I absolutely LOVE this place: Wonderful coffee, scones, cakes, cookies. The vibe is warm and inviting and the customer service is stellar. I come here at least once a week with my kids, who look forward to it. I only wish they'd bring back the pecan coffee cake! We miss it. read more

Very fresh and of fantastic quality. The manager is always very nice and friendly when I come in the store. Although the regular baked goods are great, the quality of custom orders (i.e. Birthday cakes) is what really stands out. I have ordered 3 birthday and 2 holiday cakes since I discovered this bakery and am more than happy to report that my family, friends, and coworkers loved them, and that they were ready on time with no mistakes. I look forward ro returning to the Able Baker soon. read more

I ordered a birthday cake from there, I placed order through email with cake photos and all other detailed information about the cake, someone from this shop confirmed the order and based on our email conversation I visited their shop and placed the same order with all the details. I made the full payment in advance. When I received the cake, the cake looked horrible. That cake was for my daughters second birthday it was happened to be a two tier cake with a big fondant rose with few leaves. Costs $125 When we received the cake it was just a two tier pink cake no flower nothing. We were surprised with the fact that how could they do this mistake when they had the photo of the cake with them. They were not sorry they kept on saying they did not have any ticket for that fondant rose and I remember clearly that the lady wrote all the details about that rose in front of me . They had my email, photo everything, they could have called us if they had some doubt.! It was our mistake that we made the payment full in advance. How unprofessional and careless people they are! For them it was just a cake but for us it was our daughters second birthday cake. read more

It was my daughter-in-law's baby shower a few Saturdays ago and I was in charge of the cake. Everyone wanted an ice cream cake, but when the temperature was, once again, in the high 90s with the humidity just as high, I knew an ice cream cake would not survive. I called The Able Baker the morning of the shower and they managed to bake me a cake that morning for 35 guests. It was ready exactly when they said it would be. Not only was it beautiful, but the guests couldn't stop raving about how delicious (and fresh) it was. I was shocked when I got my AmEx statement and saw it was less than half the price of other bakeries - and even less than the ice cream cake would have run. I'm so glad my son and his wife moved to Maplewood - they're so fortunate to have such a great neighborhood bakery!! I'll be back whenever we need baked goods. read more

I have loved this bakery since it opened. Am a cupcake nut too. Their cupcakes are the best and I have had Billy's, magnolia, sprinkles, little cupcake bake shop, butter lane, baked by Melissa and more. Just went in today deb 5 as they reopened after expanding their space. Wow. More space and same charm and quality. Get my pies here too. If it's going to be a bit fattening, I want it to be worth it. It's worth it here. Finally, I run a non profit and the owner Julia is quite charitable in donating treats. She had her heart in the right place making me always recommend the able baker. read more

My friend brought over several cupcakes from this bakery, and they were awful. The cake part was so chewy, and the frosting was stale on the exterior. My kid tasted the vanilla cupcake and wouldn't eat it. I'm so confused because the reviews are so good. Maybe we will give it another shot. Just disappointed. read more

The most unbelievable scones EVER!!!! Made with excellent ingredients, crunchy top, yet moist (not cakey) inside. The pies are also terrific. Worth the money and the occasional wait in the fast moving line. Also, their coffee is great. I highly recommend the Americana. read more

I live in Manhattan and consider myself a cupcake aficionado, having sampled cupcakes throughout the city, the US and in other countries (including Australia). Last week, while visiting my parents in NJ, I stumbled upon The Able Baker. I bought several cupcakes to take home and all were outstanding! Some bakeries get the cake right, but the frosting isn't perfect. Other places have great frosting, but the cake is dry or tasteless, as if it were an afterthought. The cake component of each of the cupcakes I tried - pumpkin, carrot and chocolate - was moist and flavorful, and the icing on each was rich, creamy, just sweet enough and actually tasted like the flavor it claimed to be. These cupcakes are perfect and are now my favorite cupcakes in the NY tri-state area. I can't wait to go back! read more

I love this place! In fact, I think its my favorite place in the world. The staff is friendly and warm, the desserts are the absolute BEST and nothing is better than a hot La Colombe coffee. I have purchased a whole bunch of cakes for special occasions (wedding, baby shower, and many birthdays), and I must say, they are truly works of art both inside and out! This time of year makes me especially grateful for The Able Baker because it is peach season, and peach season means PEACH PIE. So stinkin' DELICIOUS! I love a pie with a nice thick, flaky crust, and they have it mastered. While Apple Pie is generally my go-to, the peach pie is really something special. read more

Coffee, scones, banana bread from Able Baker. Don't know how I could ever live without these in my life ever again. All the cookies are divine, too - the ginger snaps and chocolate chip are our favorite in that category. Overall great destination in Maplewood, you can't go wrong or find better quality baked goods. I do not have a big sweet tooth, I find that most of the baked goods are not too sugary, just enough to complement the flavors of the featured ingredients whether it's a cherry coconut or cranberry ginger scone, or a cookie. read more

Ordered a gluten free birthday cake for my wife from Able that was the worst cake I have ever eaten. It was supposed to be a chocolate cake with chocolate icing with a strawberry filling. I ordered it on the phone after searching the web for a nearby bakery that advertised gluten free cakes. Acting on the saleperson's recommendation, I order the cake. When I picked it up, it literally weighed 5 pounds. The entire cake was practically the icing. What cake there was tasted fine, but there was so little of it. When I looked around the table, everyone ate the cake and left the icing. Hugely disappointed. read more

The bakery was recommended to me by a very picky friend of mine which meant that it will be GREAT! I ordered my child's birthday cake from there, great service, a little confused teenagers without a clear knowledge of design and pricing but we got the job done! We tried all kinds of cupcakes and icings before we chose our flavors- everything was delicious and the coffee was awesome too! We got the cake, it looked beautiful just the way we agreed. Very reasonably priced as well! The chocolate layer was yummy, the caramel filling as well. The vanilla layer was stiff and lacking flavor, the chocolate icing was not good and definitely not the one I tried on one of their cupcakes ( I was told they use the same icing for both). So it was definitely a "wow" exterior but disappointed by the slice. I bragged so much about you guys and I was so proud of my choice of bakery and at the end....I was disappointed...Next time I will stick to your cupcakes. Oh well.... read more

Feeling lucky to live in Maplewood to be able to get my morning coffee here and an incredibly beautiful, magnificent cake for my daughter's bat mitzvah as well - recently devoured (with some help) a triple tier chocolate cake with chocolate ganache filling and the most incredibly artistic and detailed fondant design to boot!! ---- something so deliciously different about their latte and the wonderful vintage feel of the shop with such attention to detail --- love going in the morning and seeing the incredible cakes in the case waiting to be picked up by some lucky customers. The staff is very friendly and always seem upbeat! Love the days where I can sit and listen to the great music playing while munching slowly on a yummy scone or banana bread. read more

This is THE place for a special reasonably priced cake! Just a pleasure to work with Julie, the VERY ABLE baker! She created two cakes for my recent birthday party/wedding that were great tasting and wonderful to look at. WOW! Was all people could say with full mouths....and who made the cakes? read more

Excellent blueberry pie (with just the right amount of lemon) for my birthday. Thank you. Counter person could have been a little friendlier, but I'm sure the smallness of the space versus the number of customers can get a little frustrating. read more

Word has gotten out, and I'm happy to see that business is booming here. The product is as good as it ever was, but if you want to order a cake for a Saturday then I recommend you place your order at least a week in advance. read more

such good service and such good red velvet cakes, cappuccinos , lattes and flavored breads ! the cutest little cafe!

Phenomenal bakery. Everything is fresh. People are always ordering coffee and tea. Cakes are beautiful decorated. Cupcakes & sugar cookies are my favorite. Wish it were bigger so you could sit and relax while enjoying a nice cup of tea with a snack. Prices are similar to Starbucks but can't compare quality. The Able Baker is the real deal! read more

i know this place is known for its crazy hours so i had the chance to go early and i'm glad i did! me and my friend went and she got coffee and loved it. i got 2 vanilla cookies with a chocolate drop in the middle and 2 oreo looking ones. so good! i wanna go back and try more! read more

Love that the Able Baker has expanded. It's looks better than ever. The vintagey feel is so cozy, the coffee is great and the banana bread is out of this world! read more

Love love love the Able Baker! Not only are they friendly and creative, but their baked good are great! Personal family favorites are the carrot cake cupcakes, brownies, and the amazing, seasonal, buttermilk pies!!!! read more

Amazing on every level. They have expanded so prior reviews about the cramp and weird layout no longer apply. My only wish is that they would expand into the savory a little more. Maybe a baguette with prosciutto and manchego? Brie and fig jam crostini? Just one or two super simple savory options would literally stop me from ever going anywhere else. Ever. Ever. read more

Loved their chocolate chip scones and delicious coffee too! Would definitely recommend.

The Able Baker is a terrific addition to Maplewood Village! They serve great coffee and all sorts of tasty treats made from scratch. Our favorites are the red velvet cupcakes and yummy chocolate chip cookies. The cute retro storefront is a nice place to relax over breakfast or a snack. We'll be back often! read more

I had heard about The Able Baker about a year ago, but their hours and my schedule never seemed to work out. They recently changed their Sunday hours and are now open until 5, so my wife, baby, and I were finally able to try them. All I can say is I can't wait to go back. The place is cute and cozy which made my wife happy. The coffee was great as were the cupcakes. We tried a few different flavors between what we had in store and what we brought home. We had the vanilla cake with vanilla buttercream, chocolate with chocolate buttercream, vanilla with espresso buttercream, and the special lemon curd cupcake. All were awesome. The frosting is rich and creamy without being overly sweet, although not sure which was my favorite. My wife loved the vanilla buttercream as it reminded her of what her mother makes. The staff was also super friendly and helpful in making suggestions. It is certainly worth a trip there. I also suggest looking at their instagram account for amazing pics of cakes, which we plan to order for the next birthday party. read more

The flourless chocolate cake is to die for. Beyond decadent perfection every time. And the GF scones!! Amazing. So flavorful and nom nom. Lovely little bakery. I didn't give it 5 stars because for all its cuteness and ambience, it's crowded and uncomfortable just to get to the counter. I wouldn't even want to sit down, too claustrophobic. But grab and go is good enough for me. read more

Wonderful, cozy and friendly bakery where everything is made from scratch. The banana bread is always a winner on a Sunday morning as well as the cookies (try their home-made version of an oreo). Stop by if you are in the area and if not, it's worth the trip even if you just get a delicious cappuccino . read more

I love The Able Baker !! Lattes and chocolate chips scones have become a weekend ritual for my Mom and I. Everything I've tasted there has been amazing. I love the little quaint, vintage set up, it can get a little crazy on the weekends because the space is so small. I will say the crowd can be on the snobby side but who really cares...its mostly grab and go for the majority of the people. read more

Incredible desserts, great cup of tea and a friendly atmosphere, within throwing distance of Words Bookstore (which is equally spectacular). My only issue is that the seating is kind of tight and feels a bit sardine-y for that. But this is my favorite coffee spot in the area and something that Maplewood Village desperately needed to complete it's coolest "quaint" town around vibe. Check it out and you'll be hooked. I've noticed that some people had an iffy experience with the staff here and instead prefer the atmosphere at Cupcake Corral (now "Cedar Ridge".) I feel exactly the opposite. I write online from home, but when I get too stir crazy I search for a "second office" to scarf scones, drink tea and write for a few hours. Beyond the quality of the tea, coffee and snacks, a welcoming atmosphere is a key requirement. The staff at Able Baker has always been friendly to me the handful of times I've been there. By contrast, I really liked the Cupcake Corral - the coffee is killer, desserts are good - but I always felt like I was either invisible or intruding. I loved the coffee and layout so much I started going there two or three times a week to work on my laptop. But after going there several days in a row and sitting for hours each day - buying the odd tea and snack every hour or so - the owner never acknowledged my existence, although he chatted away with the cafe's regulars freely. I'm not looking for someone to yell "Norm!" l when I walk through the door, but after several days of sitting in a coffee spot, I'm hoping for the odd nod of welcome. Nada. So I love Cupcake Corral too... but it's a bit too clique-y when you go there. Not the case with Able Bakery. I get a smile every time. read more

Despite the food, the staff is stuck up, unfriendly, and curt...including the manager. I will not be returning.

Order from this place at your own risk! I placed a custom order for a birthday cake two weeks in advance. I paid the deposit and the person who took down my order confirmed, multiple times over the phone, the date the cake needed to be ready. When I showed up to pick up the cake, there was no cake! Finally, the staff realized that the cake was scheduled for a whole month away from the date for which I ordered the cake. So I was left with no cake for a birthday! The owner suggested that I have two very small cakes that were sitting there. I'm sorry but I did not place an order for two cakes, therefore I am not going to purchase two cakes. Considering the HUGE screw up this was, on my birthday no less, I would have expected a better customer service response. Instead, I received a shrug from the owner, who walked away after I refused the two small cakes as a substitute, and a weak apology from the other staff assisting. At least I got my money back. I will never order from this place again! How disappointing! If you risk it, I suggest calling multiple times to confirm your cake will be ready. Customer service is clearly not a strength for this place. read more

This by far the worst experience that I have ever had with a bakery in my entire life. After exchanging several text messages and emails with Julie, I was assured that she could produce the exact same cake that I wanted for my daughter's 3rd birthday (it was a simple two layer round cake with polka dots and a crown on top of it). Well you can imagine both my surprise and disappointment when I arrived at the bakery on the day of my daughter's party only to discover that the only thing that was correct about the cake was the color and the crown. I clearly ordered a 2 layer cake, but what they tried to give me was a miniature 1 layer cake that was not even big enough to feed 6 people. When I questioned them about the inadequate size of the cake, the response that I got was "This is the cake that you ordered, but if it's too small you can buy some cupcakes for a $1 each to go around it". SERIOUSLY?!!?....So on top of the $85 that they wanted me to pay for a cake that was the size of a cereal bowl, I was now expected to pay an additional price for some cupcakes to correct their mistake!!!! Like I said, worst experience ever!!!! read more

After looking through reviews of local bakeries to order a cake for my baby shower, I came across fantastic reviews for The Able Baker. After taking a visit and sampling a few random items (all delicious!) I went ahead placed an order for my baby shower cake and the icing-decorated cookies as our favors. I could not have been more pleased with the entire order. The cookies came out absolutely adorable (pink baby elephants) that were equally matching in freshness and quality. The cake was amazing! The vanilla cake inside was very dense and fresh in like a creamy way, and the ganache filling we ordered was incredible. We did the outside in an ombre pink swirl design. It was simple yet elegant. The ordering process was very smooth and my order was ready to be picked up on time - no issues there whatesoever. The prices are very reasonable - not cheap, but you are paying for quality. I received a lot of compliments on the cake especially. The place itself is very cute - has a "Brooklyn" feel it, which my husband and I liked very much having had lived in New York previously. This bakery is going to be our standard choice when we are in the mood to splurge on some quality baked goods and coffee on a random weekend. read more