The best bakeries & sweet shops in Ocean County

“Mister Softee of Little Egg Harbor is veteran owned and operated, books trucks for birthday parties, fairs, and company picnics, and proudly serves Ocean and Monmouth Counties, with no show up fee and no truck fee, which means more sprinkles for your budget and fewer headaches for planning.”

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

“Global chain of counters dispensing sweet & savory soft pretzels with a variety of toppings & dips.”

“When you’re juggling errands in Lakewood, Sesame has your back with everything freshly prepared on premises, from the bakery and aromatic coffee counter to the vibrant salad bar and savory sandwich station. Craving couch time instead, get those flavors delivered to your door.”

From the Lakewood newsletter, August 24, 2026

“Whether you’re celebrating a simcha or just need something delicious fast, Lakewoods Gingerbread House packs kosher candy, nuts, chocolates, fresh-baked cookies and gift baskets that actually impress, and they deliver in Jackson so treating a friend or yourself is zero hassle.”

From the Jackson newsletter, August 27, 2026

“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

“Cream Gelateria and Pasticceria crafts gelato and sorbet from scratch with simple ingredients and pure cane sugar, no corn syrup, so every scoop hits cleaner and brighter.”

From the Lakewood newsletter, August 30, 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

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

“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

“Whether you're stocking up for Pesach or just prefer a perfect crunch, Lakewood Shmura Matzoh Bakery turns out shmurah matzoh in classic wheat, organic spelt and certified gluten free, hand round or crisp square. Overseen by renowned kashrus rabbis, with easy Lakewood pickup or delivery from their Excel Park spot.”

From the Jackson newsletter, September 3, 2026

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

“La Meringue Patisserie turns morning runs into a victory lap with crackly croissants, glossy eclairs, and jewel-box tarts like lemon meringue and pistachio-raspberry. Need Friday night carbs or party sweets, too? Their challah, babka, and elegant entremets make hosting in Jackson dangerously easy.”

From the Lakewood newsletter, September 1, 2026

“Sprinkles - Lakewood South is clutch for weeknight dessert runs, with hard ice cream, loaded specialty sundaes, mix-in Razzle shakes, açaí bowls, cakes, and hot or cold drinks. Not leaving the couch? They deliver to Jackson, so your sweet fix finds you.”

From the Jackson newsletter, August 26, 2026

“When the cravings hit this week, Avery & Jay's Handcrafted Ice Cream brings the poppin’ fresh vibes with handmade scoops, softly served, and Italian ice, plus over-the-top sundaes like Ferrero Rocher and Lotus. Level it up with a Waffle A' La Mode, a legit milkshake, or an acai sundae.”

From the Lakewood newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Lechem Bakery is all about patience, craft, and care, turning out loaves without preservatives the old-school way. Perfect for upgrading your weekday toast or impressing dinner guests, plus you can order online and even sort out gifting... because nothing says love like a crust that crackles.”

From the Jackson newsletter, August 25, 2026

“When the craving hits this week, Ice Cream House - Lakewood has you covered with kosher scoops and sweet sips that actually taste like a celebration. If you’ve got a birthday, class party, or just feel like making Tuesday special, their Lakewood event space keeps the fun rolling.”

From the Jackson newsletter, August 30, 2026

“Trays of fresh pastries, old-school donuts, crumbly cookies, and celebration-worthy cakes are why Waretown Bakery keeps Ocean County mornings cheerful. Add their Irish soda bread to the mix and suddenly coffee runs feel like a small holiday, the midweek win you definitely deserve.”

From the Ocean County newsletter, August 5, 2026

“Whether you need crusty loaves, flaky pastries, or a celebratory cake, Big Apple Bakery is your reliable European-style bake shop in Southern Ocean County. They also turn out homemade pies and legit prepared meals, so you can skip the kitchen and still look like you tried.”

From the Ocean County newsletter, August 30, 2026

“From cupcakes and cookies to doughnuts, pies, and custom cakes that actually taste as good as they look, Anna Bananas Bakery is the cheerful, fresh-baked daily spot locals lean on for celebrations and random Tuesdays. Swing by this week, it doubles as a candy store so the kid in you will behave… eventually.”

From the Ocean County newsletter, August 21, 2026

“A Sweet Memory Cake Shoppe and Tea Room delivers cozy tea time with freshly baked pastries, plus custom wedding cakes, cupcakes, and dessert tables that actually taste as good as they look. They’re the house baker for Hotel LBI and work with Parker’s Garage, Surf City Yacht Club, Seashell Beach Resort, and Daymark.”

From the Ocean County newsletter, August 14, 2026

“Whether your Ocean County sweet tooth leans salt water taffy, chocolate-covered pretzels, or old-school fudge, Stutz Candy Company has been crafting the good stuff since 1938 with quality ingredients and family know-how. Great for gifting, too...”

From the Ocean County newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Lucille's Own Make Candies has been crafting handmade fudge, salt water taffy, and chocolates since 1927, with seasonal specials and nostalgic treats that taste like summer in Ocean County. Swing by for nonpareils or a box of Double Dip Mint and make dessert the easiest win of your week.”

From the Ocean County newsletter, August 11, 2026

“For over 60 years, Berkeley Sweet Shop has kept Ocean County sugar-happy with homemade fudge, classic salt water taffy, and seasonal specials made with original recipes. Swing by the Seaside Boardwalk and snag a box for movie night, beach day, or that neighbor you always borrow tools from.”

From the Ocean County newsletter, August 19, 2026

“Van Holten Home Made is that Brick and Seaside staple where fresh-cream, storemade fudge, chocolates and truffles, and Jersey Shore salt water taffy share shelf space with nostalgic candy you forgot you loved. The sleeper hit is gourmet popcorn with 50-plus flavors, so yes, dill pickle at movie night is now a thing.”

From the Ocean County newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Since 1927, Lucille's Own Make Candies has been turning out handmade chocolates, creamy fudge, taffy, and the kind of nostalgic treats that make you text your siblings. Seasonal specials keep things interesting, and everything tastes like someone actually cares because, well, they do.”

From the Ocean County newsletter, September 6, 2026