The best bakeries & sweet shops in Union

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

“Counter-service chain offering scoops of ice cream & sorbet plus sundaes, shakes & smoothies.”

“Cozy bakery with a few tables, selling hand-held treats like scones & cupcakes, plus coffee & pies.”

“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.”

“Whimsical, family-owned bakeshop with handmade cakes & personalized cookies, plus parties & classes.”

“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

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

“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

“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

“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 Union newsletter, September 6, 2026

“Whether it's a backyard birthday, school celebration, or a last minute treat run, King Softee Ice Cream Truck rolls up with creamy soft serve, legit milkshakes, dips and waffle cones, and the kindest crew. They pop by around Elizabeth, serve fast, and somehow make grownups as happy as the kids.”

From the Irvington newsletter, September 2, 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

“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.”

“Craving a sweet timeout close to East Orange, Dippy Sippy Ice Cream & Desserts in Maplewood scoops a variety of flavors, plus thick shakes, sundaes, and banana splits that taste like summer in a cup. It’s the kind of relaxed spot where indecision is expected and extra sprinkles are basically a love language.”

From the Union newsletter, August 20, 2026

“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, September 17, 2026

“Paramount Bakeries Inc has been brick-oven baking in the neighborhood since 1924, turning simple ingredients and an 18-hour cold proof into loaves with real character, from Russian rye and borodinsky to Cuban and Italian classics, delivered fresh daily. Your East Orange sandwiches will notice.”

From the Irvington newsletter, September 5, 2026

“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, September 4, 2026

“The folks at America's Bakery bake through the night, then race fresh, crispy, crusty bread to Jersey shops, restaurants, and delis before sunrise, so your morning sandwich hits different. Spot their loaves around Elizabeth for that straight-from-the-oven vibe.”

From the Irvington newsletter, August 17, 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, September 7, 2026

“Counter-service chain offering scoops of ice cream & sorbet plus sundaes, shakes & smoothies.”

“Angel's Recipe Ice Cream & Crepes slings sweet crepes, rolled ice cream sundaes, and bubble tea in a bright, cheery counter-service vibe. They deliver to Hoboken too, which makes last minute dessert runs dangerously easy and perfect for couch nights, study breaks, or post-dinner sweet fixes.”

From the Hoboken newsletter, September 6, 2026

“Stack Creamery is all about ice cream and cookies, the classic combo locals never tire of. Swing by for a quick treat after dinner or grab an ice cream cake when you need a reliable crowd-pleaser.”

From the Bayonne newsletter, September 18, 2026

“Liv Breads Artisan Bakery and Coffee Bar is turning flour, water, and salt into chewy-crusty magic with slow-fermented wild yeast loaves, flaky pastries, and a legit espresso bar. Swing by Millburn or the Short Hills kiosk for brunchy quiche, stacked sandwiches, and salads built to show off the bread.”

From the Union newsletter, August 25, 2026

“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 Elizabeth newsletter, August 24, 2026

“Craving something that actually tastes like a reward? Dulce De Leche Bakery turns out buttery Argentine pastries, gorgeous cakes and cookies, plus savory lunch bites, all with that rich caramel vibe they’re named for... a perfect midweek pick-me-up when you need a win.”

From the Staten Island newsletter, August 19, 2026

“2winspastryH&A is cranking out joy by the dozen, from ice cream donuts and kolaches to custom celebration cakes that actually taste as good as they look. They even do keto and gluten free treats, so everyone in the group chat can say yes this week.”

From the Newark newsletter, September 15, 2026

“This week, when the craving hits between errands, Keytlym Bakery has you covered with from‑scratch pastries, fresh bread, and real-deal sandwiches. Grab a donut and smoothie combo, or put in for a custom cake that actually tastes as good as it looks.”

From the Kearny newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Since 1962, Calandra's Bakery has been cranking out 100% all natural loaves that actually taste like something, plus Italian classics like sfogliatelle, rainbow cookies, and cannoli cake. Need a weekend pick-me-up? Grab a semolina bastone and call it dinner, no judgment.”

From the East Orange newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Since 1993, Tonnie's Minis has been turning out bite-size cupcakes, cakes, cookies, and nostalgic pies that taste like a warm hug from the oven. Swing by this week when the sweet tooth hits, especially for lemon-topped minis, strawberry and red velvet, plus a sweet potato pie with buttery vibes.”

From the Newark newsletter, September 22, 2026

“Got a birthday, baby shower, or just a Tuesday that needs frosting this week? Ashley’s Delicious Treats whips up custom cakes and cupcake cakes with playful designs from Sesame Street to Spider-Man, Minnie Mouse, Cars, or mermaids, and you can order online when inspiration (or cravings) hit.”

From the Irvington newsletter, August 26, 2026