Stirring Up Dreams

AS I WALKED into the kitchen of Rose M. Donnelly, owner of Baked Fresh by Rose, I was hit with the amazing smell of bread and cookies baking. A cake, ready to be decorated, was on the counter and fruit was prepped for slicing. A sourdough loaf was in the oven, and little did I know it would be gifted to me at the end of our meeting. Rose M. Donnelly greeted me with a warm smile and a personality as sweet as the treats she creates.

You may recognize Donnelly from her recent Pequannock Street Fair appearance in September, where she had a booth. This has been a long time coming for the baker.

“I started baking for friends and family in 2019, however, I have enjoyed cooking since I was a young girl,” says Donnelly. A resident of Pequannock Township since that same year, the Donnelly family felt welcomed upon arrival and have roots in town.

“My husband’s grandparents lived in this beautiful town for over 40 years, and we were fortunate enough to purchase their home, where we live now,” she says.

In December of 2024, Donnelly was honored to be a quarter finalist in The Greatest Baker, presented by Buddy Valastro of Cake Boss fame. For the competition, Donnelly baked a Dominican cake with dulce de leche filling and Swiss meringue butter cream. “I discovered that baking teaches patience, persistence, and creativity,” she says.

Donnelly creates every treat imaginable from cakes, cookies, brownies, pastries and tres leches cake to jalapeño cheddar bread loaves and focaccia. She enjoys baking and handcrafting birthday and special occasion cakes most.

“Cakes are my favorite pieces to work on,” she says.

Her most popular items are sourdough and zucchini breads. Banana bread is another big seller. And her chocolate chip cookies and cinnamon rolls are a favorite of her children and clients alike!

BAKING A BUSINESS

Starting a baking business was a step Donnelly knew she wanted to take, and she did so with care. “I started my business with the help and support of my husband Sean and researched the proper steps to open a legitimate business in an efficient and productive manner,” says Donnelly.

Baked Fresh by Rose is up and running, allowing customers to “experience the exquisite flavors crafted with care... Our dishes are made with fresh organic ingredients sourced globally, promoting healthier lifestyles. Every bite tells a story of passion and quality,” according to the website.

In her spare time, Donnelly loves spending time with her husband and their three children Roxy, Emma, and Logan. She enjoys volunteering at Holy Spirit School in Pequannock, (where her children attend) and participating in the book club at their community parish, Holy Spirit Church. Curling up on the couch with a movie makes her happy as does hitting the treadmill whenever she can. “I am very much a happy homebody,” she says.

Donnelly is thrilled to do what she loves: “Baked Fresh by Rose is a cozy home bakery where dreams come true. From classic cookies to custom cakes, everything handmade from scratch with real ingredients, passion, and a sprinkle of joy.”

BY ANTONIETTA HENRY