10 Epic New Jersey Bakeries (and Bake Shops) You Need to Visit

Epic is a word that seems to get people's attention these days. Bakery is a word that gets mine. So I thought I'd put the two together to bring you a post about some of the best, most epic bakeries in New Jersey. Now, I know this is New Jersey, so that means we have a ton of amazing bakeries out there. This is just a small sampling of what our state has to offer. Go find your favorite!

1.  The Pirate Cupcake - Milford, NJ

Okay, so I might be biased on this one, since the genius behind The Pirate Cupcake just so happens to be my sister. But, man, I have tried so many cupcakes in my lifetime, and hers still 'take the cake' as far as I'm concerned. Another great thing about her business is that it's NUT FREE. Yep, the pirate herself has a severe nut allergy so you can rest assured that you won't find nuts in any of her treats. And, to add to the utter coolness of all of this, The Pirate Cupcake owns a Pirate Cupcake TRUCK (affectionately known as 'Clyde') that can be hired for events or parties. You can also find Clyde at many food truck festivals throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Chocolate deliciousness from The Pirate Cupcake

"Clyde,' The Pirate Cupcake truck, with Jersey Momma's Boy on board!

What's Epic About The Pirate Cupcake:  Nut-free and makes amazing cupcakes and other fantastic treats. Be sure to try her handmade fruit popsicles and ice cream cookie sandwiches, too! The coolest truck ever, truly one of a kind.

2. Sweet Melissa Patisserie - Annandale, NJ

Sweet Melissa just won NJ.com's choice for the state's best bakery. If you've never been there, swing by and try them for breakfast. Order the cinnabun pancakes and I promise you won't be disappointed!

What's Epic About Sweet Melissa Patisserie:  When you're in need of a beautiful french pastry or macaron, definitely hit up Sweet Melissa's! Their baked goods are divine, but their breakfast and lunch menu is also incredible.

3.  Sorrento's - East Hanover, NJ

Sorrento Bakery is a full service bakery and deli. They're open 365 days a year, including holidays. Their custom cakes are gorgeous, too. 

What's Epic About Sorrento Bakery: They are known to have a chocolate mousse ganache cake that is heavenly, as well as their cheese danishes. They also double as a delicious deli.  

photo via Sorrento Bakery on Facebook

4.  Cocoluxe Fine Pastries - Peapack, NJ

Cocoluxe is a quaint little shop right on Main Street in Peapack (have you noticed a Main Street trend going on here for bakeries?). They carry a unique selection of fine fruit pastries, french pastries and more.

Chocolate Mice from Cocoluxe Pastries in Peapack

What's Epic About Cocoluxe: The chocolate mice! Need I say more? I also like their walnut brownies, which are round and baked in a little paper wrapper like a cupcake.

5.  The Gingered Peach - Lawrenceville, NJ

Let me just say that The Gingered Peach is one of the cutest little bakeries you ever did see. That aside, they also have some of the most delicious baked goodies around. My friends rave about their goat cheese brownie (who knew, right?), but I also hear their infamous caramel crack is hard to resist.  You can visit them on Gordon Avenue in Lawrenceville.

Photo from www.TheGingeredPeach.com

What's Epic About The Gingered Peach:  There are some awesomely unique items on their menu, and I reckon you should give them all a try. But don't miss their croissants and scones, either!

6.  Coming Soon!! Who should we choose?
*Our #6 choice had been The Flaky Tart, recently closed, so we're on the hunt for a new #6! These are in no particular order, mind you, so #6 is a good slot!

7.  Calandra's - Fairfield, NJ

If you're from New Jersey, chances are you've already heard of Calandra's. They are known far and wide for their incredible breads (which are best eaten warm, in my opinion). I also love them for their Italian cookies, tri-color pastries and their mountainous cupcakes. You know the ones I mean! They have several locations around the state, including Fairfield, Newark and Caldwell.

Photo from Calandra's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/calandrarestaurant/timeline

What's Epic About Calandra's: Their bread is the stuff of legends. It's made fresh on the hour, and most of the time, if you buy a loaf of bread here (any kind) it won't make it home without you pulling a chunk out of it while you're driving!

8. Palazzone 1960 - Wayne, NJ

You will never believe this, but Mr. Jersey Momma actually introduced me to this amazing place called Palazzone 1960 (I know, right?) in Wayne. He often occasionally (hint, hint, Mr. J.M!) brings home these incredible pastries called lobster tails. I am not usually a fan of flaky pastries, but these are like nothing I've tried before. Is it the pastry? Is it the cream inside? I don't know, but they make an impressive statement when you bring them to a party or event, I assure you! You can find them on Rt. 23 in Wayne, so get out there, people.

Photo from Palazzone 1960: https://www.facebook.com/Palazzone1960/timeline

What's Epic About Palazzone 1960:  Well, clearly I'm a fan of their incredible pastries, but they also have an extensive Italian coffee menu and a restaurant serving delicious paninis and more.

9. ??? We Need a New #9!

*Sadly, Grateful Bites has closed its doors for good. Stay tuned for a new #9! Drop me a line if yu have a suggestion!

10. Sweet Avenue Bakeshop - Rutherford, NJ

Sweet Avenue Bakeshop is located on Park Avenue in Rutherford. It's a tiny little shop, but the beauty is in their cupcakes! Sweet Avenue is entirely vegan. Yes, 100% vegan- as in no dairy, no eggs! And I swear to you on my Jersey Momma life that you would never know they are vegan when you taste them. Unique flavors and adorable to look at, they are hands-down the best vegan treats I have ever tried.

Photo from Sweet Avenue Bakeshop: https://www.facebook.com/sweetave

What's Epic About Sweet Avenue Bakeshop: Vegan, dairy-free, egg-free (and they even offer up some gluten-free and soy-free items, too), they still taste amazing. My favorite flavor is the Jet Black. I don't know what the sprinkles are made of, but I love them.

Not to Be Forgotten

This is Jersey, folks, so I couldn't possibly mention every fabulous bakery in our state or I'd be here all day. I know there are even more amazing bakeries out there that I didn't list here, so here's a few more that I didn't get a chance to mention in detail.

Christie's Bakeshop - Clinton, NJ: Try their s'mores bar or their Yo-ho bars, and listen to some awesome 80's tunes while you eat! Spot, The Jersey Doggy, is a HUGE fan of their homemade dog biscuits.

Linda's Biscotti - Chester, NJ: Don't underestimate the power of a good biscotti! Linda's in Chester has every flavor you can imagine (like banana chocolate chip, funfetti and s'mores, just to name a few), all homemade, with lotsa love! You can even order online and have them shipped. 

Packanack Bakery - Wayne, NJ:  It's tough to find a better crumb cake than Packanack Bakery's in Wayne! Guests have been visiting this establishment for generations. It's a Jersey classic!

Hacklebarney Farm Cider Mill & Bakery - Chester, NJ: Open seasonally (Labor Day through December), this bakery is housed inside a cider mill. Cider donuts, apple pies and other Fall treats fill this little room with a heavenly scent. It was the first car trip I took with my beloved dog, Milo, and one of our favorite stops with The Jersey Momma's Boy. Be forewarned! During the busy Fall season, the line to get these amazing donuts might actually extend out of the building!

Cider donuts galore at Hacklebarney Cider Mill in Chester. The Jersey Momma with her Boy and his Grammy!

Do you have a favorite New Jersey bakery? Give them a shout-out in the comments section below!