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    Kara Kakes

    4.1 (140 reviews)
    PriceyCupcakes, Desserts
    Closed 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

    Kara Kakes Photos

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    Sara D.

    I found Kara Kakes when a friend tagged them on Instagram raving about a cake they had gotten here for a special occasion. Their cakes looked good so I followed them in case I needed a cake, and I'm so glad I did. We needed a cake for my mother-in-law's 70th so I decided to give Kara Kakes a shot, since I knew they could deliver something that looked great. I used their online ordering system, which was super simple- just make sure that you order well in advance to make sure they can accommodate the order (I put in about a month before and that was already cutting it close). We ended up going with a champagne tiered cake with strawberry cream cheese frosting. I looked at some of the photos they had online and ended up doing sage buttercream frosting with a gold drip. Since we needed it to feed 50+ it ended up being a little pricy, but boy was it worth it. Whenever I've done a fancier cake like this, I feel like I've been paying for aesthetic coupled with mediocre cake. This was not the case with Kara- this was without a doubt the best cake I've ever had. Everyone at the party was raving about it and asking where I got it. Though it was dense (and heavy!), it was moist and the cake to frosting/filling ratio was perfect. I'll definitely be going to them whenever I need an event cake moving forward!

    Brownie sundae cupcake
    Briana F.

    I was craving chocolate so I thought I would try this place. The staff are very friendly and the store has great decor. The cupcake was too sweet for me unfortunately and too overpriced for the quality. It was good to try but wouldn't come back

    Cassy B.

    I so so badly wanted to love these cupcakes. They're so aesthetically beautiful. Truly, each one was decorated perfectly. The taste just wasn't there for me. I got a box of 4 cupcakes and then a separate box of two to give away. I don't live in the area and since I was up here I decided to get a few flavors to try. The store is beautiful and clean, the employees were nice. It's really just the flavors and freshness that completely fell short for me. The red velvet cupcake was not fresh, it didn't taste stale but was definitely hard on the edges. The frosting wasnt spot on for me, needed more of a cream cheese base. The strawberry blondie was the worst of all. I felt terrible too because I got two of those. The blondie on top was pure butter, it felt like I was biting into a room temp stick of butter. The frosting I literally spit out, and the cake was just artificial. I would definitely skip this one. The churro Cookie Monster wasn't my favorite either. The churro on top was super hard and not tasty. The frosting was alright and the cake again tasted too artificial. The chocolate cheesecake was definitely the biggest hit for me and even then, it wasn't enough to make me want to come back here. The cake on this one was the freshest and the frosting was the tastiest. Overall, I won't be back but the shop itself is beautiful and again the workers were super nice. Just fell short for me where it matters most.

    Custom lego cake
    Tiffany Y.

    Kara Kakes always provides outstanding customer service and amazing customer cakes! I ALWAYS order cakes from them and every time, it tastes better than the last! Cute little pink store located in Franklin Lakes and I can tell you now, to go early if you're looking for their cupcakes. Once they're sold out, it's sold out. Their cupcakes go FAST and ordering a custom cake, I would recommend at least a month in advance! They do have pre made cakes available daily but call ahead and reserve it since there's limited cakes available. I've never had a bad experience with them and I've ordered cake pops and custom cakes with them on multiple occasions. I highly recommend Kara kakes for your sweet tooth fix!

    Picture from store's instagram account

    I am very disappointed with my experience at Kara Kakes. I was very particular about the cake design for my son's first birthday party. I spoke to the staff multiple times about design ideas and visited the store on a few occasions. In the end, I went with a cake design that I found on the store's instagram page. A cake that had been previously made by the store. I asked that the cake be replicated identically to the one in the image. The staff told me what size and detail was needed to replicate the design. We discussed the shiny black coloring, number of buttons, 3-d jacket lapels, shape and size of the collar, design of the white shirt, and most importantly the bow that was the centerpiece of the cake. Unfortunately, the cake that was made for my son was different. When we came to pick it up, the cake was matte (not glossy), the collar was missing the front triangles and disproportionately large, it had 3 buttons (not 2), no detail on the tuxedo shirt, the lapels were not 3-d, and the bow was massively disproportionate to the cake, flat, and looked different from the style in the picture. It also had a double center ribbon that looked like lips (horrible!). After I got noticeably upset, they took the cake into the back and "fixed" the front of the bow to remove the lips and added triangles to the collar (that looked more like sloppy glued on cat ears). The store told me that it was close enough to the picture (it was a black tuxedo!) and I should be happy with the work. They said That none of my guests would know better. I said fair enough but this is materially different from what we discussed, ordered, and wanted. I came to this store for a custom designed cake based on agreed specifications - this was not what was created for me. No explanation could be provided for why they made the design changes. I continued to be very upset and said that at least the bow needs to be fixed. They refused to make any changes and essentially said take it or leave it. Not that a discount could have fixed this horrible situation, but one wasn't even offered and when my Husband asked - it was refused. Left with no option as we needed a birthday cake and it was the day before the party (and it would be literally impossible to find a replacement cake in the short timespan), my husband encouraged me to just take the cake. I regret doing this and should have just left it at the store. It did not photograph well and tasted horrible. Save yourself the disappointment and rudeness and go somewhere else. I wish I had.

    Megan L.

    Fun, delicious, HEAVY cupcakes that are a whole experience just to eat. Go early -- guaranteed they'll sell out of stuff very quickly. Look at the menu before you go but don't expect to walk out with what you planned to get. Super friendly staff and temptations everywhere you look. They have the cutest dog treats, too. Loved every bite! Ate two in a row and felt like garbage from how sweet and filling they were! 5/5 would do it again

    a dozen cupcakes in a box

    Only leaving 4 but really wish I could leave less. Reason I'm not is because the cupcakes are absolutely delicious, so this place is still worth it for the cupcakes. But, I ordered a cake for my birthday and it was beautiful when I picked it up. When I was carrying it (extremely carefully), the strawberries on top fell off. The icing was hardened and the strawberries weren't secured. All four strawberries ended up rolling off the cake. They had sparkles on them so you can see how the sparkles ruined the cake. I was so upset about this as it was not cheap. I emailed Kara's Kakes as soon as I got home and it happened. They said they could not do anything since they were made aware after closing and couldn't take responsibility for it after it leaves the shop but if it was for the next day (when they responded) I could go in and they would fix it. I wouldn't buy a cake from here ever again, but like I said very much enjoy the cupcakes. Also recommendation to have better securement of anything on top of the cake. Very disappointing.

    GF Apple Pie
    Candice N.

    I came into Kara Kakes after looking up 'gluten free near me' (hint hint) and realizing I was parked right out front The only review I read that mentioned gluten free said they had very few options. While it's true I got the only one they had, I still thoroughly enjoyed it! And I was also told that I could special order almost any cupcake as gluten free. I will be doing that one of these days, after having tasted the Apple Pie cupcake, which is the current GF dlavor of the monthw. It was very moist, and the apple pie filling sitting on top didn't make it soggy at all. It had a delicious apple pie filling as well, which combined with the whip cream frosting, made for multiple delicious, well rounded bites! Thanks, Marissa, for being so friendly and knowledgeable.. I will be back!

    Alcohol infused cupcakes
    Joanne M.

    I ordered the alcohol filled cupcakes for my son's 21st Birthday. The young lady who took my order was so helpful and patient. The Cupcakes were a work of art. They were delicious and beautiful. I highly recommend and will be back!

    Coco themed birthday cake! Marigold cake
    Alex S.

    Great gf cupcakes and regular cakes. I'm GF and their cupcakes are not too sweet, just perfect. I ordered my daughters birthday cake from them and it was beyond amazing. Everyone liked it.

    Bananas Foster, Golden Oreo Pumpkin Cheesecake, & Peanut Butter Apple Pie
    Allie G.

    I don't know why it took me so long to visit Kara Kakes - this place is fantastic! The flavors are so original and the taste is amazing - both the cupcake itself and everything on top (I'm not even a fan of frosting normally, but loved it here). We tried the Bananas Foster, Golden Oreo Pumpkin Cheesecake, and the Peanut Butter Apple Pie. Genuinely, I couldn't even pick a favorite because they were all delicious. Recommend coming early because by 3pm, several flavors were sold out. Will be back to try more!

    Amazing!!! Kara created fabulous desserts for my daughter's baby shower. The classic Winnie the Pooh theme was on display with the custom cupcakes, cake pops and chocolate covered strawberries. And the cake (see picture) was a masterpiece!

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    Kara S.

    Thank you so much for the wonderful review!

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    Thank you so so much! We are so happy you enjoyed everything!

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    Ask the Community - Kara Kakes

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    Sook Pastry - blueberry scone is very good

    Sook Pastry

    4.3(1k reviews)
    5.4 mi
    $$

    I've been hearing about Sook for quite some time and finally had the chance to check it out. Sook…read moreis located on one of the side streets off East Ridgewood Avenue (walking distance). They also have a chocolate shop next door. When I walked inside of the bakery, I felt transported to a pastry shop in France. I visited on a Sunday afternoon and it was super busy. Service was quick and efficient. I ordered a latte and a scone. The scone was very delicious and fresh. My boyfriend ordered a frozen hot chocolate and a chocolate éclair. I tried a bit of the éclair and we both agreed that it was the star of the show. I normally am not a big éclair person but this one was so chocolatey and rich. It was filled with this creamy, fresh chocolate filling. I strongly dislike the store bought cream filling that they are usually piped with. We sat at one of the little tables on the sidewalk outside since the weather was nice. I will be back if I am in the area and in the mood for a sweet treat!

    This place knows chocolate! Their hot chocolate is rich and flavorful…read more It was a line to the door on a Monday holiday afternoon. Small place with a couple of tables. We snagged one as people were getting up. I got a napoleon and another dessert that was chocolate mouse with Carmel and a biscuit cookie on the bottom. It was soo good. Really fluffy but also creamy and rich. Highly recommend this place if you love chocolate! I spent near $30 for a small hot chocolate, a cookie, pastry and mini cake. So it is expensive! But worth it once in a while. And they have a bathroom in the back!

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    Sook Pastry - Dining area

    Dining area

    Sook Pastry - The clover (10inch) so decadent!

    The clover (10inch) so decadent!

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    The Market Basket - The Market Basket

    The Market Basket

    3.9(224 reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$$
    60 years in business
    Family-owned & operated

    My opinion the number 1 catering place and food store in Bergen county and I am loyal customer for…read more30 and counting! Food is always outstanding and worth the price you pay. The service is outstanding and delivery is well done. Store is clean and quaint and well organized. Looking to get catering it is well done.!

    To the people in hot prepared foods:…read more I wanted to take a moment to congratulate your prepared foods department on accomplishing something I didn't think was possible: making chicken completely inedible. This afternoon my wife purchased two portions of your "Harvest Chicken" from the hot foods counter. When she brought it home, we sat down expecting dinner. Instead, we were treated to what can only be described as a culinary experiment in dehydration. I didn't realize chicken could actually reach the texture of corrugated cardboard, but your staff has apparently mastered that technique. Large sections were so hard that even a fork had trouble getting through them, which is an impressive achievement if the goal was to create building materials rather than food. It's honestly a shame, because an animal had to give its life for that meal, only for it to be cooked into something no human should reasonably be expected to eat. I have seen more care put into kindergarten cooking projects. In the end, most of it went straight into the garbage, which seemed to be the most appropriate place for it. For comparison, a stop at Burger King would have been a noticeable upgrade in quality. You may want to take a look at what's happening behind that counter, because if this is the standard being served to customers, something has gone very wrong.

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    The Market Basket - Our Tuscan Table

    Our Tuscan Table

    The Market Basket - Located in Beautiful Franklin Lakes!

    Located in Beautiful Franklin Lakes!

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    Raw Bar Station

    Hands Down Cookies - Smashed chocolate chip cookie was delicious!!

    Hands Down Cookies

    5.0(32 reviews)
    5.1 mi

    I was having coffee nearby and one of the other customers told me about Hands Down Cookies. More…read morespecifically, he told me about the smashed chocolate chip cookie. I was sold on the texture and hint of salt. The shop is clean and modern, gentleman behind the counter was friendly and professional. The smashed cookie was fresh out of the oven. $4 for a decently sized cookie. I showed some willpower and waited until I got home to eat it. Let's just say, it was gone in less than a minute! Absolutely delicious! Maybe I would have gone for a touch more salt but it was a great cookie. I would certainly return.

    I feel over the years that my fans have not quite understood the quality, range and experience of…read moremy sweet tooth. I once through a disco at nabisco. I'm well known in Girl Scout cookie circles across the country, for all the wrong reasons. Cookies show up out of nowhere at my door every year at the holidays and ridiculous sums of money are withdrawn from my brittle bank account without my knowledge. Don't know how, should probably care but don't. I take life seriously but not too seriously. I take myself seriously but not too seriously. That my friends is what I'm coining the Serious Sanity Scale. Serious Sanity Scale in a nutshell. The ideal overachievers of folks take themselves seriously and life seriously. However, they don't take themselves or life too seriously. This is a key difference, one to think about, I don't have the time to define it. I care about it enough to present but not to describe. Then there are others, who don't take themselves or life seriously enough. A crowd that wouldn't even know they were within a crowd of similar individuals. There are some that strive or pretend to be like this, but this style of living is innate, if you ask me. And it is typically temporary, like the tubbyness of my tummy. Or so I try to convince myself. It's been years. When will it disappear. Where are my abs. Underneath? Or uncapturable. Stop it tubby nobody cares about the never ending lint in your bustling belly button. Anyways, back to cookies. I kuddled up with the Keebler leprechaun for 4 straight semesters abroad in Northern Ireland. We basically lived at Sainsbury's grocery. He still calls me hear and there, good guy, the reason I'm known as El Grande Fudge Lover. I was the first man to call Amos, famous. Nutter Butter was my nickname in HS. I dated Mrs. Fields until I tasted her overly sugary mess of a cookie. My pet mule paco's favorite toy is my life size Little Debby doll... anyways. Hands Down Cookies is hands down a great addition to Bergen County. Sweets make me sweat. They get me antsy. Butterflies in the tummy. Bite the lip energy. Eye contact so strong that both parties feel they've violated each other. Ya feel me? Anyways... get the chunkier chocolate chip not the thinner one. The chunker? 9.2. Yup. So chocolatey, so tasty. Have confirmed this over multiple tastes, tried and true. They have a different few everytime I end up going. Some duds but a lot of studs, such as the apple crumb punk in the image I blessed you with. I hope they get a ton of business but I'm usually the only one in there. I do go at odd hours so maybe I'm unaware of their popularity. What am I doing with my life. Who am I? What will I become... all things I'll focus on at another time. My focus right now is on getting YOU, my lovely reader, out to Hands Down Cookies on Goffle Road. A truly great and unique cookie collection. Linguini leaves you semi-entertained but fully-educated.

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    Hands Down Cookies - Oatmeal Crazin

    Oatmeal Crazin

    Hands Down Cookies - Cookies

    Cookies

    Hands Down Cookies - Box / logo

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    Soma Cafe & Creperie - Savory Crepe

    Soma Cafe & Creperie

    4.7(72 reviews)
    4.4 mi
    $$

    Visited this small and cozy cafe for breakfast on the weekend. I got a matcha latte and the hearty…read moreomelette. The matcha was sweeter than I prefer, but still good. Omelette was tasty, but nothing special. Presentation was super cute though! Inside was clean and cute. Not many tables, so there may be a wait depending on how busy it is when you come. Service was great despite how busy it got. I can see myself coming back here!

    Our server was easy going and helpful in accommodating me as a vegetarian. I had the panini without…read morethe chicken and substituted mushrooms and avocado. My husband ordered the crepe. They offered two little slips to each customer - one for a savory crepe and one for a sweet and you can build you own. Great concept but it would be beneficial if the server confirmed the order because we asked for nutella, banana, strawberry, and ice cream and got 2/4. We were in a rush to leave so forgot to check the receipt to see if we were charged for the others; however it was $48 (w/o tip) for 1 panini, 1 crepe and 1 latte so a bit overpriced for the quality of food, in my opinion. The sandwich and crepe were both just okay, nothing to rave about. The drink was aesthetically pleasing with the iced Bear and tasted great. We asked for whipped cream on the latte but our server forgot that too. She also forgot to provide us water until we asked and it came at the end of the meal.  Outside dining was not optimal as it's right next to the railroad tracks and quite loud. There is a kids play area which I thought was a nice addition to the space, but I do wish it was gated off for the younger kids as it's so close to the road! Overall, I found that it was a bit overrated and underwhelming... there are so many restaurants to choose from in the area that I wouldn't opt to come back here.

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    Soma Cafe & Creperie - Inside

    Inside

    Soma Cafe & Creperie - Creme Brûlée & Kinder Surprise

    Creme Brûlée & Kinder Surprise

    Soma Cafe & Creperie - Creme Brûlée & Kinder Surprise

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    Kara Kakes - cupcakes - Updated May 2026

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