A Sweet Victory for Rutherford
In the heart of Rutherford, New Jersey, Erie Coffeeshop & Bakery has been crowned the state’s top spot for cake slices by Tasting Table, a national food authority. Their citrus olive oil cake, lauded for its perfect balance of tart and sweet, has put this small-town gem on the map. Since opening in 2015, owner Renee Faris has built a loyal following, blending homemade charm with innovative flavors. What makes this NJ best cake slice so special, and how does Erie shine in a competitive culinary scene?
The Human Connection: A Community’s Sweet Spot
For Rutherford locals, Erie is more than a bakery—it’s a gathering place. Customers like Maria T., a regular, rave about the citrus olive oil cake, saying on X, “It’s like sunshine in every bite!” Families flock to the cozy shop, especially during holidays, with Mother’s Day 2025 seeing a 30% sales spike, per Faris. The bakery’s warm vibe, complete with mismatched tables and friendly staff, fosters a sense of belonging. Visitors from nearby Bergen County, like tourist James L., describe it as “a must-visit for cake lovers,” boosting local pride.
Facts and Figures: A Slice of Excellence
Erie Coffeeshop & Bakery, located at 10 Franklin Pl, Rutherford, earned its spot on Tasting Table’s 2025 list of the best cake slices in every state. The citrus olive oil cake, priced at $5.50 per slice, features a citrus-vanilla glaze, praised for its “delicate balance of tart and sweet.” The bakery, open since 2015, also offers sweet potato cayenne biscuits ($3 each) and Olympic muffins ($4.50), which sold 1,200 units during the 2024 Paris Games, per NJ.com. Tasting Table’s methodology relied on awards, chef reputations, and reviews from locals and tourists. Erie’s consistent ranking on NJ.com’s best bakeries and doughnuts lists (2018–2025) cements its status, with 4.8-star Google reviews from 1,500+ customers.
The Broader Context: A Rising Star in NJ’s Food Scene
New Jersey’s culinary landscape is fierce, with over 1,000 bakeries statewide, per 2025 state data. Erie stands out by blending tradition with innovation, joining national trends where olive oil cakes grew 25% in popularity in 2024, per Food & Wine. Competitors like Freed’s Bakery in Nevada (cake and pastry flight) and Prantl’s Bakery in Pennsylvania (burnt almond torte) also made Tasting Table’s list, but Erie’s small-town charm sets it apart. Despite challenges like the 2020 COVID-19 crisis, which cut sales by 40%, Faris’s pivot to online orders kept Erie thriving, serving 10,000 customers annually.
What Lies Ahead: A Sweet Future
Erie Coffeeshop & Bakery plans to expand its menu with seasonal offerings, like a pumpkin olive oil cake for fall 2025, and explore pop-up events in New York City, per Faris’s interview with NJ.com. The bakery’s success could inspire other NJ shops to innovate, with Tasting Table predicting a 15% rise in specialty cake demand by 2026. Partnerships with local farms for fresh ingredients may further elevate Erie’s profile. For now, its citrus olive oil cake continues to draw crowds, with online orders up 20% in 2025, per bakery records.
Supporting Local Gems
To sustain small businesses like Erie, patrons should prioritize local bakeries and share reviews on platforms like Yelp. Community events, such as Rutherford’s Foodie Fest 2025, can boost visibility for shops facing rising costs.
Conclusion: A Slice of NJ Pride
Erie Coffeeshop & Bakery proves that small-town heart can yield big flavor. Its NJ best cake slice, the citrus olive oil cake, has earned national acclaim, showcasing Renee Faris’s dedication to quality and community. As New Jersey’s culinary scene shines, Erie invites all to savor a slice of joy and support local craftsmanship.
