The Greater New York City area is home to some of the most incredible bakeries in the world. In fact, it’s where Eileen’s, a 46-year-old family bakery, calls home. Starting Wednesday, July 1, the famed cheesecake business is coming out to the Hamptons to satisfy your sweet tooth and help make your hostess, family and friend gifting a little bit easier. You can place orders for their signature family cheesecakes just in time for the holiday weekend. While the Eileen’s team is headed out East for the holiday weekend, you’ll be able to order online for delivery all summer long.
Eileen’s bakes handmade, light and creamy cheesecakes that have the perfect balance of sweet and tangy with the classic hand-pressed graham cracker crust. They can be ordered in a variety of flavors and toppings too! The cheesecakes come in mini size, 6″ (for a smaller gathering), and 10″ (serves 12-16 people) depending on your needs.
Eileen’s brand goes back to 1974 when she began baking delicious cheesecakes from her family’s recipe. Over time, people caught on to Eileen’s talent and the business grew enough for her to relocated to 17 Cleveland Place in downtown Manhattan. 46 years later, the bakery is still located here!
Family is truly at the heart of the business which is why Eileen’s is now run by her two daughters, Holly Maloney and Bonnie Ponte who carry on the legacy and passion.
Food & Wine named Eileen’s “Best Cheesecakes in America” in 2019. That statement is enough to prove how talented these female business owners are.
I spoke with Holly and Bonnie to learn more about their quick trip to the Hamptons and their wildly successful business.
Eileen’s isn’t just a business that makes cheesecake. You were named “Best Cheesecakes in America” last year by Food & Wine. That’s something to celebrate! Can you speak about the beginning of Eileen’s and where the idea came from?
HM: The beginning started in our Grandmother’s kitchen, she would always bake her special cheesecake when celebrating a special occasion. Our mom (Eileen) started baking cheesecakes after she lost her mom to breast cancer at the young age of 49. It was her way of staying close to her. Every time she baked for someone, the word would spread how Eileen made the best cheesecake in the world, so she began to sell them to local deli and gourmet shops where the word continued to spread leading her to open a storefront where we still reside almost 50 years later.
If you could only eat one flavor of cheesecake from Eileen’s for the rest of your life, which would you choose?
HM: Marble! I am both a purist and a chocoholic – this is my perfect balance with the classic plain cheesecake, dark chocolate swirl and the chocolate cookie crunch base. Bonnie’s favorite is the salted caramel because she loves the crème brulee top!
Eileen’s is a very established business in NYC and you’ve planted roots in Downtown Manhattan. Why venture out to the Hamptons this week?
BP: So many of our Manhattan customers spend their summers in the Hamptons, with everything going on right now – the timing seemed perfect.
The Hamptons are known for special occasions and celebrations. Can Hamptons locals place special orders for their decadent events?
HM: Of course! They just need to go to our website: eileensinhamptons.com and place the order online. Just be sure to place before the deadline as we bake every cake to order.
What’s next for this booming business? What do you hope to accomplish in the coming months?
BP: We always thought that our cheesecakes brought a touch of decadence and joy to every occasion, wherever they were eaten and this summer it’s all about the Hamptons. The Hamptons is a special place for both myself, who is currently residing out East, and Holly. We want to be able to provide our clients, wherever they are, a slice of NYC, which is home for some of us, whether in the Hamptons or around the USA.
HM: Variety is the spice of life, we recommend trying all our flavors, what you think may be your favorite, may just be one of MANY!
Eileen’s will only be out in the Hamptons for a very limited time during the July 4th holiday weekend, although you can place orders for delivery all summer. Additionally, a there is a small quantity for sale at L&W Market which is owned by Almond, and also in Bridgehampton.
To place your order or to learn more about Eileen’s delicious offerings, visit eileensinhamptons.com.