Best Bakeries at the Jersey Shore
Fresh bread, pastries, donuts, and sweet treats at the Jersey Shore's finest bakeries. From Italian pastry shops to beachside donut stands.
Jersey Shore Bakery Tradition
The Jersey Shore has a rich bakery tradition dating back generations, shaped by Italian immigrants who brought Old World recipes to shore towns from Asbury Park to Cape May. Today, that tradition lives on in family-owned bakeries serving authentic cannoli, sfogliatelle, and ricotta pie.
Beyond the Italian classics, you'll find everything from artisan sourdough and fresh-baked bagels to whimsical beach-themed donuts and legendary crumb cakes. Many shore bakeries have been perfecting their recipes for decades.
Whether you're grabbing donuts for the beach, picking up a birthday cake, or treating yourself to a morning pastry with your coffee, these bakeries are essential Jersey Shore stops.
Monmouth County
Italian classics and artisan bakes
Delicious Orchards
Legendary farm market with incredible baked goods and famous apple cider donuts.
Long Branch institution serving legendary Italian ice and gelato since 1987.
Classic Italian bakery with authentic pastries, cakes, and breads.
Ob-Co's Donuts
Old-school donut shop beloved for classic crumb donuts and friendly service.
Freedman's Bakery
$$Traditional Jewish bakery with legendary crumb cake and challah.
Ocean County
Island bakeries and beach treats
LBI's artisan bakery with fresh sourdough, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches.
Beloved LBI breakfast spot with famous sticky buns and fresh-baked treats.
Historic Bay Head bakery with outstanding crumb cake and pastries since 1979.
The Bagel Shack
LBI go-to for fresh bagels, cream cheese, and breakfast sandwiches.
Atlantic County
Shore classics and Italian favorites
Atlantic City institution since 1919, famous for Italian bread and tomato pie.
Rando's Bakery
Family bakery with authentic Italian pastries and custom cakes.
Casel's Marketplace
Upscale market with excellent fresh-baked bread and prepared foods.
Obee's Donuts
Classic donut shop serving the Downbeach community for decades.
Cape May County
Victorian treats and boardwalk sweets
Ocean City boardwalk legend serving hot donuts since 1930.
Family restaurant famous for incredible sticky buns and breakfast.
Cape May bakery serving Victorian-style treats and fresh pastries.
Douglas Fudge
Wildwood boardwalk tradition serving homemade fudge and candies.
Laura's Fudge
$$Family-owned fudge shop on the Wildwood boardwalk since 1926.
Bakery Tips
Arrive Early
Popular items sell out fast! Arrive before 9am for the best selection, especially on weekends.
Pre-Order for Holidays
Planning a special occasion? Call ahead for custom cakes and holiday pastries—they book up fast.
Beach Breakfast
Grab donuts or pastries to-go and enjoy breakfast on the beach. Perfect beach day fuel.
Italian Tradition
Jersey Shore has amazing Italian bakeries with cannoli, sfogliatelle, and ricotta pie—don't miss them!
FAQ
What are the best bakeries for donuts at the Jersey Shore?
Brown's on the Ocean City boardwalk is legendary (fresh hot donuts since 1930). Ob-Co's in Ocean Grove has amazing crumb donuts. Obee's in Ventnor and Delicious Orchards' apple cider donuts are also must-tries.
Where can I find authentic Italian pastries at the shore?
Sciortino's in Long Branch has excellent cannoli. Formica Bros. in Atlantic City (since 1919) is famous for Italian bread and tomato pie. Rando's in Margate serves authentic Italian cookies and pastries.
Which shore bakeries have the best crumb cake?
Freedman's Bakery in Belmar is legendary for crumb cake. Mueller's Bakery in Bay Head has been making outstanding crumb cake since 1979. Kohler's in Cape May also makes a great version.
Do I need to arrive early at shore bakeries?
Yes! Popular items sell out, especially on summer weekends. Ob-Co's donuts are often gone by mid-morning. Mueller's crumb cake sells out regularly. Aim to arrive before 9am for the best selection.
Can I order custom cakes at shore bakeries?
Many shore bakeries do custom cakes—Sciortino's, Rando's, and Kohler's are popular choices. Order at least a week ahead in summer, and 2+ weeks for weddings or large events.
Are there gluten-free or vegan options?
Options are limited but growing. Some bakeries offer gluten-free items—call ahead to check. Artisan bakeries like Crust & Crumb may have options. Most traditional Italian bakeries don't have GF/vegan items.