Close to half a million cinnamon buns have come out of one family’s kitchen since 2020. That number started with a pandemic hobby and a couple who just loved baking.
The buns are huge, made with brioche dough and topped with vanilla bean cream cheese frosting. The flavor list keeps changing too, with more than 57 varieties created so far.
Jersey Corn, Ube, and Tiramisu have all made appearances.
I like how this New Jersey bakery started with parking lot pickups and social media drops. Fans set alarms just to snag a box.
I can’t imagine wanting a pastry that badly, but then again, I haven’t seen these frosting swirls up close.
So what makes a cinnamon bun worth an alarm clock? The answer seems to come down to size, creativity, and a lot of heart.
The Bun Cult Started With A Pandemic Hobby
Back in May 2020, Nikki and Mike Ashkar picked up a new hobby. Plenty of people baked bread that year, but their project grew into Mav’s Top Buns.
The name comes from their son, Maverick. That’s a sweet touch, and it gives every box a little family story baked right in.
Early on, there was no shop at all. Buns sold only through social media, with weekly drops and curbside pickups in local parking lots.
That setup lasted about three years. Fans had to watch for announcements, place orders fast, and show up at the right spot on time.
Somewhere along the way, the following picked up a nickname. People started calling it the bun cult, and the owners happily use the term too.
I believe that kind of start says a lot. A business doesn’t build a loyal crowd from parking lots unless the product truly delivers.
Fans have even set alarms to grab their buns. That’s real commitment for something covered in frosting.
So when you finally hold one of these in New Jersey, you’re holding years of hustle. Pretty impressive for a hobby that began in a home kitchen.
Your Plate Might Need A Bigger Friend
Size is the first thing people notice about these buns. The Big OG Buns are huge, and the bakery proudly calls them exactly that.
Each one starts with classic brioche dough. Bakers swirl it with cinnamon and brown sugar, then add a generous layer of signature vanilla bean cream cheese frosting.
That frosting gets plenty of attention. It’s the crown on top, and it’s clearly part of what makes the OG a fan favorite.
Brioche is a rich dough made with butter and eggs. It tends to bake up soft and tender, which suits a cinnamon bun perfectly.
Here’s a practical tip if you can’t finish one in a sitting. Some fans cut their buns in half and freeze them for later.
Reheating is simple, too. A short warm-up in the microwave brings back that soft, fresh-from-the-oven feel.
Sharing is another smart move. One big bun split between two people still feels like a treat, and nobody leaves the table hungry.
Honestly, the OG is a great place to start. Learn the classic first, then branch out into the wilder flavors once you know the base.
Flavors Change Faster Than Jersey Weather
More than 57 unique flavors have rolled out of this kitchen so far. That’s a lot of creativity for one swirl of dough.
The lineup changes monthly, so there’s always something new to chase. Past flavors include Ube, Apple Cider, Oreo, Cookie Butter, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
Lemon Blueberry, Birthday Cake, Pumpkin, and Apple Crisp have shown up too. Tiramisu and Maple Bacon prove the team likes to get adventurous.
Then there’s Jersey Corn. A corn-flavored cinnamon bun sounds wild, but it’s a fitting nod to the state’s famous summer crop.
What’s clever is how the flavors work. They go into the filling and dough itself, not just sprinkled on top as decoration.
That means each bite carries the theme all the way through. It’s a lot more effort than a quick drizzle and a handful of crumbs.
My advice? Follow the bakery’s social media so you don’t miss a flavor you’d love.
Once a month ends, that bun may vanish for good.
A variety box is a fun way to sample several at once. You’ll find your favorite faster, and you’ll have something to debate at home.
Small Appetites Get Their Own Hero
Not everyone wants a bun the size of a small pillow. Mav’s Top Buns figured that out and created a smaller option.
Meet the babies of the family. Baby OG Buns and Baby Flavored Buns give you the same idea in a more manageable size.
Minis are great for kids who want a treat without a sugar overload. They’re also handy when you want to taste more flavors in one visit.
Office treats get a lot easier with these, too. A box of minis lets coworkers grab one without needing a knife or a nap afterward.
Think about how you’ll serve them before you order. Bigger buns work well for a slow weekend breakfast, while minis suit parties and busy mornings.
I like that the smaller versions still come in flavored options. You don’t have to skip the fun monthly picks just because you want something lighter.
Mixing sizes is a smart plan for a family. Grown-ups can tackle the giant ones while little ones enjoy their own pint-sized version.
Either way, nobody misses out. Big or small, every bun carries that same cinnamon swirl and frosting finish.
Gluten-Free Fans Finally Get A Seat At The Table
Cinnamon buns usually leave gluten-free eaters watching from the sidelines. This bakery offers Gluten-Free OG Buns, so more people can join the fun.
The goal is simple. These buns aim to deliver the same flavor and texture as the classic OG that made the shop famous.
Honesty matters here, and the bakery is upfront. It is not a certified gluten-free facility, so that’s important to know before ordering.
The bakery also makes regular wheat-based buns, so cross-contact is a concern. Customers with celiac disease or serious gluten sensitivities should ask the staff about the preparation process before ordering.
If you have celiac disease or a serious allergy, think it through carefully. Asking questions at the counter is always a good idea.
For people who avoid gluten by choice, this option is a real win. You get a giant, frosted treat without feeling left out at brunch.
I appreciate that the bakery explains its process clearly. That kind of openness helps families make smart choices for everyone at the table.
A mixed box can work for a group, but anyone who must strictly avoid gluten should confirm the bakery’s preparation and handling procedures before ordering.
Finding The Storefront Is Easier Than Finishing A Bun
December 2023 changed everything for the bun cult. After three years of parking lot pickups, Mav’s Top Buns opened its first real storefront.
You’ll find it at 1092 NJ-35, Middletown Township, NJ 07748. The shop sits in the Middletown Bottle King shopping complex, right next to Sono Sushi.
Route 35 is a busy road in Monmouth County. Being in a shopping plaza makes stopping in pretty simple when you’re running errands nearby.
Inside, buns wait behind a display, ready to box up. The setup keeps things quick, so you can grab your order and get moving.
A permanent home was a big step for this New Jersey business. Fans no longer have to wait for a weekly drop just to get a fix.
Still, it’s smart to plan ahead. Popular flavors can sell out, so earlier visits usually give you the best selection.
Coffee from Riposo Coffee Roasters is also served here. That makes a bun and a warm drink an easy combo on a chilly morning.
Honestly, it’s a nice ending to a parking lot origin story. The buns finally have a front door.
Set Your Alarm Because The Clock Matters Here
Early birds win at this bakery. The doors open at 7 AM and close at 3 PM, which makes it a morning and lunchtime stop.
The shop runs six days a week. Tuesday is the day off, so don’t make the drive that day and end up staring at a locked door.
Those hours fit a breakfast treat perfectly. Grab a bun on the way to work, or pick up a box before a weekend brunch.
Since flavors rotate and popular ones can go fast, timing matters. Showing up earlier gives you a better shot at the bun you really want.
Here’s a simple plan for first-timers. Check the bakery’s social media for the current flavors, then decide what you’re after before you arrive.
That little bit of homework saves time at the counter. It also keeps you from freezing up when you see a whole case of tempting options.
Remember that 3 PM close if you’re planning an afternoon trip. A late lunch stop can work, but an evening dessert run won’t.
Good planning equals more buns. That’s math anyone can get behind.
Living Far Away Is No Longer An Excuse
Distance used to be a problem for out-of-town bun lovers. Now Mav’s Top Buns offers shipping across the continental United States, so customers far beyond New Jersey can enjoy its cinnamon buns.
That’s a big deal for anyone who moved away from New Jersey. A taste of home can show up right on the doorstep.
Shipping also makes a fun gift. Birthdays, holidays, or a simple thank-you all feel more memorable with a box of giant buns.
Once they arrive, a little care goes a long way. Warming a bun briefly helps bring back that soft, fresh texture.
Freezing works well for extras. Cut big buns in half first, then pull out a piece whenever a craving strikes.
Staying connected is easy, too. The bakery shares updates on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, including new flavors as they launch.
Watching those posts can feel like torture when you’re hungry. Still, it’s the best way to catch limited flavors before they disappear.
From a backyard hobby to doorsteps across the country, this bakery has come a long way. Close to 500,000 buns later, the swirl keeps spinning, and your plate is probably next.
