Passed this place dozens of times without noticing it and then a coworker told me about The Able Baker. Well, this baker is more than just able! I am a scone aficionado, and am more often disappointed than not. But not at The Able Baker. Their scones are a paragon of scone-ness. They are buttery, just shy of sweet, crumbly and moist, all in the best possible way. If you are a scone lover, you know what I mean. These are qualities all too often lacking in other places' products. I have tried their cinnamon raisin ones slathered with gooey delicious glaze that's more like a cream cheese frosting, the blueberry, the cherry-coconut (yum), the cranberry and the date-hazelnut (which is my favorite but they have sadly not baked them again - please bring them back!). These goodies disappear pretty early on weekend mornings, as I have sadly discovered. You cannot sleep late and expect your tasty scones! Their banana bread and coffee cake are pretty damn good, too. Service is friendly and the people who work there seem to love what they do. So happy I found out about this place! My waistline, alas, is not... read more

Long Story Short: Very poor customer service! While my wife does like the cupcakes. I literally just called to see if they could do a cake order for her b-day which falls on the 27th on this month Thanksgiving. The young lady on the phone was not very polite, I asked if I could have a cake for the day before thanksgiving, she said no we cant do that, we are booked for cakes during the week of Thanksgiving ( totally understand your busy for thanksgiving), I asked well what about Friday the 20th, she said no were booked that weekend too. Okay no problem, what days are you available this month to make a cake, her response " Were not we are booked all month and not doing cake orders" She was very harsh, rude and not customer service oriented. I will not use them again and will tell my maple wood/south orange neighbors/friends about my experience. The Not Able to Do Anything During November Baker read more

I really want to like this place, I was so happy when she got her own space buuuuut in the few times I've been it's just never been a good experience. It's not just the staff that has treated me like I have a grotesque wart growing on my face(I don't by the way). The patrons as well, just total snobbery EVERY time I go. It's a completely different feeling at the Cupcake Corral, which is where I prefer to grab my coffee and treats. Unfortunately every time I've stepped into the Able Baker, with or without my kids, I'm immediately looked at like "wtf are you doing here". The ONLY reason I go is because they do make GF treats and so on the days I don't feel like making anything, it is nice to have a place I can grab a delicious GF treat. Alas, I have only been here about 4 times and yet again after today....it will be awhile before I go back., if at all. Dammit cupcake corral, please make some GF treats, please!! read more

I'm usually pretty picky when it comes to my baked goods, but I love everything about The Able Baker. The decor is adorable, with a cozy 1940s feel, and everyone who works there is incredibly happy and friendly. Their food is also delicious. The scones are my favorite (especially the Nutella banana flavor), but the cupcakes, cookies, and blueberry coffee cake are also great. Definitely stop by if you're in the area, you won't regret it! read more

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I came to Able Baker to inquire about ordering custom cake and cookies for a birthday party in two weeks. I was immediately shot down because apparently entire staff is on vacation for the entire month. I totally agree with other reviewers. This place does NOT ooze customer service and makes it hard for me to want to give them my business. read more

This place is definitely a scene on the weekends, but they are staffed appropriately and ready for the inevitable onslaught. This is a bakery primarily serving sweets, but there are a few savory options, too. Great place to pick up some scones, muffins, pastries, cookies, cupcakes, or the like. I tried a chocolate chip scone and it was delicious. Crisp outside, relatively soft inside with plenty of chips and a nice density. Their cold brewed iced coffee is excellent, too. There are a number of tables scattered throughout the space, as well as several tables outside along the sidewalk for nicer days. The friendly, helpful and competent staff make this a very satisfying stop as you check off your weekend chore list and need a carb load and/or caffeine boost. read more

love the cookies especially the double chocolate. So moist!

The sweet aroma of baked goods and coffee hits you even before you walk in...,very friendly faces greet you upon arrival...there were an array of baked goods that all looked delicious. There were a few gluten free options, but thankfully I'm not and I'm in a bakery so I'm going to go crazy. I was pleased to see La Colombe coffee, my absolute fave. The espresso and coffee were both delicious, freshly made. I had a sample of the brownie, it was divine, perfect amount of richness and texture. But I held out for the blueberry coffee cake just out of the oven, it was delicious, the blueberries added a nice touch to the traditional dessert and the crumble on top of generous. Will definitely be back! read more

I really like this place. It's set up like you are sitting at your aunt's kitchen table having a great snack (not at mom's who is telling you to take your elbows off the table). It's retro right down to the dial phone and the push button wall switch. I came for the gluten free cupcakes which are only baked on thursdays ir specially ordered The regular cupcakes are divine, light, and the icing is dreamy. Not overly sweet like regular bakeries. All baking is done right before your eyes. Worth the wait. read more

Love the Able Baker. The scones are the BEST and the coffee (La Columbe) is delicious. Always a treat when I am in Maplewood. read more

My favorite coffee shop in Maplewood. Their coffee is fantastic and they use Square wallet for payment. read more

The Able Baker - Bakeries Near Me - Maplewood, New Jersey

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Any day! Anything! This place has everything good! The staff is super courteous and the goods they offer are amazing! Savory scones? Yes please! And the coffee is out of this world! read more

Great Drinks, Friendly staff with a great atmosphere. I love coming here. And The upstairs is really nice for a large party.

I am always on the lookout for bakeries/coffeeshops around the area that serve fresh, homemade baked goods instead of resorting to Starbucks. The Able Baker is really delightful and definitely worth the 20 minute drive. Upon entering the bakery you are greeted by the warm aroma of cakes and coffee. You feel like melting and living there forever. They have a variety of baked goods...everything from scones, cookies, and cakes to pies, brownies, and cupcakes. I always have the urge to order one of everything. The banana bread is one of my favorites but you can't go wrong with anything else. read more

Ok their baked goods are amazing! Their coffee is rich and tasty! But their staff... their staff is the BEST!!! So friendly and helpful!!!

I want to cry every time I walk into the place. This is a true-blue bakery that has totally reinvented the scone. And don't be thrown off by the gluten-free ones if the flavor sounds up your alley! They taste much better than you think "gluten-free" should taste! read more

Great little bakery right on Maplewood Avenue all kinds of delicious treats and sweets all baked and made on the premises. read more

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I was in the area so thought I'd stop by after seeing some great reviews from yelp. Got the blueberry coffee cake and banana bread, both of which were Divine. both items were so moist and delicious. My fav was definitely the blueberry coffee cake. think there's ricotta in there which made it light and super moist. The crumb topping was just thick enough to give it a perfect crunch. I'd definitely like to see other flavors introduced into their cupcake line. I'll definitely be back to try the scones, cookies and cupcakes though! This place is definitely worth the drive, especially if you're looking for something sweet and gluten free. read more

OMG! The flavors coming out of this tiny bakery are a thousand times bigger than the tiny store front. Don't wait to go there. Grab the kids and go. Now. Stop reading and just go. I'm obsessed with the Julie O's and array of scone flavors. Orange, ginger AND currant. All in just one scone?! The perfect crust and moist sconiness. Phenomenal! And the friendliest staff anywhere! Bravo, my friends. Bravo! read more

Just went there today to check if they have the flourless chocolate cake by slices for sale and they don't. :( Majorly bummed! They said they usually have them for sale on Saturdays out for whoever, the smaller one for $20 and a larger one for $40. You can also get them made-to-order. So disappointed that I didn't get to have this before we moved from the area. My boss treated me to the coffee (it's good but not to-die-for like explained by some people, shrugs) and a slice of blueberry crumble cake. Too much crumble, not enough cake. The crumble isn't overly sweet so that's a huge plus IMO. The cake part is DELICIOUS and they don't cheap out on the blueberries. read more

NJ finally has its own Magnolia like bakery!!! The Able Baker is pleasantly delicious without an overly sweet cake. The pairing is perfect with the icing. Was looking for a place to get amazing cupcakes for my Dad's birthday and didn't want to get the old run of the mill type ones from the grocery store. Picked out a few options including the chocolate w chocolate icing, vanilla w. Vanilla icing and lemon curd Definitely tastes like someone put their heart and soul into the cupcakes. Kudos!! read more

Scrumptious fresh baked goodies daily (closed Mondays) made w/ quality ingredients. 1950's kitchen tables and chairs provide a nice place to enjoy your indulgences and relax. The owner is a friendly woman who has jazz playing softly in the background of her establishment. Mosey in and sit awhile. Diet or no diet have a cupcake; I do. read more

One of the most popular bakeries in all of Essex County, the Able Baker pretty much was a big part of the reason we chose to live in Maplewood. The most delicious scones, gluten free banana bread, and perfect apple pies. Just tried the banana cream pie today for the first time and it was amazing - not too sweet, fresh, and an excellent crumb crust. I also love the buttermilk waffle and strawberry scone (which I haven't seen on the menu for awhile!). There is almost a wait here, even during COVID, so order ahead! read more

Amazing banana bread and scones! The staff is very friendly and helpful too! I Look forward to trying more of their baked goodies!

Love this place. Everything about it makes me happy. Especially the gluten and dairy free banana bread and cupcakes. Yummmmmm read more

I used The Able Baker for my 3-year old daughter's birthday cake. It was fresh.... delicious and decorated beautifully. Nothing artificial. Truly special. Julie (the baker) was creative and helpful with ideas. My daughter wanted a princess cake. I didn't want the typical "disney plastic toys on top" cake or anything even close to that. Julie suggested building an adorable tiara out of fondant with fondant jewels. It was so cute. Julie also did the cake for another child's birthday -- the little boy wanted a "car racing" themed cake. Julie and her team built an adorable "roadway" on top of a 10" cake complete with road flags and finish line. The child's mom placed a car on the track to complete the scene. Both cakes were tasty..... as well as beautiful. read more

This is the second year I ordered a custom cake for my daughter; both of them looked GREAT! However, the cake tasted very heavy and dense both times. Most of the guests did not finish the slice that was given to them...they enjoyed my mom's (boxed) pineapple upside down cake much better. Unlike some of the other reviews, I never had a problem with customer service here. Unfortunately, I won't be able to order anymore custom cakes unless I am using it just for show. read more

Love this bakery! I'm partial to the scones and the pies but the Julios (home-made Oreos) are delightful as well. Excellent coffee. A few cramped tables are available but there's not much space to hang. read more

Obsessed. The coffee cake is what dreams are made of. I have tried three kinds, but blueberry is the new favorite. Best online ordering system. Couldn't be easier. Pickup is easy, and the staff is so lovely. Total winner. read more

We just moved to town and this is one of our favorite bakeries. Every sweet treat we have had has been delicious. The chocolate chip cookies are soft and chewy and the touch of sea salt makes it delicious. I love the brownies, the blondies, the cakes and especially the incredibly friendly staff. Will keep coming back! read more

Excellent bakery. The pecan crumb cake was the best I have ever eaten. Whole pies, slices , breads and cupcakes. Something for all.

Happy Workers Make Happy Customers! That is a philosophy all restaurants and stores should aspire to, and at Able Baker, they really make this statement come true. The shop is cute, with great outdoor seating in beautiful downtown Maplewood Village. Their coffees and teas are delicious, and of course, try one of their huge assortment of pastries. Able Baker epitomizes the local village eatery. They like to support local schools and organizations, and are really connected to the community. I'm a fan. For a small town with tons of coffee shops and bakeries, this one definitely holds their own. read more

Simply awesome!!! I mean everything is perfectly made and delicious with these skilled bakers. We are fortunate to have the rich tastes and smells perforate our town all year long It is worth the trip if you are from out of town and should be a staple for locals read more

Love this place . I'm addicted to the vanilla crumb cake. The brownies are very good of you love chocolate, very "fudgy". I've also tried the cranberry scone - good . Oh and the coffee is so good . Ughh .. I'm suppose to be watching what I eat but this place is my weakness read more

The Able Baker is one of my favorite places. The staff members are all the most genuine and kind people, the type of people that make your day. In addition to that, they always have the best-baked goods; my favorites are the sugar cookies (with adorable designs) and the red velvet cupcakes. I definitely recommend it!! read more

Friendly service and THE best blueberry coffee cake I've had...Ever! It was so moist, delicious and filled with fresh berries! I'll definitely be back and bring others with me. Enjoy! read more

There are not many bakeries for those of us who are uten free, this place is a diamond. The gluten free options are fantastic and so is the coffee. I highly recommend it! read more

Outstanding service - tried the drip coffee, gluten free cranberry orange and zucchini bread- superbly Moist and finished everything in one sitting - too good! No picture as all gone!.................... read more

Wonderful bakery with great food, and coffee! Lots of seasonal stuff and a hotspot for everyone in town

Dropped by for a late afternoon snack with the crew. We got cupcakes, tea cake, and a brownie, along with coffee. It was all great! We are jealous of those who live close enough to come by here often! read more