A single crumb cake here can land at roughly three-quarters crumb and only a quarter cake. That lopsided ratio has people driving across New Jersey for a slab, and some even fly in from other states.
The bakery behind it has been turning out pastries since 1969, long before anyone posted dessert photos online. It’s still cash only, still closed on Mondays, and still small enough to feel like a neighborhood find.
I like how the menu refuses to stop at one famous cake. French crullers, Boston cream doughnuts, Hungarian cheesecake, and a chocolate crumb cake all compete for your attention.
I can’t imagine a better excuse for an early weekend drive. So how does one modest family shop end up in the middle of every great Jersey crumb cake debate?
A Clifton Bakery That Has Kept Bloomfield Avenue Sweet Since 1969
Clifton might be better known for busy highways and shopping plazas, but one storefront on Bloomfield Avenue has a much sweeter reputation. Styertowne Bakery has been baking for this corner of Passaic County since 1969.
That’s more than five decades of doughnuts, rolls, cakes, and pastries coming out of the same neighborhood shop. It’s a family-owned business, and plenty of people describe it as a true old-school bakery.
The crumb cake is the headliner, no question about it. Still, the lineup also covers inventive doughnuts, pastries, layer cakes, and even soup and savory pies.
I like that a place this well known still keeps things simple. There’s no gimmick here, just classic baking and a crumb cake with a serious following.
With a 4.4-star rating across more than 400 Google reviews, it clearly has a loyal fan base. Those numbers suggest it’s more than just a nostalgia stop for longtime Clifton families.
And honestly, any bakery that lasts this long in New Jersey earns a little respect. Competition here is fierce, and crumb cake opinions run hot.
That Famous Crumb-To-Cake Ratio Deserves Your Full Attention
Roughly 75 percent crumb and 25 percent cake. That’s the split often described for the signature crumb cake at Styertowne Bakery.
In other words, the cake layer here is more of a launch pad than a main event. The crumb topping does the heavy lifting, and plenty of fans wouldn’t have it any other way.
Crumb cake is by far the most talked-about item tied to the bakery online. It comes up roughly 100 times in Google review topics, far ahead of anything else on the menu.
That kind of focus says a lot about what keeps people coming back. Some customers have been buying it for decades, which is a strong vote of confidence.
Fair warning, though, the style isn’t for everyone. A few buyers have wished for more cake underneath all that topping, while devoted fans call the crumb-heavy build the whole point.
I believe that tension is part of the fun. Every New Jersey crumb cake debate needs a bold contender, and this one refuses to play it safe.
Pick a side, grab a fork, and see where you land.
Chocolate And Bavarian Cream Versions Raise The Stakes
Just when you thought one crumb cake was enough, the bakery offers flavored twists. A chocolate crumb cake and a Bavarian cream crumb cake both show up among the shop’s offerings.
The chocolate version has been a staff-recommended surprise for people who came in for the original. That’s a good reminder to ask what’s fresh before you decide.
Bavarian cream adds a creamy custard-style element to the familiar crumb formula. One self-described crumb cake hunter called it the best they had tried anywhere in the state.
There’s also an apple crumb cake for people who like fruit with their streusel. Ask what’s inside before buying, since the apple layout may differ from what you picture.
Variety like this makes the bakery feel playful without losing its classic roots. You can stick with tradition, or you can wander a little and still stay in crumb territory.
Bringing one of each to a family gathering could start a friendly argument at the table. Honestly, that sounds like a pretty great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Save Room For Crullers And A Serious Boston Cream
Bakeries that make their own doughnuts are getting harder to find. Styertowne Bakery still does, and that alone deserves a round of applause.
French crullers are a standout name on the list. Those twisted, ridged rings are a classic, and they rank among the most mentioned treats after the crumb cake.
Then there’s the Boston cream doughnut. At least one fan went as far as calling it possibly the best in New Jersey, which is quite a crown in a state this serious about pastries.
Seasonal flavors appear too, and a pumpkin doughnut has popped up on the lineup. Chocolate-covered strawberries and cookies have also turned up among recent favorites.
Even some longtime customers who aren’t sold on every cake still praise the doughnuts and crullers. That consistency matters when you’re picking a breakfast treat for the ride home.
Pair one with a cup of the shop’s fresh coffee. It’s a simple combo, and simple is exactly the point here.
I can’t imagine leaving without at least one cruller in the bag. Call it a travel snack, or just call it breakfast.
Hungarian Cheesecake, Danish, And Rye Keep Things Interesting
Hungarian cheesecake is not something you stumble on at every corner bakery. Here it’s on the menu, and one returning visitor from Colorado called it pure heaven.
Cheesecake in general ranks high among the bakery’s most talked-about items. Carrot cake also earns repeat praise, along with a moist cake style many people appreciate.
The pastry side runs deep as well. Cheese danish, pecan danish, cannoli, and a cinnamon bun loaded with icing all have their supporters.
A German chocolate pastry with a coconut-pecan top is another unusual find. That kind of throwback recipe is harder to locate in typical neighborhood shops today.
Bread lovers get attention too, with rolls and rye bread among the regular offerings. Muffins, chocolate cookies, and rainbow sprinkle cookies help fill out the rest of the selection.
Soup and savory pies also make an appearance, which is a nice surprise for a bakery. That gives you something hearty to grab before you start on dessert.
Basically, there’s a treat here for every member of the family. Even the person who claims they don’t like crumb cake should find something to point at.
Old-School Charm Comes With A Cash-Only Rule
Leave the card in your wallet, because this place runs on cash. The cash-only rule comes up again and again, so plan ahead before you head over.
Some folks find it charming, and others find it a little inconvenient. Either way, it fits the bakery’s long-running, old-school personality.
Prices are generally described as reasonable for many items. Whole specialty cakes cost more, so it’s smart to ask before you pick one out.
The shop itself is small and clean, with a no-frills setup focused on the baked goods. Things can feel busy and focused at times, which is typical for a popular bakery.
Service experiences vary from visit to visit. Many people mention friendly, welcoming staff and helpful suggestions, while a few have had less cheerful moments.
I like that the experience still feels personal. The owner has been known to offer tips, including how to wrap a cake properly for travel.
Kids should enjoy picking out a cookie or doughnut, too. It’s an easy, affordable family stop that doesn’t require a reservation or a big budget.
Why Calling Ahead Might Save Your Whole Morning
Crumb cake sells out, and late-day shoppers sometimes leave empty-handed. That’s the most useful tip anyone can give you about this bakery.
Some visitors arriving later have found only whole cakes left, with no single slices available. If you want just a piece, earlier in the day is your best bet.
The smarter move is calling ahead and placing an order for pickup. Fans of the Bavarian cream version recommend exactly that, and it can save a wasted trip.
Keep in mind that the shop may not check voicemail regularly. Calling during business hours and talking to a real person is likely the safer route.
If you’re planning around a holiday or party, ordering early is a sensible idea. A full cake makes a generous host gift, and nobody complains about extra crumbs.
Morning visits can also give you a wider pick of doughnuts and pastries. The bakery opens at 7 a.m. every day it operates, which suits early risers nicely.
A little planning turns a gamble into a sure thing. Trust me, nobody wants to tell a car full of hungry kids the crumb cake is gone.
Plan Your Trip Around These Hours, And Skip Mondays
Getting here is the easy part, as long as you bring cash. You’ll find Styertowne Bakery at 1039 Bloomfield Ave, Clifton, NJ 07012.
Hours run 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
On Sunday, the doors open at 7 a.m. and close at 5 p.m.
Mondays are a no-go, since the bakery is closed. Mark that on your calendar so your crumb cake craving doesn’t hit a locked door.
Clifton sits in Passaic County, so the bakery is a manageable drive for much of North Jersey. It works well as a quick breakfast stop or part of a longer weekend outing.
Live too far away? The bakery ships crumb cakes around the country, and some fans have sent them as far as Florida.
Shipping has had hiccups, though, with at least one online order reported as delayed. Ordering well ahead of any special date is a smart safety net.
Honestly, a visit in person still feels like the classic move. You get to see the full lineup, ask questions, and maybe walk out with more than you planned.
Your sweet tooth will forgive you.
The Best Crumb Cake In The World? Go Settle It Yourself
Is it the best crumb cake in the world? That depends on who you ask, and New Jerseyans are never shy about answering.
Some fans call Styertowne the clear winner after trying other famous bakeries. Others prefer rival spots, and a few recent buyers felt their cakes were underbaked.
That mix of opinions doesn’t scare me off. A bakery with more than five decades behind it and a 4.4-star rating clearly does plenty right.
I believe the crumb-heavy style is exactly why it inspires such strong feelings. If you love picking crumbs off the top, this cake basically does the work for you.
Go early, bring cash, and maybe call ahead for a whole cake. Grab a cruller or a slice of Hungarian cheesecake while you’re there, too.
Then do the most Jersey thing possible and form your own opinion. Share it with friends, compare it with your favorite local bakery, and let the friendly debate begin.
Either way, you’ll leave with a box of something sweet and a story to tell. That’s not a bad trade for a morning in Clifton.
