Du Bois Pastry
“Best cakes they have are the blue-berry whipped cream cake, the strawberry shortcake and the chocolate ganache.”
“That said, this past weekend, I picked up my usual staple, the Black Forest cake to bring to Yelp's Governor's Island summer soiree.”
“I always stop there every two weeks (when I get paid), to pick up some French bread and rainbow cookies, and whatever sweets may call to me.”
Du Bois Pastry
Take-out: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range Moderate
8 reviews
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*my favs: tiramisu, and strawberry shortcake.
*light cream, NOT whipped cream.
*call ahead of time to reserve your cake. They'll let you know when your order is ready.
*store is extremely tiny. Try not to miss it.
*you will not be disappointed.
We purchased a 2-layer filling strawberry shortcake for our daughter's 2nd bday party last year. It was light and full of fresh strawberries. Everyone loved the cake esp our daughter. Initially, we request for a specific fondant design since it was for a puppy themed party. The owner said, they were not able to do any fondant or specific design other than scanning an edible image onto the cake for an extra $12. We thought it was strange especially after viewing all of the designs featured on their reviews. We saw the Frozen, Yo Gabba Gabba, Mickey Mouse, etc. We asked if a puppy shaped cake can be done to make it simpler. Again, we were told, they don't do any of those designs that other specialty bakeries offer. Most of the cakes are done either in buttercream or light cream (cool whip). There's an extra $2 charge for writing and simple decorations- flowers, balloons, dots, etc. Price wise, it was not bad considering it fed a little over 30ppl. And, we knew, we would be spending a lot more at other bakeries in the city.
Overall, the black forest is my fav! Hands down! They don't sell individual slices. Don't worry though, you'll finish the 8" in no time. Prices are btwn $16-$18+ depending on the flavor and size. The most request flavors are black forest, strawberry shortcake, and Tiramisu. We def will return to order our daughter's 3rd bday cake soon!
Yes, the place looks old and not inviting at all, but you go for their great products. It's basically just a counter and all the goods are for home consumption. There really isn't anywhere to eat and most of the stuff I buy are whole cakes anyway, they also sell cookies and small baked goods. I think I have seen this place for at least 20 or so years and a sign that they are old school, they still use that red and white twine to close up every box, oh the nostalgia. I just looked at the box and the place has been open for over 60 years!!! And before eating the cakes, let the cake come to room temp before consumption, I say about an hour on the counter.
The food:
Strawberry Shortcake- Oh dear lord is it good! The strawberries have a nice tartness and the cake is so light and moist. The cake is not too sweet which I like, this is a must try. This cake is so old school but they have perfected the art that is the strawberry shortcake. yelp.com/user_local_phot…
Tiramisu- I think their tiramisu is great, it's not too sweet and the cake is moist. It's a pretty straightforward tiramisu and I like that it doesn't have that strong coffee/alcohol flavor. They also don't have that sometime dry/unsoaked ladyfinger taste. This dessert is especially popular with the older generation, who miss that classic old world taste.
Red Velvet Cake- I am not normally a fan of red velvet cake/cupcakes since it us usually too sweet for me but the one here was good. I really liked the texture of the cream cheese, it was nice, fluffy and light and wasn't over the top sweet. The cake part was nice and spongy. I would get this again. The seven inch cake was $19, not too shabby.
Definitely a disappointment for a place with such great reviews.
I was so excited to try the black forest cake I bought for a coworker's birthday. Du Bois has all these reviews raving about their fair pricing and quality cakes that I knew I had to drive out just to pick one up to try. Sigh. It was a the food looks better than it tastes scenario for myself, and my coworkers. I'm gonna admit – price is more than fair. A black forest cake is $16 +$1 for writing. Not much to complain about for such an inexpensive cake, but price aside the cake left much to be desired. I honestly think Trader Joe's cakes and boxed cake mixes taste better. The cake was loose, though not dry was also not moist, and there wasn't much chocolate flavor to the cake, and not much vanilla flavor to the frosting. I would've been better off getting a sponge cake for $19 at the ever so famous Yeh's Bakery.
I have not been to this business for a long time. Today, they were totally off their game. One of the guys was reading the new paper on the counter and the other one did not seem to care at all about the customers walking in the door. Limited with the selection of cakes. There were no Strawberry Shortcake nor Chocolate cake nor much cake for that matter in the display area. All that was left was some pies and the Tiramisu below was not the greatest looking. You know when you are in a busy bakery. The smell of baked good just hits you and the long lines. There was no baked aromas coming out from this place walking in.
I'll stick with Veniero's. They definitely have a better variety of cakes to choose from and also better customer service.
So its been several years since I updated my review for Du Bois but theres little more to say than what I've written up in the past.
Classic design, great service, excellent options, and great prices.
1. The rainbow cookies are still great and are really the secret of this bakery. It is usually hidden in the fridge or in the back but they are the best rainbow cookies. Theyre not dry at all and are sweet. They melt in your mouth. The only warning is they are a little sweet but theyre just go great with a cup of coffee or if you want something sweet.
2. Known for their Strawberry Short Cake – this is a local favorite and is super pleasant. Fresh strawberries, light cream, and light cake that doesnt overwhelm your pallet.
3. Ask about what the chef is making. Every now and then if you walk in the pastry chef will experiment with something new. In the past few months Ive had:
a. Lemon bars – quite good, light cream, powered sugar on top, and good crust. Crust isn't pastry puff or graham cracker but I guess more in line with a pie crust but less hard.
b. Honey nut bar – a bar with a mixture of honey and oats and nuts which was spectacular. I wish I had bought more than one when they were around.
I would come and talk with the people to see whats new and try to get the rainbow cookie if they have them.
Simply the Best!
I have travelled around the world and have had some amazing pastries in places like Korea, France, Vietnam and Italy but I have never found a better strawberry shortcake or rugelach than the Du Bois Bakery in Elmhurst, New York.
My family has been going to this bakery for 40 years. I have long since moved from New York but try to visit ever few years. When I do I make time to stop at DuBois to enjoy their amazing Rugelach, strawberry shortcake or cookies. My sisters also do their best to me bring me (in Richmond, Virginia) a strawberry shortcake when birthday comes around. Needless to say after 10 hours bouncing around in a car it doesn't always make it in one piece..(lol)
Their creme is the best I have ever had. I challenge you to try their strawberry shortcake and say its not the best you have ever had. If so please, please tell me where because i need somewhere closer than NY to get my fix..
Du Bois is the place to go when craving for freshly baked pastries and cakes ! Their Napoleon, Strawberry Tart, Chocolate Eclairs and Pecan Pie are my all time favorites ! They also have sell cookies by weight. I would definitely suggest you try their black and whites !
If celebrating a special occasion, call them in advance to reserve a freshly baked cake that will not disappoint. Their strawberry shortcake is the way to go !
Jack is great with customers and shows passion for delivering great service.
Du Bois is a hidden gem in the neighborhood !