SWEET SEDUCTION: “We enjoy getting to know the customers and seeing a smile on their face when they have a cupcake. Everyone has a favorite.” Amy DeSanto (left) and Corina Dumitru-Fritz, owners of Dessert Boutique in the Village Shoppes at Montgomery, are encouraged by the success of their “sweet” enterprise.

Honey lavender, red velvet, chocolate peanut butter, tiramisu, pink champagne, French toast with bacon, chocolate merlot, lemon and orange, canoli, black forest, peanut butter and jelly — sound good?

These are just some of the specialty cupcakes at the new Dessert Boutique located in the Village Shoppes at Montgomery at 1378 Route 206 South in Skillman.

Cupcakes are a very “in” treat these days, report owners Amy DeSanto and Corina Dumitru-Fritz. Everyone seems to like them. They are no longer just the traditional treat to share with the class at school for a birthday — although, of course, they are still a big hit with children.

“Cupcakes have grown up,” notes Ms. DeSanto. “People will come in to get a cupcake for themselves, or for a hostess gift, and also for office gatherings. They can be appropriate for many occasions.”

Bio-Chemists

After working as bio-chemists in the pharmaceutical industry, Ms. DeSanto and Ms. Dumitru-Fritz decided to pursue their true passion and create their own line of gourmet baked goods. It is not such a departure as one might think. “Baking is chemistry,” points out Ms. DeSanto.

“We had both enjoyed baking as girls, and Corina had actually had a bakery in Allentown, Pa. We had kept in touch, and I, too, had always liked the idea of having my own business.”

The space was available in the new section of the Village Shoppes at Montgomery, and Dessert Boutique opened its doors right before Christmas 2012. It was a hit from the start!

“People found out about us right away,” report the owners. “We were very warmly welcomed — both by customers and our neighboring businesses. We already have regular customers who come in all the time, and they stop in all times of the day. Some come in the morning for one of our muffins, croissants, or scones; others stop in at lunchtime for a savory, such as a mini mushroom quiche or spanakopita. Then, after school, a lot of kids come in for a cupcake, and in the evening people stop in for dessert and coffee, perhaps after a movie.”

Customers are coming from all around the area, including Princeton, Montgomery, Rocky Hill, and Hillsborough.

In addition to the wide array of cupcakes — 20 different flavors available each day — a selection of pastries, such as cream puffs, Napoleons, mini fruit tarts, mini cheesecakes, brownies, and cookies are offered. Also, muffins, scones, turnovers, donuts (weekends only), and sticky buns are popular in the morning.

Sculpted Cakes

Fresh squeezed orange juice will be available soon, and currently, coffee (at 79¢ and 99¢), hot chocolate, and a variety of specialty soft drinks, such as Aloe juice, Zico coconut water, Honest Tea, Illy iced coffee, and Coke in glass bottles, with sugar, not high fructose corn syrup, are offered.

Ms. Dumitru-Fritz is particularly known for her special occasion sculpted cakes — from wedding to birthday to novelty creations for kids (including with cake pops). She is an expert cake designer, and her creations are beautiful to behold — true works of art.

They can be seen in full array on Dessert Boutique’s website. They must be ordered well ahead of the event: three to four weeks for birthday and anniversary, two months for weddings. The wedding cakes can also include cupcakes. Ms. Dumitru-Fritz made one containing 350 cupcakes!

“For a wedding cake, the bride will come in, and we will discuss in detail what she wants — flavor, style, etc.,” she explains.

The establishment’s primary business is take-out, but it also offers charming ice cream parlor-style tables and chairs and a sofa for on-site sampling. The store’s attractive “confectionery” pink decor (along with pink gift boxes) is a perfect match for the cupcakes. “Little girls absolutely love it here, with all the pink,” says Ms. DeSanto.

And all ages enjoy the friendly, relaxed atmosphere — including the irresistible aroma of fresh baked cupcakes (which are baked throughout the day) that greets customers as they step inside.

Super Bowl

The store was an especially popular spot for Valentine’s Day, as one could imagine, but it also had a very busy Super Bowl Sunday. “People really wanted to have cupcakes for the event,” note the owners. “We weren’t expecting such a big turnout that day, and we were very pleased!”

Prices include $3 for a cupcake and $1 for a cream puff. A dozen cupcakes at $33 offer a savings, and there is also a Cupcake Club, with a punch card format. After four purchases, the card is punched; when 10 punches are reached, a free dessert is available. Gift certificates are also offered.

The owners plan to provide new amenities for customers while continuing to offer their signature specialties. “We look forward to adding new tables and chairs, and in the spring, we will also have tables outside. We are so happy to have our dream come true, and we are very encouraged. We look forward to becoming a real part of the community.”

Dessert Boutique is open Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 10 to 4. (609) 580-1192. Website: www.dessertboutiquenj.com.