Some people think that the Jersey Shore doesn’t have much to offer. And those people are very VERY wrong. At the Jersey Shore, we have beautiful beaches, awesome nightlife, and unbeatable food. Plus, we don’t have to pump our own gas.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting for a week, you better make it your mission to sample as many of the Jersey Shore’s treats as possible. Your stomach will definitely thank you.
1. Cookie Monster Ice Cream – Hoffman’s
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If you want creamy homemade ice cream after a long day at the beach, head to Hoffman’s in Point Pleasant Beach, Long Branch, Spring Lake Heights, or Little Silver. Turn your whole mouth blue with a scoop of Cookie Monster loaded with Oreos and cookie dough. And if you find yourself feeling extra hungry, ask about the Octopus Challenge.
2. Give Me A Break Doughnut – Broad Street Dough Co.
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The doughnuts at Broad Street Dough Co. have been recognized as some of the best in the state, and even in the country. Some of their outrageously delicious flavors include Seven Layer Cookie and Red Velvet Peanut Butter Cup. We recommend the Give Me A Break, a doughnut dipped in chocolate, topped with pretzel, peanut bits, and Kit Kats, and finished with a caramel drizzle.
3. Nutella Bowl – Playa Bowls
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For a lighter dessert, check out Playa Bowls in Belmar or Long Branch. Their acai bowls and smoothie bowls are just as satisfying as any ice cream treat, especially when topped with a generous Nutella drizzle.
4. Custard Cone Dipped In Chocolate – Kohr’s
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When you find yourself on a Jersey boardwalk, make sure to locate a Kohr Bros Frozen Custard Shop. The soft serve here is unmatched in both quality and flavor, and it has become a boardwalk tradition. And remember, no cone or cup is complete without a hard chocolate shell or a dip in rainbow sprinkles.
5. Strawberry Daiquiri Cupcake – The Dessert Bar
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The Dessert Bar is a Toms River bakery that specializes in alcohol-infused cupcakes. Yes, you read that correctly. The Strawberry Daiquiri cupcakes are amazing, as is pretty much everything else on the menu. Get your fix of Fireball, Patron, or champagne, all without ever actually opening a bottle.
6. S’Mores Cake Pop – Lil Cutie Pops
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Cake pops are the delicious lovechild of lollipops and frosted cake, and Lil Cutie Pops in Red Bank specializes in them. The desserts here are perfect for a quick treat, or for a party or other large scale event. The S’mores, Salted Caramel, and Cookie Dough flavors are fan favorites.
7. Crumb Cake – Mueller’s Bakery
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On summer mornings, this little Bay Head bakery is absolutely mobbed. Mueller’s Bakery is a local favorite with an extremely devoted group of customers. No brunch is complete without the addition of a fresh piece of crumb cake (plain or raspberry), a frosted jelly doughnut, or a cheese danish.
8. Chocolate Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake – Nothing Bundt Cakes
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Bundt cakes often go unnoticed in the dessert world, and Nothing Bundt Cakes in Shrewsbury is working very hard to change that. All of the cakes are super moist, and the cream cheese frosting is completely addictive. The best part is that they sell mini bundt cakes, so you never have to worry about having to share.
9. Coconut Macaroon – The Macaroon Shop
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Coconut is one of the most classic summer flavors, making macaroons an obviously classic summer cookie. The Macaroon Shop in Avon-By-The-Sea has been selling these treats since the 1930s, and not a single person has gotten sick of them yet. Have a traditional plain cookie or have one dipped in chocolate; you’ll be satisfied either way.
10. Vegan Doughnut – The Cinnamon Snail
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The Cinnamon Snail is a Jersey Shore foodtruck specializing in next-level vegan cuisine. The baked goods have gained national recognition, especially the doughnuts. The most famous flavor is probably the Norberweiberberweiberhydrafab, a doughnut glazed with white chocolate, topped with dirty blonde streusel, and stuffed with Makers Mark bourbon hazelnut ganache
11. Italian Ice – Strollo’s Lighthouse
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Sometimes, Italian ice can be watery and tasteless. This is certainly not the case at Strollo’s Lighthouse in Long Branch, Point Pleasant, and Red Bank. The Italian ice comes in tasty flavors like pina colada, passion fruit, and pistachio, and a custard flavor-of-the-day is also always offered.
12. Don’t Be Cruel Cupcake – Confections Of A Rock$tar
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This rock n’ roll-themed cupcake shop is not your average bakery. Confections Of A Rock$tar in Asbury Park is known for its bold flavors and exciting vibes. Try a Don’t Be Cruel, which is a banana cupcake topped with peanut butter frosting honey-dipped bacon, or a R’Asbury Park, which is a vanilla cupcake topped with fresh raspberry cream cheese swirl frosting.
13. Frosted Cinnamon Buns – Baked On The Beach
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Baked On The Beach is another bakery definitely worth stopping by. Located in Surf City, this has become a very popular spot for visitors to the Jersey Shore. Grab a warm glazed cinnamon bun or a Jersey blueberry muffin for breakfast. And for dessert, we hear the chocolate peanut butter pie is not to be missed.
14. Cannolis – La Scala Italian Bakery Shop
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Italian stereotypes are constantly associated with New Jersey, as perpetuated by shows like The Sopranos, The Real Housewives of New Jersey, and The Jersey Shore. And although these stereotypes may not always be accurate, we do still have bomb cannolis. Head to La Scala Italian Pastry Shop in Toms River for some of the best.
15. Earl Grey Fudge Ice Cream – Milk Sugar Love
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If you’re bored of regular chocolate and vanilla ice cream, then Milk Sugar Love is the place for you. This organic ice cream shop in Jersey City is a hub for dessert lovers of all ages, especially those with a sophisticated palette. Earl Grey Fudge is one of the most popular flavors, but we also recommend trying Lemon Olive Oil, Ube Marshmallow, or Chocolate Bacon.
16. Red Velvet Fried Oreos – The Committed Pig
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When people think of the Jersey Shore they think of boardwalks, and when they think of boardwalks they think of fried food. Although The Committed Pig is located in Manasquan, not on a boardwalk, it certainly knows how to do fried food. The red velvet fried Oreos may not be the most healthy treat, but they’re certainly the most delicious.
17. Fudge – Shriver’s
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You can’t visit the Jersey Shore and not go to an institution like Shriver’s. This Ocean City sweet shop has been in business since 1898. It specializes in salt water taffy, a product that originated in Jersey, and a wide variety of fudges. A sugar rush is basically guaranteed with any trip.
18. Cookie Butter Crepe – Whipped Creperie
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There’s no need to travel to France for a good crepe, because Red Bank’s Whipped Creperie will fulfill any crepe fantasy that you have. This restaurant is focused on crepes both sweet and savory, but obviously we’re interested in the sweet. Try one stuffed with cookie butter or peanut butter, or try the Banana Split if you really want to indulge.
19. Vanilla Glazed Doughnut – Brown’s
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The beauty of a place like Brown’s Restaurant in Ocean City lies in its simplicity. Located on the boardwalk, this is a favorite destination for anyone with a big appetite. The real treats, though, are the homemade doughnuts. They come in classic flavors like vanilla glazed, chocolate glazed, powdered, and plain, and there’s also the signature honey doughnut.
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