Nothing says Valentine’s Day like Molly’s Cupcakes, located at 30 W. Jefferson Ave. in the heart of downtown Naperville. With more than a dozen center-filled cupcakes and a variety of other available treats to choose from, there is something to satisfy every sweet tooth at this eatery.
“Naperville is an amazing community: family-friendly, pro-business,” said James Jacobson, who owns Molly’s Cupcakes in Naperville with his wife, Stephanie. “It’s an excellent choice to dine and live.”
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James said it was about five years ago that the couple was living in downtown Chicago when Stephanie surprised him with Molly’s Cupcakes (from the original Chicago location in Lincoln Park) for his birthday.
“We’ve been hooked ever since,” James Jacobson said. “When we found out (Molly’s Cupcakes) was looking to expand, we thought downtown Naperville would be the perfect location.”
It took time to find the right building on Jefferson Avenue, James said, but when the Haagen Dasz ice cream store closed they knew they found it. They opened Molly’s Cupcakes on Jan. 21, 2019, and have been making Naperville sweeter ever since.
We sat down with James Jacobson to learn more.
What’s on the menu? Molly’s Cupcakes is known for more than a dozen varieties of center-filled cupcakes. They bake the cupcakes from scratch in small batches throughout the day to ensure freshness, using only the finest ingredients. There is an option to create your own cupcake by simply picking a cake flavor and frosting as well as a tasty topping and they’ll make it while you wait. Molly’s also has vegan options (vanilla and chocolate cake with choice of vanilla or chocolate frosting). Other goodies include cookies, brownies, Rice Krispies and custom cakes.
About the owners: Naperville residents James and Stephanie Jacobson are the proud owners of Molly’s in Naperville. They recently opened another location in Schaumburg at Woodfield Mall.
Décor: Molly’s is currently decked out for Valentine’s Day with a floor to ceiling rose wall provided by Satin Chair of Naperville. There is also a 15-foot long table complete with red rose petals and votive candles to add to the fun. Don’t forget the signature swings that are available year round by the coffee bar.
Specialties: Peach cobbler is a big hit along with creme brulee (a vanilla cake filled with pastry cream and topped with torched sugar and fresh berries). For Valentine’s Day try the special strawberry champagne cupcake, which is a vanilla cake filled with strawberry puree and topped with a champagne whipped cream.
We’re different because: “We’re all about (made) from scratch cupcakes made in store,” Jacobson said. “We’re social media friendly and all about good vibes. Our goal is to create a positive environment for both our customers and staff.”
Extras: Molly’s has quickly become known as a go-to for weddings. They can customize cupcakes with all sorts of toppings and decorations and also do wedding cakes. They accept cake orders, custom cupcake orders and more with a few days’ notice. They have also hosted a fun event (decorating class) with Girl Scouts where the group gets to take home four cupcakes to frost on their own.
Price range: $3.75
Logistics: Molly’s Cupcakes is located at 30 W. Jefferson Ave. in downtown Naperville. They are open from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays; 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays. Call 331-204-6940 or go to www.mollyscupcakes.com.
Jane Donahue is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.