The best bakeries & sweet shops in Monmouth County

“Meet Viva La Dough, the French-inspired bakery in Lakewood turning everyday coffee runs into events with specialty lattes, New York’s first croissant pizza, and kosher-friendly mousse cakes made with Cholov Yisroel ingredients.”

From the Jackson newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Sprinkles is the spot when you want creamy hard ice cream, specialty sundaes, Razzle shakes, or a quick slushy or smoothie, plus cakes, all with kosher options covered. They even deliver to Jackson, so your anytime cake-and-cone cravings can be solved without leaving the couch.”

From the Jackson newsletter, September 11, 2026

“Since 1934, Gelbstein's Bakery has been the Lakewood staple your Jackson neighbors swear by, turning out kosher sourdough challah, buttery danishes, and playful frog-shaped cupcakes, plus custom cakes when you need to impress. It’s the kind of spot you swing by for bread and leave with dessert, too.”

From the Lakewood newsletter, September 4, 2026

“Italian ices & frozen custards star at this counter-serve chain with a range of other cold treats.”

“Whether you need a proper braided challah for the table or just want to wander home with babka, marble bundt, and a cookie platter you’ll pretend is for “the kids,” Hershy's Bakery keeps the ovens busy. Fresh bread every day, plus twists, peanut chews, and sheet cakes.”

From the Jackson newsletter, August 23, 2026

“If you or someone in the house is dodging dairy, nuts, gluten, eggs, soy or sesame, No Whey! Bake Shop makes vegan, kosher treats and chocolates free of the top nine allergens. No artificial colors or flavors, just legit seasonal goodies that taste like dessert instead of compromise.”

From the Monmouth County newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Nicholas Creamery keeps Monmouth County over-scooped with small-batch ice cream that rotates weekly, from Valrhona Chocolate and Tahitian Vanilla to Hudson Cafe Coffee Crunch and Vegan Coconut Cherry Vanilla.”

From the Monmouth County newsletter, September 21, 2026

“Craving something fun this week? Ice Cream Monster turns dessert into a little event with monster-inspired creations, plus vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free and sugar-free options that actually slap. They also whip up ice cream cakes and sandwiches, perfect for celebrations or just because.”

From the Monmouth County newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Gourmet Italian Delights makes ice cream a whole experience with a playful monster theme and choices for every eater, including dairy free, vegan, gluten free, and sugar free. Grab a pre-made cake or sandwich, or order a custom cake with three days’ notice in Keyport or Matawan.”

From the Monmouth County newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Main Street Donuts nails the classics, then gets playful with cream-filled rings, bacon-topped bites, cheesecake-inspired numbers and caramel cider beauties. Grab a box this week for a midweek morale boost or your next weekend coffee run, because sometimes the only correct answer is sugar.”

From the Monmouth County newsletter, August 5, 2026

“Franchise bakery specializing in handcrafted bundt cakes, plus curated gifts & party supplies.”

“Franchise bakery specializing in handcrafted bundt cakes, plus curated gifts & party supplies.”

“Suzi's Sweet Shoppe does the classics right with hand dipped strawberries, salty pretzels in glossy chocolate, and trays of fudge, truffles, and bark, including sugar free options.”

From the Monmouth County newsletter, September 19, 2026

“Craving dessert but juggling gluten-free, dairy-free, or sugar-free needs? Hello Sunshine Treats turns restrictions into actually-delicious bakes with custom designs, so your next birthday, team potluck, or Tuesday night TV binge this week feels sweet, fun, and totally you, no compromise on flavor required.”

From the Monmouth County newsletter, August 20, 2026

“This week, treat yourself to small-batch joy at Jean Louise Home Made Candies, a long-standing family shop turning out handmade chocolates, truffles, and gummies, plus no sugar added picks and seasonal goodies. Perfect for gifting, bribing yourself through inbox chaos, or upgrading that after-dinner sweet tooth.”

From the Monmouth County newsletter, August 13, 2026

“Abbate Bakery is that reliable local spot for homemade cookies, pastries, hearty breads, and custom cakes that actually wow at Monmouth County celebrations. Their sourdough is baked daily with just flour, water, salt, and starter, and you can order online a day ahead for easy pickup.”

From the Monmouth County newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Cupcake Magician bakes 45 cupcake flavors daily, from classic crowd-pleasers to wild-card creations, plus custom cakes for this week’s birthdays, backyard hangs, and last‑minute “oops I forgot” celebrations. They even have gluten-free options, so your sweet tooth and your group chat can both be happy.”

From the Monmouth County newsletter, August 15, 2026