Cakewalk Special: A Few More Sweet Spots by the Jersey Shore
Sunday, June 15, 2008 
Ah, the Jersey Shore. What's not to love? Bruce Springsteen. Kevin Smith. The rides and the boardwalk. Saltwater Taffy. And baked goods. Lots and lots of baked goods. Now, you may remember our Cakewalk in Bruce Springsteen Country from a while back. While that collection includes a bevy of baked good bliss in New Jersey, on our recent visit back we added a few new favorites to our roster; so without further ado, here are some more New Jersey bakeries to add to your to-do list next time you're in the Garden State:
Caputo Italian Pastry Shop: Though it's been around for a long time, this venerable institution of sweet is relatively new to the Cakespy crew. Perched in an unlikely spot in a strip mall, they craft delicate Italian specialties like Sfogllatella (or "lobster tail"), American standards like crisp chocolate chip cookies and chocolate and vanilla cupcakes, as well as some of the most whimsical little pastries we've ever seen--as illustrated by their swanlike cream puffs, pictured above. 444 Ocean Boulevard North Long Branch, NJ 07740, (732) 222-3838.
Cravings Gourmet Desserts: Our own Cake Gumshoe Kelly recently moved to Allenhurst, and we're so glad that she did, because in getting to know her new neighborhood we also got to know Cravings, a cheerful sweetshop boasting some of the most delicious, dense, fudgy brownies we've come across in a long time, as well as some extremely gorgeous-lookin' cakes--cannoli cream cake topped with a glossy chocolate veneer, anyone? 310 Main St, Allenhurst, NJ 07711(732) 531-7122.
Juanito's: Owner Juanito Torres came from Mexico to the states in the 80's, and his heritage shows in offerings like mantecado and mexican wedding cakes--but clearly New Jersey culture has made an impact, because sweet treats popular in NJ bakeries like cannoli (pictured at top) and cheesecake also make an appearance. And where Juanito's is concerned, when cultures cross paths, deliciousness is sure to follow. 159 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07704
Piece O'Cake: Unfortunately for us, it was more like Piece O'Heartbreak. When we see a pink house on the side of the road with a big sign that says "Piece O'Cake" with an arrow pointing to come hither, the Cakespies will go a-knockin'. Walking in, the most amazing sugary aroma enveloped the air--alas, this is a special-order bakery only, with no sweet treats for the mere walk-in, forethought-lacking mortals. Le sigh.
Sickles Market: An eclectic market in a style somewhat similar to Delicious Orchards; while their selection of baked goods was not enormous, it was solid, including a mix of items from outside vendors and items baked on site, including cupcakes, cookies, cream puffs and eclairs. However, when it comes to cider donuts, our hearts still belong to Delicious Orchards. Harrison Avenue, Little Silver NJ 07739(732) 741-9563; online at sicklesmarket.com
Cakewalk, new jersey
Reader Comments (26)
Everything looks scrumpcious!! I'll start with a cannoli first!
Oh my, that first photo! I stared at it till my eyeballs dried up!
first of all, bruce springsteen and kevin smith rock my world. earth is a better place because of them.
secondly, i'm loving those swan-shaped cream puffs! how unique and adorable!
nice detective work, ye holders of the best job ever. :)
Awesome! And kudos to you and your gumshoes!
Ann at http://www.redactedrecipes.com/" REL="nofollow">Redacted Recipes
Yum... those cannoli and neapolitan cookies make me want to hop on a plane. :D
I think that first photo describes jersey pastries at its best, right? So Jersey!
I'm ashamed to admit that I know yet another bit of NJ trivia: Jack Nicholson is from the Jersey shore as well!
Topic? Those canoli do look grand!
Also, I got my Cakespy cards in the mail Friday - thanks!
Frick, I will take 2 of everything
Jersey Shore, here I come!! :0D
You had me at Kevin Smith.... sigh.
I just discovered your etsy store through a post on Serious Eats. I love your work! Then, I found your blog and was so pleased to find that your latest post is about the Jersey shore, probably one of my favorite places in the world. Keep up the great work! I'll be sure to visit often.
Man, I used to love me some cannoli!
Jersey Girl in the house and I am a pastry chef now out in California, just reading the Jersey bakery reviews and have 2 suggestions for yummy treats down the shore.
My family grew up eating from Colonial Bakery (route 35 maybe?) in Ortley Beach.
And has anyone ever reviewed or had dessert at Rich's (route 37 maybe?) in Toms River...they make a to die for cannoli shake. Unbelievable.
You know I gain about 5 pounds just reading your entries....
Eh, don't forget da cannolis. At least those cannolis. In my family we pronounce it with a "g" instead of a "c."
Those Neopolitan cookies would be a huge hit at a family gathering.
Ehhh.
In my family we say, "ganawl". ;)No C for us at the beginning either.
In my family we say, "Ganawl". G, no c too!
In my fam we say "ganawl". A g, not a c too!
Now thats pastry!
Oh, man - I was born in Red Bank, and Bruce Springsteen is my favorite musician, so this Cakewalk is close to my heart. And oh - Delicious Orchards! Never a trip to R.B. passes without a side trip there - its the BEST!
Proud Italian Cook: Me too!
Caked Crusader: Mine too, looking back!
Grace: So true--thank you, New Jersey. So much good has come from it!
Ann: Thanks! :-)
Girltastes: Me too, to go right back!
Aran: So true, so Jersey!
Dana: YES! He went to the high school two towns over in Manasquan. Glad the cards arrived ok!
Obsessive Foodie: you've got that right!
Veggiegirl: You should go! There are a surprising amount of vegan options too.
EB: Isn't he awesome?
Toshytostop: Thank you so much!! Being from the Jersey shore myself I am partial to it. :-)
Rural Vegan: is there a vegan alternative?
J: Thanks for the tips! We'll have to hit them up on our next trip back in October!
Cookie Jill: No you don't or you'd stop reading!! :-)
Jeanna: HA! Alas, the area of NJ I am from doesn't say it that way. Or maybe I just don't hear it. I feel like that's a North Jersey thing!
Glamah: You said it!
Zoe: Small world!! I love red bank, it was where we went when we had gotten our licenses and wanted to be cool high school kids.
I've never been to the Jersey shore, but now I really want to go!!
I just visited a Hello Cupcake store and it had wonderful cupcakes, and wonderful cakespy pics. OMG I LOVE YOUR ART!!! :-D
Anonymous: Thank you so much!! :-)
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