The best bakeries & sweet shops in Union County

“Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items & a variety of coffee drinks.”

“Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items & a variety of coffee drinks.”

“Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items & a variety of coffee drinks.”

“Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items & a variety of coffee drinks.”

“Counter-serve bakery/cafe chain serving sandwiches, salads & more, known for its bread & free WiFi.”

“Since 1952, Bella Palermo Pastry Shop has been North Jersey’s go-to for Italian pastries, cookies, and made-to-order cakes that actually taste as good as they look. Think wedding tiers, kid cakes, Sweet 15/16, and holiday treats... the kind of bakery you bookmark for every family milestone.”

From the North Jersey newsletter, September 23, 2026

“Craving something fun for a block party, team celebration, or just because Tuesday needs help, The Urban Cone brings handcrafted scoops and real vibes to you around Westfield. Their event-ready fleet makes dessert the moment, turning neighborhood gatherings into instant favorites without you lifting more than a spoon.”

From the Westfield newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items & a variety of coffee drinks.”

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

“Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items & a variety of coffee drinks.”

“Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items & a variety of coffee drinks.”

“Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items & a variety of coffee drinks.”

“Ralph's Famous Italian Ices & Ice Cream brings Staten Island's 1928 tradition to Westfield with Italian ices, cream ices, soft and hard ice cream, and indulgences like Doughnados, Icebergs, and the Ralphie Sandwich. Go for the flavors, stay to admire the local mural and window art vibes.”

From the North Jersey newsletter, October 12, 2026

“Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items & a variety of coffee drinks.”

“When birthdays, baby showers, or Tuesday cravings need something extra, Cake Artist Cafe in Cranford turns butter, sugar and sketchbook ideas into edible art. Think custom cakes plus cupcakes, cookies and macarons, all 100% handmade, from a team with 15+ years and 500+ happy clients.”

From the Westfield newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items & a variety of coffee drinks.”

“Melao Cafe & Creamery makes rolled ice cream that’s actually worth watching, then devouring. Pair the creamy swirls with a proper espresso or go for an affogato if you want that extra jolt of joy.”

From the Rahway newsletter, September 7, 2026

“Whether you're team dairy or not, Mehadrin Ice Cream nails it with Pure Parve bars, White Dipped bars in English Toffee, Strawberry, and Vanilla, plus Cookie Dough Bombs and playful Shot Cups like Maple Pecan Bourbon and Lemonana. Perfect for Elizabeth nights when the couch needs a cold sidekick.”

From the Elizabeth newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Global Bakery Plus brings the real taste of Brazil close to home, with fresh breads, beautiful cakes, and a spread of salgados and doces made for delivery or special orders. It’s a quick hop from Elizabeth, and perfect when you want authentic flavor without the fuss.”

From the Elizabeth newsletter, August 31, 2026

“Golden Krust Caribbean Restaurant brings real-deal Jamaican flavor to your weekday lunch and lazy Saturday cravings with flaky beef patties, jerk chicken, oxtail, curry goat, and coco bread... all cooked from scratch daily, plus breakfast classics like ackee and saltfish and a cold Ting to seal the vibe.”

From the Plainfield newsletter, September 14, 2026

“For luxury weddings and milestone moments that deserve more, Milani's Sweet Tooth crafts custom couture cakes that double as the centerpiece, then teaches the art through Cake & Sip nights and private, mobile classes. Local, detail-obsessed, and happy to come to you in Elizabeth and nearby.”

From the Elizabeth newsletter, September 30, 2026

“Uncle Louie G Italian Ice and Ice Cream brings Brooklyn-born nostalgia to Elizabeth with real-fruit Italian ices and ultra-creamy 14% butterfat ice cream, all made in Staten Island. Close to 50 ice flavors and 34 ice cream picks, plus no-sugar-added choices, means everyone finds a favorite.”

From the Elizabeth newsletter, September 14, 2026

“Ice Moon spins Thai rolled ice cream on the spot, then doubles down with bubble tea, smoothies, espresso, and those glorious bubble waffles. When your sweet tooth starts texting you again, this is the neighborhood move for something fun, fresh, and seriously satisfying.”

From the Elizabeth newsletter, September 22, 2026

“Family-owned and all about the good stuff, Park Ice Cream Company scoops year-round with rotating seasonal flavors that actually taste like the season. Planning a celebration? Their private party room, mobile cart catering, and an ice cream truck in the works make dessert logistics blissfully easy.”

From the Union newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Ice cream chain offering design-your-own creations hand-mixed on a granite slab, plus shakes & more.”

“Santiago's Bakery Elizabeth is a family-owned staple serving authentic pan dulce, custom cakes, and savory Mexican dishes with flavors straight from Guerrero, Mexico. Perfect for a pre-commute treat or an easy dinner win, it’s the kind of counter spot locals keep in their back pocket.”

From the Elizabeth newsletter, September 28, 2026

“North Avenue Bakery is the low-key spot locals hit for pastéis de nata, bolo de arroz, and other sweet stuff, plus sandwiches on Portuguese rolls. Grab a coffee or a fresh-squeezed OJ, and call it breakfast or a very respectable afternoon pick-me-up.”

From the Elizabeth newsletter, September 21, 2026

“Custom cakes that actually taste as good as they look, plus a pastry case stacked with pasteis de nata, brigadeiros, napoleons, eclairs, and Bola de Berlin. Oasis Pastry Shop also does party trays and makes a mean cappuccino, so consider it your backup plan for every celebration.”

From the Union newsletter, September 6, 2026

“When you’re craving legit Colombian bites with your coffee, Las Delicias de Mi Region comes through with flaky guava pastries, crispy empanadas and tres leches, plus gorgeous custom cakes that actually taste as good as they look. Friendly pros, quality ingredients, and zero pretense...”

From the Elizabeth newsletter, September 17, 2026

“When your sweet tooth and real-life hunger both show up, Canastas Bakery & Restaurant answers with buttery croissants, celebratory cakes, and legit breakfast plates plus stacked sandwiches, all made with fresh ingredients by a family-run crew locals quietly brag about.”

From the Linden newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Guatepan Bakery brings the auténtico sabor chapín to Jersey with breakfasts, Guatemalan breads, and special-occasion cakes that actually look as good as they taste. A family brand with 40+ years behind it and NJ roots since 2003, it’s the spot when your morning needs a hug... in pastry form.”

From the North Jersey newsletter, August 23, 2026

“Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items & a variety of coffee drinks.”

“Airy bread and a variety of pastries fill the bakery-cafe space that evokes Italian piazzas.”

“Handmade pupusas, fresh bread, and coffee brewed with cariño make Bread Basket Bakery the neighborhood cure for weekday blahs. Round it out with a hearty sandwich or burger, then finish strong with a smoothie, milkshake, or ice cream and pretend that totally counts as self-care.”

From the Plainfield newsletter, August 24, 2026

“Pastry shop featuring cupcakes, cakes, croissants and other baked goods with a French flair.”

“Guatepan Bakery brings the auténtico sabor chapín to Plainfield with fresh panadería, pastelería, and hearty desayunos that feel like home, no passport required. Born in Guatemala 40+ years ago and baking in Jersey since 2003, they’ve grown into multiple local spots thanks to quality-first recipes and friendly service.”

From the Plainfield newsletter, August 31, 2026

“Uncle Louie G's "Italian Ice & Ice Cream" is the local plug for handcrafted Italian ices, creamy scoops, and milkshakes that hit your inner kid like confetti. Grab an ice cream cake, book their cart for your block party, or team up on a fundraiser... even kosher-certified treats.”

From the Elizabeth newsletter, August 27, 2026

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

“Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items & a variety of coffee drinks.”

“Charming bakery selling an array of allergy-friendly treats, including cakes and cookies.”

“Bustling neighborhood bakery crafting cupcakes, brownies & other confections in a quaint setting.”

“Blue Ribbon Bakery & Cafe is that reliable Union go-to for custom cakes that actually look good and taste better, plus everyday wins like pasteis de nata, eclairs, palmiers and brigadeiros. Grab a sandwich, coffee or juice, settle into the clean, calm vibe, and let your sweet tooth steer.”

From the Union newsletter, October 13, 2026

“Neighborhood bakery and cafe offering cookies, pies, cakes and pastries.”

“Magic Fountain Union Creamery Homemade Ice Cream has been churning in-house since 1984, scooping handcrafted ice cream and Italian ice with the original 18 flavors plus new creations that actually surprise in a good way. Expect hand-made frozen treats and cakes, and that cozy Union vibe where one scoop becomes two.”

From the Union newsletter, October 2, 2026

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

“Carmen's Italian Bakery turns premium ingredients into serious comfort, with signature breads, gourmet cookies, and exquisite pastries that somehow vanish from the box before you get home. Planning a celebration this week in Union?”

From the Union newsletter, September 23, 2026

“Jammed Up Bakery keeps the Union area sweet with cookies that hit the soft-chewy bullseye, frosting-stacked cupcakes, and full-on cakes when only a slice (or three) will do, plus vegan options that actually satisfy. Swing by when you need a quick pick-me-up or a legit dessert for family night.”

From the Union newsletter, October 6, 2026

“Family-owned mainstay baking breads & colorful cakes, cookies & tarts since 1938.”

“Longtime chain serving a variety of donut flavors & shapes, plus coffee & frozen drinks.”

“From early-morning breakfast to late-day sweet cravings, La Casa Del Pan brings Colombian flavor with fresh-baked goods, antojitos and imported products. Need something special for a celebration? Their custom cakes make it easy to turn a regular Tuesday into a mini party.”

From the Union newsletter, September 29, 2026

“Family-run Pinho's Bakery keeps locals fueled with flaky eclairs, cannoli, and those eye-catching layer cakes, plus a deli cranking out breakfast sandwiches and made-to-order subs on fresh bread. Pro tip, their custard cups ship to your door, and custom cakes are kind of their thing.”

From the Linden newsletter, September 5, 2026