Daughters Bring Eileen's Cheesecake Legacy To Hamptons

BRIDGEHAMPTON, NY — A 46-year old New York City bakery well-known for its cheesecakes — and its longtime family traditions — is heading to the Hamptons.

Eileen's Special Cheesecake, known for cheesecakes "that are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy with hand-pressed graham cracker crust as well as chocolate cookie crust in a variety of flavors and toppings," will be offered at Almond in Bridgehampton — as well as for home delivery on the East End, just in time for the July 4 weekend.

Eileen Avezzano began baking the cheesecakes from a family recipe out of her apartment in 1974. As her business grew, she relocated to 17 Cleveland Place in downtown Manhattan, where the bakery is still located 46 years later.

"With family at the heart of this women-owned business, Eileen’s is now run by Eileen’s two daughters Holly Maloney and Bonnie Ponte, who carry on Eileen’s legacy and passion for cheesecake, "the release said.

The cheesecakes were named “Best Cheesecakes in America” last year by Food & Wine Magazine and are made fresh daily in a variety of flavors from Classic Plain to Salted Caramel and Cookies n’ Cream.

After losing their mother, Bonnie and Holly said they are proud to carry on her legacy and traditions — and both are thrilled to bring the cheesecakes to the East End.

"Our NYC fans have been begging us for years to establish an outlet in the Hamptons for Eileen's. With so many of them out here now, it seemed like the right time," Bonnie, who is currently in East Hampton, said. "The Hamptons are a special place for us."

Holly added that their mother Eileen began making her own mother's cheesecake recipe "as a way to feel closer to her. For nearly 50 years, she loved how it was not only special to her, but special to so many others who counted on an Eileen’s Cheesecake to help celebrate so many different and special occasions. Eileen always made sure that my sister Bonnie]and I knew who was getting the cake and why it was so important to them. Our mom’s recipes and passion were passed down to us, and we do our best to fulfill her vision."

Clientele from across the international canvas, both agreed, enjoy the array of flavors, with strawberry cheesecake the number one best seller and other crowd pleasers including mango, the classic plain, a salted caramel with a Crème brûlée topping, and a creamy marble cheesecake surrounded with a chocolate crust.

"Another popular item is our chocolate chip pound cake, not cheesecake, lovingly named by our children as 'Grandma cake,' which was made for her grandchildren and recently added to our menu to help share the love," Bonnie said.

Eileen's mini cheesecakes will be available at Almond in Bridgehampton. EIleen's will also be available for home delivery by ordering on the website.