The Ugly Cheesecake Company Introduce
Introduction / Overview
Nestled in the heart of Pine River, Minnesota, and perfectly situated near the scenic Paul Bunyan Trail, The Ugly Cheesecake Company is a hidden gem that has rapidly gained acclaim among locals and visitors alike. Despite the playful name—which stands for Uncommonly Good, Light, Yet... still Cheesecake—this veteran-owned Dessert shop delivers a premium, unforgettable culinary experience. It is a dedicated Cake shop and Bakery that specializes in cheesecakes so good, customers often find them "light and delicious" despite being heavy in appearance.
The origin story itself is quintessentially Minnesotan: the owners, Jason and Ryan, who previously ran a BBQ catering business, stumbled into cheesecake-making after a wrong delivery of cream cheese. What started as an accident to use up the extra ingredient quickly became a beloved dessert that, despite its somewhat rustic look, proved to be an instant hit. Today, The U.G.L.Y. Cheesecake Company is a thriving Small business with a loyal following, offering more than 25 flavors to choose from and even catering to special dietary needs with Gluten Free and Keto options. For anyone in the Brainerd Lakes Area or traveling the state, this spot is an absolute must-visit (by appointment, of course!).
Location and Accessibility
The Ugly Cheesecake Company is conveniently located at 106 2nd St N, Pine River, MN 56474, USA. Pine River is a charming central Minnesota town, and the location is easily accessible for those driving in the area or enjoying the region's famous recreational trails.
For accessibility, the business provides essential conveniences for all patrons:
- Wheelchair Access: The establishment features a Wheelchair accessible entrance and a Wheelchair accessible parking lot, making it easy to pick up large cake orders.
- Parking: Customers benefit from Free street parking nearby, allowing for a quick and stress-free stop.
- Trail Convenience: Situated close to the Paul Bunyan Trail, the bakery often draws in cyclists and hikers who are delighted to find a gourmet treat after a day of outdoor activity, often pairing their cheesecake with a hearty lunch item like their highly-rated meatball sandwiches (when available).
Services Offered
As a highly specialized Dessert shop, The Ugly Cheesecake Company focuses its services on custom orders and convenient pickup:
- Custom Cheesecake Orders: Specializing in full-sized cheesecakes available in more than 25 delectable flavors, including customer favorites like white chocolate truffle raspberry, pumpkin swirl, and blueberry lemonchino.
- Specialty Dessert Options: Caters to large events with options like cheesecake cupcakes for weddings, alongside full cakes for birthdays and other celebrations.
- Dietary Accommodations: Proudly offers a limited number of Gluten Free and Keto cheesecakes to ensure all cheesecake lovers can enjoy their "Uncommonly Good" creations.
- Order Format: Operates primarily on an Appointment required basis for all orders, ensuring every cake receives dedicated attention and is ready for In-store pickup at the agreed-upon time.
- General Service Options: Provides In-store pickup and Takeout for orders, as well as Onsite services for pre-arranged events or walk-in purchases of available slices or whole cakes, though the appointment system is the best guarantee for a specific order.
- Flexible Payment: Accepts all major modern payment methods, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and convenient NFC mobile payments.
Features / Highlights
This Minnesota bakery distinguishes itself through its unique product and strong community values:
- Veteran-Owned Identity: The business proudly Identifies as veteran-owned, bringing a commitment to quality and dedication to its products and service.
- The "U.G.L.Y." Difference: The namesake product is truly unique—customers rave that their cheesecakes, though sometimes rustic in look, are Uncommonly Good, Light, Yet... still Cheesecake, completely winning over long-time cheesecake critics.
- Extensive Flavor Portfolio: With 25+ flavors available for order, the company ensures maximum customization, whether you want a classic flavor or an adventurous combination like the white chocolate truffle raspberry.
- Successful Diversification: The owners successfully leveraged an early business mishap into a thriving new venture, demonstrating passion and adaptability—a true Minnesota small business success story.
- Endorsed by Locals: Being a popular stop for those enjoying the Paul Bunyan Trail highlights its status as a recommended local vendor, with customers praising the quality of both their savory offerings and, of course, the "amazing" cheesecake.
Contact Information
To place a custom order or schedule an appointment for pickup at this unique Pine River establishment:
Address: 106 2nd St N, Pine River, MN 56474, USA
Phone: (218) 851-7806
Mobile Phone: +1 218-851-7806
What is Worth Choosing
The Ugly Cheesecake Company is unequivocally worth choosing for any Minnesotan seeking a premium, handcrafted dessert for a special event or simply a superior slice of heaven. It is a bakery built on passion, resilience, and a commitment to flavor over superficial perfection.
The fact that they Identifiy as veteran-owned and are a Small business makes supporting them a rewarding choice for community-minded residents. However, the true selling point is the unparalleled quality of their cheesecakes. Customers are willing to drive and place special orders because the cakes are consistently "amazing"—they are dense and satisfying but somehow remain light and delicious on the palate. For an unforgettable dessert, whether you are ordering a full white chocolate truffle raspberry cheesecake, or simply want to try a sampler of their 25+ flavors (including Gluten Free options), this is the expert Cake shop to trust. Just remember that an Appointment is required to ensure your custom order is ready, reflecting their dedication to serving each customer with care and precision.
The Ugly Cheesecake Company Details
From the business
- Identifies as veteran-owned
- Small business
Service options
- In-store pickup
- Onsite services
- Takeout
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Planning
- Appointment required
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Free street parking
The Ugly Cheesecake Company Photos










The Ugly Cheesecake Company Location
The Ugly Cheesecake Company
106 2nd St N, Pine River, MN 56474, USA
The Ugly Cheesecake Company Reviews
flavorsraspberrypizzastrawberrylightlakesBBQwordsnamereview
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1We happened by this place while in a bike ride on the Paul Bunyan trail…. Wow! Our meatball sandwiches and cheesecake were amazing! Prices were good too…
August 26 · Rick HjelmWe got a white chocolate truffle raspberry cheesecake and it was heavy. After we ate it, it was light and delicious. I would definitely recommend this place for cheesecake lovers.
March 07 · Russell BrightbladeI have never left a review before, positive or negative, on any service or business. My fiance and I were out looking at bakeries in the area doing some tastings for our wedding and came across UGLY Cheesecake, not knowing that their restaurant is not open anymore. We'd figure that we stop in and just check out what they offer, not expecting much. Not only were we invited inside with no notice, Jason put together a tasting and treated us like royalty when he didn't need to. I fully expected to be rightfully turned away due to them being closed, but that was not the case. Jason was an exceptional person when he didn't need to be. With that aside, this cheesecake is one of the best I've had, it is light, smooth and flavorful and there are options for everyone. I highly recommend supporting this local business, you can find their cheesecakes at the local restaurants and food stores. I took time to write a review which is uncommon for me, due to the uncommon level of service.
March 02 · Connor EichmannOrdered some key lime cheesecake to go when having dinner at a local restaurant. Super bummed to open the box and find the cheesecake is shamrock green and couldn’t have any. I was really looking forward to dessert after hiking. Please don’t use artificial colors in your desserts.
October 05 · M. P.Best cheese cakes around! It’s the only one I look for in stores and restaurants. So many flavors and variety and they are all good.
January 31 · david stryker
More Bakery Near Me
Backwards Bread Company4.0 (129 reviews)3360 Southway Dr, St Cloud, MN 56301, USA
Burman's Breads0.0 (0 reviews)416 Bremen Pass, Waverly, MN 55390, USA
KoKo Cakes4.0 (5 reviews)7000 62nd Cir, Waverly, MN 55390, USA
Sunshine Cupcakes LLC4.0 (6 reviews)835 Elm St NE, Hutchinson, MN 55350, USA
Bailey's BakeHouse0.0 (0 reviews)448 California St NW TRLR 120, Hutchinson, MN 55350, USA
Asm Cutters & Things0.0 (0 reviews)5545 County Rd 33, New Germany, MN 55367, USA
Walmart Bakery0.0 (0 reviews)1300 MN-15, Hutchinson, MN 55350, USA
Little Prairie Farmstand5.0 (7 reviews)4646 180th St, Lester Prairie, MN 55354, USA
Baked By Betsy5.0 (1 reviews)154 7th Ave N, Brownton, MN 55312, USA
Gramma Chele's Goodies0.0 (0 reviews)17365 Johnson Memorial Dr, Jordan, MN 55352, USA
Emma's Bakery and Eats4.0 (22 reviews)343 W Main St, Arlington, MN 55307, USA
Hanson Bakery LLC0.0 (0 reviews)30066 Co Rd 15, Redwood Falls, MN 56283, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites
Allan's Bakery4.0 (2056 reviews)
Auntie Anne's3.0 (77 reviews)
Blue Thistle, LLC Farm Store5.0 (10 reviews)
Flouring Cake Shop4.0 (67 reviews)
Gibson's Food Mart & Bakery4.0 (625 reviews)
Ali Sweets0.0 (0 reviews)Top Searches
Trending Bakery Tales Posts
How to Create the Perfect Caramel Apple Pie: Expert Tips and Flavor Secrets
How to Create a Perfect Dessert Buffet with Your Favorite Pastries
How to Make the Best Pumpkin Churros from Scratch at Home
How to Make the Perfect Homemade Cinnamon Roll Cake
How to Bake the Best Homemade Apple Crisp with Real Flavor
How to Make Perfect Chocolate Lava Cakes from Scratch 
