Kara Kakes

- 799 Franklin Ave, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417

Introduction / Overview

For New Jersey residents with a discerning sweet tooth, Kara Kakes in Franklin Lakes is far more than just a local bakery—it is a premier destination for custom-designed desserts and exquisite baked goods. Nestled in the heart of Bergen County, this specialty cupcake shop and cake studio has built a reputation on high quality, meticulous artistry, and a welcoming customer experience that has generated a loyal following over the years.

Founded by Kara Schanidt when she was just 19, Kara Kakes quickly rose to prominence, a testament to the founder’s passion and skill. The bakery is particularly renowned for its whimsical and delightfully decorated cupcakes, custom cakes for every occasion, and a variety of other unique, yummy treats. From elegant wedding cakes and vibrant birthday creations to the specialty cupcakes that put them on the map—with fans citing the quality as "unmatched"—Kara Kakes maintains a focus on using fresh ingredients in every item, such as real blueberries, hand-squeezed lemon juice, and actual vanilla bean specks.

Kara Kakes stands out in the competitive New Jersey dessert landscape by offering a fusion of classic baking techniques with modern, celebratory artistry. They cater to both simple cravings and grand occasions, making it the go-to spot for anyone planning a celebration or just needing a quick, high-quality treat. The business is built on a foundation of friendly, helpful staff and an immaculate store environment, leading many long-time patrons to enthusiastically recommend their services for both the quality of the food and the caliber of the customer support. As one loyal customer noted, the quality and service have been consistently top-notch since their "cupcake wars days," highlighting the bakery's lasting dedication to excellence.

Location and Accessibility

Kara Kakes is conveniently located at 799 Franklin Ave in Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417, USA, making it an easily accessible spot for residents across Bergen County and beyond. This prime location in a central New Jersey neighborhood ensures that whether you are planning a quick stop to pick up a treat or coordinating a large custom cake order, the trip is straightforward.

The bakery has taken necessary steps to ensure that their services are accessible to all members of the community. They offer key accessibility features, demonstrating a commitment to serving every customer comfortably and conveniently.

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot

For payment, Kara Kakes offers modern, hassle-free options, accepting Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC mobile payments, making for a swift and easy transaction, especially for those who are just popping in for a quick visit.

Services Offered

As both a premier cupcake shop and a versatile event venue, Kara Kakes provides a comprehensive array of services tailored to meet all dessert and celebration needs for New Jersey customers.

• In-Store Retail: A constant rotation of freshly baked goods, including their signature cupcakes, ready-to-go cakes, and various desserts.

• Custom Cake Design: Specializing in bespoke cakes for all special occasions, including birthdays, weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, graduations, and more. Customers can submit a custom cake form for specific design and flavor requests.

• Specialty Cupcakes: Offering a wide variety of daily flavors and seasonal rotations, often featuring unique combinations like the award-winning Creamsicle Cupcake or themed boxes like the Father’s Day flight with alcohol-inspired flavors (e.g., Summer Shandy, Sam Adams, Angry Orchard).

• Delivery & Takeout: Convenient options are available for those who prefer to pick up their orders or have them delivered directly.

• In-Store Pickup & Curbside Pickup: Efficient services for collecting pre-orders, especially during busy holiday periods or for quick visits.

• Onsite Services / Event Venue: Operating The Kake Studio, the bakery offers party packages and services for hosting events and parties on-site, providing "The Ultimate Cupcake Experience" for groups.

• Custom Invitations: As an added convenience for party planning, customers can order custom invitations directly through the bakery after confirming their event date and deposit.

Features / Highlights

Kara Kakes has numerous qualities that make it a standout choice for dessert lovers and event planners across New Jersey:

• Award-Winning Cupcakes: The bakery has a history of success in professional bakery competitions, with its Creamsicle Cupcake taking top prizes, and is well-known to long-time customers who remember the "cupcake wars days."

• Unique Specialty Desserts: Beyond classic cakes and cupcakes, the bakery is known for innovative items like Cake Stuffed Cookies, which retail between $5 and $6 each, and trendy "Explosion Cakes" that reveal a cascade of candy and sprinkles when sliced.

• Gluten-Free Options: Kara Kakes is highly praised in the local gluten-free community for its amazing gluten-free cupcakes and Italian cookies, making it a reliable choice for customers with dietary restrictions.

• High Quality and Freshness: The bakery prides itself on using fresh, authentic ingredients, a core commitment that elevates the flavor profile of all its products, from the famous cupcakes to the custom cakes.

• Exceptional Staff and Cleanliness: Customer reviews consistently highlight the staff's super friendly, fun, and helpful nature, noting that the store is kept "immaculate."

Contact Information

For New Jersey residents interested in ordering a custom cake, booking a party, or simply stopping by for a sweet treat, here is the essential contact information for Kara Kakes:

• Address: 799 Franklin Ave, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417, USA

• Phone: (201) 485-8889

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Kara Kakes for your next dessert or event means selecting a business deeply rooted in the New Jersey community and committed to delivering an exceptional product. What is worth choosing about this Franklin Lakes gem is the combination of high-level artistry and reliable customer service.

The consistent quality of their cupcakes, which many customers consider unmatched, makes it a perfect choice for everyday indulgence. These are not your average baked goods; with prices for specialty cupcakes retailing between approximately $5.25 and $6.00 each, the flavor complexity and decorative detail justify the premium. When seeking an impressive yet delicious dessert, local users should consider a specialty item like their innovative Cake Stuffed Cookies or a show-stopping Explosion Cake—unique offerings that guarantee a memorable experience.

Furthermore, Kara Kakes has expertly positioned itself as a one-stop-shop for celebrations. For a customer in New Jersey planning a major life event, the ability to order a meticulously custom-designed cake, book a party space in "The Kake Studio," and even secure custom invitations streamlines the planning process significantly. The bakery has a wide gallery of custom work, including everything from simple yet elegant designs to complex themed creations, such as their whimsical unicorn cakes.

While a small number of custom design discrepancies have been noted by some patrons, the majority of customers consistently return due to the bakery’s prompt, attentive service and commitment to resolving issues—as evidenced by the founder personally reaching out to a long-time customer to address a problem. This responsiveness and dedication to customer satisfaction, coupled with the unmatched quality of their flagship products and the convenience of their event services, solidifies Kara Kakes as a leading bakery in Bergen County and a highly recommended choice for residents across Northern New Jersey. Whether you need a simple treat or a spectacular, edible centerpiece for a major event, Kara Kakes offers "The Ultimate Cupcake Experience" and much more.

Kara Kakes

799 Franklin Ave, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417, USA