrus stops you mid-step.

That irresistible pull leads straight to Erie Coffeeshop & Bakery, a rustic-chic gem founded in 2015 by pastry chef Renee Faris.

After honing her craft at prestigious New York kitchens including Gramercy Tavern and working under Union Square Events pastry chef Dan Keehner, Faris brought her passion for artisan baking to Bergen County, creating what Food Network and Tasting Table have crowned home to one of the best cakes in America.

This small-batch bakery specializes in European-style pastries paired with locally roasted Cafe Grumpy coffee, offering everything from savory hand pies to show-stopping custom cakes.

What sets Erie apart is the commitment to quality over quantity, with every item made from scratch daily using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. The space itself feels like stepping into a friend’s sunlit kitchen, complete with fresh flowers, lush plants, and an open kitchen where you can watch the magic happen.

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Star Pastries & Signature Treats

The Legendary Citrus Olive Oil Cake: This is the pastry that put Erie on the national map. Made with premium olive oil and fresh citrus, the cake boasts an incredibly moist, fluffy texture that melts on your tongue.

The citrus-vanilla glaze strikes the perfect balance between tart brightness and delicate sweetness, topped with fresh orange peel and, during winter months, a sprig of rosemary.

Food Network selected this as one of the 51 best cakes in the United States, and Tasting Table named it New Jersey’s best slice of cake. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why people drive from neighboring towns just to get their hands on a slice.

Banana Bread with Caramel Glaze: This isn’t your standard banana bread. The loaf itself is incredibly moist with bold banana flavor throughout, but what elevates it to must-try status is the glossy caramel glaze drizzled generously on top. The combination creates a sweet-salty harmony that keeps you coming back for another slice.

Savory Egg Pastries: Think of these as European-style breakfast perfection. A flaky, buttery pastry shell cradles cheese, sometimes ham, and a perfectly cooked fresh egg in the center.

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The yolk stays jammy and rich, making this a fork-and-knife situation. Fair warning though – save this one for when you’re sitting down, as the runny yolk has a mind of its own!

Hand Pies & Biscuits: The savory selection rotates but frequently includes spinach, mushroom, and feta hand pies, along with creative biscuit flavors like goat cheese and black pepper or ham and leek. The cheese and chive biscuits have developed quite a following, with their flaky layers and sharp, herbaceous kick.

Scones Done Right: Erie takes scones seriously, offering both sweet and savory options. The lemon lavender scone delivers subtle floral notes with bright citrus, while the maple pecan brings warm, autumn-inspired comfort. Don’t sleep on the savory scones either – they’re equally satisfying and pair beautifully with coffee.

Daily Focaccia: Fresh-baked focaccia appears regularly, with its golden, olive oil-kissed crust and pillowy interior. This has become a fan favorite, often selling out by early afternoon.

Specialty Cookies: The rosemary thyme cookie has achieved near-legendary status. This herbaceous treat offers a unique, memorable flavor profile that tastes like comfort and sophistication rolled into one.

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The chocolate chip cookies get elevated with a sprinkle of Maldon sea salt, creating that perfect sweet-salty contrast. For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free options like almond cookies and chocolate walnut cookies don’t sacrifice flavor or texture.

Seasonal Innovations: The menu constantly evolves with the seasons. You might find cardamom rose cakes, dulce de leche brownies, berry frangipane tarts with almond oat streusel, key lime pie, or on Thursdays and Sundays, Arabic toast that brings global inspiration to the pastry case.

The Coffee Experience

Brooklyn’s Finest Beans: Erie serves coffee from Cafe Grumpy, the celebrated Brooklyn roaster known for exceptionally bold, complex flavors. Whether you order a cortado, cold brew, cappuccino, or Americano, expect coffee that stands up to the pastries rather than playing second fiddle.

Cold Brew Perfection: The cold brew here earns consistent praise for its smooth, full-bodied flavor without any harsh bitterness. It’s become the drink of choice for regulars who appreciate a clean, bold coffee experience.

Homemade Syrups: Erie crafts its own syrups, including a popular vanilla syrup that transforms a simple latte into something special. These small touches show the attention to detail that permeates every aspect of the menu.

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Infused Iced Teas: For non-coffee drinkers, the selection of infused iced teas provides refreshing alternatives with the same commitment to quality ingredients.

Custom Cakes & Special Orders

Show-Stopping Celebrations: Erie has built a reputation for stunning custom cakes that taste as incredible as they look. The banana cream pies and tarts have become particularly popular for birthdays and special occasions.

Orders require at least five days notice and are handled exclusively through email, with deposits required. The cakes book up quickly, especially during peak celebration seasons, so planning ahead is essential.

Atmosphere & Design

Rustic European Charm: The moment you step inside, you’re enveloped in warmth. The interior features a beautiful rustic design with an open kitchen concept that lets you watch the bakers at work. Display cases brim with colorful pastries and cakes that look almost too beautiful to eat.

Plants & Fresh Flowers: One of Erie’s most distinctive features is the abundance of greenery. Fresh flowers and lush plants adorn every corner, creating an inviting, tranquil atmosphere that feels like a cozy retreat rather than just another coffee shop.

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Cozy Space Considerations: The shop itself is intimate and charming, though this means limited indoor seating. There are a few outdoor tables when weather permits and some standing tables by the windows, perfect for grabbing a quick bite. The small size contributes to the neighborhood feel but can mean things get crowded during peak times, especially weekend mornings.

Aromatic Welcome: Even before you enter, the bakery announces itself through intoxicating scents wafting onto the street – warm bread, caramelized sugar, bright citrus, and rich butter create an olfactory experience that’s impossible to resist.

Practical Details & Tips

Early Bird Gets the Pastry: Erie bakes in small batches daily, and popular items sell out fast. Things start running low around noon, so morning visits yield the best selection. Don’t worry though – even the afternoon offerings are worth the trip, as fresh items emerge throughout the day.

Pricing Philosophy: Prices sit at average to slightly above average for the quality you’re receiving. Most pastries and baked goods range from $1-$10 per person, with custom cakes priced separately.

The portions might be more refined than massive, but the quality and flavors justify every dollar. This is artisan baking done right, not mass-produced pastries.

Hours & Days: The bakery operates Wednesday through Sunday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, closed Monday and Tuesday. These limited hours contribute to the exclusivity and ensure everything stays fresh.

Payment Notes: There’s a $7 credit card minimum, and American Express is not accepted. Come prepared with alternative payment methods.

Parking Situation: Street parking is available along Franklin Place, and there’s a bank parking lot across the street that customers can use. The bakery sits just off Park Avenue, making it easy to find once you know where to look.

Sandwiches on Select Days: If you’re looking for something more substantial, Erie offers sandwiches on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. These use the same high-quality ingredients and attention to detail as everything else on the menu.

Gluten-Free Options: Several gluten-free cookies and madelines are typically available, though it’s worth noting this is not a dedicated gluten-free facility.

Woman-Owned Business: Erie is proudly woman-owned and family-run, which adds to the warm, welcoming atmosphere. The business has deep community ties, sourcing from local organizations like Greens do Good, which employs and supports adults with autism.

Wait Times: Lines can form during busy periods, especially weekend mornings and holidays like Thanksgiving when special pies are available. The good news? Lines move relatively quickly, and the anticipation makes that first bite even sweeter.

Perfect For: Coffee and pastry enthusiasts, people seeking European-style bakery experiences, those hunting for exceptional custom cakes, date mornings, catching up with friends, or treating yourself to something special. The atmosphere leans casual and welcoming to all ages.

Erie Coffeeshop & Bakery
📍 10 Franklin Pl, Rutherford, NJ 07070