Vacations are a time for relaxing, letting loose, and indulging in foods that you spend most of the year avoiding. That’s why the Jersey shore has so many decadent desserts to choose from. Check out some of the most unique (and delicious) Jersey shore treats.
Sonho
This deep-fried doughnut covered in sugar comes from Portugal. The name means “dream,” reflecting how wonderful this glorious treat tastes. Find it at Suissa’s Bakery in Newark.
Croissant Bread Pudding
This ain’t your momma’s bread pudding! Flaky croissants combine with sweet, refreshing pudding and bake in ramekins to create this beautiful concoction. Find it at Dish in Red Bank.
Sfogliatelle
This flaky, croissant-like classic Italian pastry has cream inside, so it’s perfect for any season. It even has a shell-like shape! Enjoy it at Rispoli’s Pastry Shop in Ridgefield.
Quinoa Flan
People often associate flan with Hispanic countries, but this custard-filled pastry actually began with the Roman Empire. Luckily, you don’t have to go back thousands of years to enjoy it – you can get it anytime at Runa Peruvian Cuisine in Red Bank, and with a special, healthy twist. Their quinoa flan has a light filling and is covered in chocolate sauce. You even have the option to add a protein punch!
Ciambellas, Bombas, Pastiocciottis
Ciambellas (Italian bundt cakes), bombas (Italian potato croquettes with dipping sauces), and pastiocciottis (ricotta cheese or egg custard filled Italian pastries) can all be found at Palazzone1960 in Wayne.
Ring Ding for Two
This oddly named dessert consists of peanut butter mousse filling a devil’s food cake covered in Belgian chocolate with phyllo and fresh berries on top. We know you can have too much of a good thing, but can you also have too many good things at once? Find out at Blend on Main in Manasquan.
Knafeh
This Middle Eastern cheese pastry is soaked in syrup to make it sweet. Try it at Nayef Sweets in Paterson.
Norberweiberberweiberhydrafab
The Cinnamon Snail food truck sells a desert by this name, but don’t be fooled – this isn’t a foreign delicacy. It’s actually a donut glazed with white chocolate and filled with bourbon hazelnut ganache with streusel on top. The name is a mouthful, but you’ll want much more than that!
Earl Grey Fudge Ice Cream
Tired of vanilla? Want a caffiene fix with your ice cream? Go for the Earl Grey Fudge flavor at Milk Sugar Love in Jersey City.
Pata Flora
This Argentine shredded quince pastry has shredded coconut on top. Find it at the Argentina Bakery in Brigantine!
Red Velvet Fried Oreos
Fried oreos are an amusement park and carnival staple, but The Committed Pig in Manasquan gives you two desserts in one by covering the cookies in red velvet flavored cake.
Pignoli Cookies
This Italian classic is chewy and chock full of almonds, like a macaroon. Find it at Joe Leone’s Italian Specialties in Point Pleasant.
There are plenty of other unbelievably delicious Jersey shore treats, so be sure to try these and more on your next trip!