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News! And Review: Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC (BabyCakes!) Opens in Disney Springs


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Just last week we showed you the signs outside the new Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC in Downtown Disney…

Erin McKenna's NYC Bakery sign

Erin McKenna’s NYC Bakery sign

And NOW we are happy to report that as of yesterday, it’s open for business!

First things first: Why all the excitement over this bakery? Well, aside from being the latest addition on the scene as Downtown Disney transitions to Disney Springs, it’s also the new home to BabyCakes NYC gluten-free and vegan baked goods in Disney World!

Erin McKenna's Bakery storefront

Erin McKenna’s Bakery storefront

Erin McKenna is the founder of BabyCakes NYC. Almost one year ago, the BabyCakes location in Downtown Disney’s Marketplace closed (along with Pollo Campero and Bodie’s All-American) to accommodate construction in the area. The new Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC fills the void felt by many guests on restricted diets, either due to allergies, digestive intolerances or lifestyle choice when BabyCakes closed, so we’re here to offer it a hearty “Welcome Back!”

Atmosphere

Now, I just mentioned the Marketplace, so let’s not go too much further before we discuss the location of Erin McKenna’s. It finds its home in what is now called The Landing (formerly part of the Pleasure Island area). Depending on your most recent visit to Downtown Disney, things may look a LOT different! You’ll find Erin McKenna’s tucked right in among some brand new retails shops including Sanuk, Sound Lion, and Chapel Hats, facing what will be The Boathouse restaurant.

Erin Mckenna's NYC Bakery at The Landing

Erin Mckenna’s NYC Bakery at The Landing

Seeing this area with its exposed brick and aesthetically pleasing outdoor strolling area, you really do start to get a feel for how much

Downtown Disney has — and will continue — to change.

Disney Springs mural

Disney Springs mural

For a point of orientation that you might be more familiar with, Fulton’s Crab House will be directly behind you when facing the bakery coming from the Marketplace side.

Erin McKenna's is near Fulton's

Erin McKenna’s is near Fulton’s

So, that’s the general location… now, let’s step inside! For opening day, there was a long line of folks waiting to do exactly that.

Opening Day line

Opening Day line

“If you sell BabyCakes, they will come…” ;)

Once you get inside, the first thing I think you’ll notice is… all the PINK! From the walls to the Cast Member costumes, it all goes with the Valentine bakery theme.

Indoor Sign

Indoor Sign

Box displays upon entry are a good reminder that you can order full cakes from the bakery for special occasions.

Entry scene

Entry scene

Bakery boxes

Bakery boxes

The store is long and narrow, and you’ll see pretty much the entirety of it in these next few photos. Basically guests see the bakery cases full of items alongside the register counter.

View to the right upon entry

View to the right upon entry

Bakery case

Bakery case

Line in front of the ordering counter

Line in front of the ordering counter

Though you may be able to catch a glimpse of some kitchen fun going on to your left.

Kitchen

Kitchen

And who should be there greeting and helping guests on opening day but the founder of BabyCakes, Erin McKenna herself!

Erin McKenna

Erin McKenna

She was kind enough to sign autographs for those who asked for one. (Oh, and there’s the amazing Ms. Emily — the BabyCakes, and now THIS bakery’s — store manager and all-around awesome chick, behind Erin.)

Erin McKenna

Erin McKenna

Erin McKenna signature

Erin McKenna signature

Anyhoo, that about sums up the setting! It’s simply the bakery. Still, those who remember the previous location (tucked into a corner of shared space with Bodie’s and Pollo Campero), there is more room here to carry a larger assortment of products.

The bakery does not have it’s own dedicated seating, in or outside. With plenty of construction still going on in the area, there isn’t much seating to be had in the direct area at the moment, with the exception of this batch of benches right next to The Boathouse construction.

Seating area beside The Boathouse

Seating area beside The Boathouse

But since I had some photos to take, I went past Fulton’s and headed into the Marketplace area, where there are lots of tables and chairs available.

Tables in Marketplace

Tables in Marketplace

And with the seating dilemma solved, it’s onto our favorite topic…

Eats

In previously writing about BabyCakes, we’ve typically summed it up as gluten-free, vegan baked goods. It’s also certified kosher. But you can gain a fuller understanding of the offerings from this statement by Erin McKenna: “We focus on the underserved people with gluten, dairy, egg and soy sensitivities, the heath-minded, and, most importantly, allergic kids who are often unable to indulge. Our goal is to make eating vegan and gluten-free fun and delicious…”

Statement on printed menu

Statement on printed menu

Since the line was lengthy for opening day, a Cast Member kindly brought out menus for those of us waiting outside. You’ll notice the categories of items include cupcakes, donuts, cookies, cookie sandwiches, loaves, crumb cake, and brownies.

Printed menu

Printed menu

The Cast Member did note that flavors and choices can vary on any given day, but this is a fairly good rundown of what will typically be available.

Not every item was available on my visit, due to it being the first day (I’m going to have to get back to find out what that Thin Mint is all about!). But there was still a larger assortment of choices than what was listed on the menu upon arrival at the bakery case. First up? Cupcakes!

Cupcakes!

Cupcakes!

Vanilla, Banana, Agave-sweetened Chocolate, Vanilla with Lemon, French Toastie, and Blondie and Brownie Cupcakes were waiting to be snatched up during my visit.

Cupcake bakery case

Cupcake bakery case

Cupcake bakery case

Cupcake bakery case

And while I did get a French Toastie Cupcake, I was quite interested in the next case on display. Even though it’s a smaller case, it held more variety than what I can recall at the previous location.

Bakery case

Bakery case

Donuts, sweet breads, cinnamon rolls, scones, cookies, brownies and even a couple of bagels were all up for grabs.

Bakery case

Bakery case

Donuts

Donuts

Even having seen a menu outside, I wasn’t quite prepared for all the choices, and it was a little difficult to decide! From here, I ultimately went with the Samoa Donut and the Lemon Teacake.

Lastly, a couple of savory options were displayed on the end: Vegetable Biscuits and Focaccia Bread.

Vegetable Biscuits

Vegetable Biscuits

Focaccia Bread

Focaccia Bread

Having sampled BabyCakes sweet treats before, I was most intrigued by these, so I picked up some Focaccia.

In fact, why don’t we begin with that? I don’t think you can tell how large the portion is from the photo, but you may be able to see that — as expected for focaccia — the bread is full of herbs such as rosemary. It also has a nice parmesan-like flavor.

Focaccia Bread

Focaccia Bread

But the question with gluten-free baked goods often lies more with the texture. This version is certainly very dense; in fact, I’d equate it closer to the texture of a scone than a lighter focaccia. That said, it’s pleasantly filling and I found it to be pretty darn tasty.

Focaccia Bread

Focaccia Bread

I thought I more or less knew what to expect from the French Toastie cupcake since I’ve tried BabyCakes cupcakes previously. However, the fun flavor profile was a nice surprise: a spiced vanilla cake base with maple frosting.

French Toastie

French Toastie

Maple icing

Maple icing

The flavor combo here is great of you’re a fan of maple. And I was really happy with how moist it was — not a quality that stands out as much with previous BabyCakes Cupcakes I’ve tried.

Inside the French Toastie cupcake

Inside the French Toastie cupcake

Due to the small size, I think you get more bang for your buck with some of the other treats. But more than anything I like the thought of a kid who can’t enjoy a cupcake in most of the park locations being able to have one here, so I’m all for it.

Now, the Samoa Donut looked like a winner from the get-go. You just can’t argue with chocolate and caramel stripes on top of big ol’ flakes of coconut.

Samoa Donut

Samoa Donut

Fortunately, my first-sight assessment was correct. I’ll admit, I wasn’t thinking the word “decadent” would come up in a review of gluten-free, vegan treats, but it’s completely appropriate here. I already knew I liked BabyCakes cake donuts (I’d say just a bit more dense than a traditional), but with such terrific toppings oozing over it, this exceeded my expectations.

Cross section of Samoa Donut

Cross section of Samoa Donut

Of everything I tried, I’d give an “I’d never know it was made of anything different than all the regular ingredients I have in my pantry” award to the Lemon Teacake. (Though I might try to think of a catchier name for the award first.)

Lemon Teacake

Lemon Teacake

This was just a terrific, rich poundcake with a burst of citrusy lemon coming from the icing on top. I love that “crinkly” icing texture!

Icing

Icing

I think the only thing I might change is giving it a little thicker layer of icing, but really, no complaints here.

I’d say the best takeaway I can offer is that, specifically in regards to the Lemon Teacake and the Samoa Donut, I really didn’t feel like I was missing anything that I love in a sweet treat. And regardless of it being gluten-free or vegan, I’d be back for the Lemon Teacake in a New York minute, just ‘cuz it’s good!

A few notes: Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC is not currently designated on the Disney Dining Plan. That’s not altogether unusual when outside companies first open in Downtown Disney, so if this changes we’ll let you know. Also, while the bakery opened just after 1 pm for opening day, typical opening time will be 10 am.

Overall

It’s great to have Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC in Downtown Disney. I’m fortunate in that I don’t have any food intolerances, but I have friends and family members who do, and knowing there is a place with a large selection of treats that are truly tasty and enjoyable makes me glad for them when they come to visit. Knowing that I can grab something alongside them and be equally as happy is a big bonus, too. With the name of Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC, I don’t really know whether I should say “Welcome” or Welcome Back,” but either way, we’re glad you’re here!

What sweet or savory treat would you choose from the menu? Let us know in the comments below!

Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and:




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