Halloween may grab all the treat-related attention for October holidays, but National Dessert Day on October 14th shouldn’t be overlooked. A recent nationwide study ranked Jersey City 4th overall in Best Cities for a Sweet Tooth. Jersey City’s culinary diversity is worth bragging about, as many of the delicious bakeries, ice cream shops, and other sweet stops ensure that both quality and quantity are part of the equation. Read on to learn more about this study and to find some of the best places to celebrate National Dessert Day.
About the Survey
The survey was conducted by Lawn Love and compared 200 cities’ sweet offerings. Cities across the US were ranked according to three categories: Access; Quality; and Community. The Access category measured how many stores such as pie shops, bakeries, and ice cream shops are in each city by density.
The Quality category measured the number of James Beard Award and other industry award recipients in each city. The Community category measured how many baking classes or other events are offered in each city.
Read More: A Definitive List of Hoboken Desserts You Must Eat ASAP
Jersey City ranked 4th behind Miami, FL (#1); Garden Grove, CA (#2); and San Francisco, CA (#3). Right behind Jersey City was New York City, ranked #5. Jersey City was also ranked #1 for most doughnut shops per square mile.
In the Sweet Spot
While this study’s outcome makes it official, we’ve always known that Jersey City has some of the best treats around, especially considering the many cultures and cuisines represented. There are plenty of traditional shops plus home bakers making goodies to suit any craving. Here’s a list of some of our favorites.
Angel Azul Bakery | 460 Central Avenue
This family-run bakery serves Colombian and Ecuadorian treats daily alongside fresh-brewed Colombian coffee. This spot in The Heights has been in business since 1998 by Zoila and Luis Gallo, whose children now run the bakery. Some of the popular items baked in-house include pan de Bono (Colombian cheese bread), guava paste-filled bread, cheesecake, and flan.
Babka Bailout x Boomerang Bites | 476 Central Avenue
The two women behind Babka Bailout and Boomerang Bites combined forces earlier this year to open a storefront in Jersey City. Babka Bailout specializes in traditional Israeli treats including rugelach, hamantaschen, and the iconic sweet and savory babkas, served in a whole loaf or as a ‘babka bite.’ Babka Bailout was started during the pandemic by Jersey City resident Michal Prevor as a way to fundraise.
Aussie transplant Andrea Rizvi started Boomerang Bites in 2018 after her homemade treats were big hits with friends and family. A Boomerang Bite is an Aussie ‘slice’ — a multi-layered treat baked in a sheet pan, like a bar cookie. Every Australian family has their own favorite slice recipe, and Andrea started making them as a way to share her home with new friends in the US. Boomerang Bites donates 20% of its proceeds to charity.
Baonanas | 181 Monticello Avenue
Owners Trisha Villanueva and Lloyd Ortuoste are Jersey City natives and are known for their inventive take on banana pudding. The two combined a traditional Filipino dessert called Leche flan with the classic Southern banana pudding to create something one-of-a-kind.
The end result is a fluffy banana mousse scooped like ice cream. There are over 30 flavors, including vegan options, and each scoop is layered with other goodies like graham crackers, jam, and toasted coconut. The classic flavors are available year-round while the seasonal flavors switch up frequently. Baonanas is celeb-approved, too: Bella Hadid was spotted enjoying a cup from the shop’s NYC location.
Knead Some Love | Online
Priyanka Poddar combines traditional Indian flavors with a quintessential American treat, the doughnut. The end result is something almost too pretty to eat. Almost. Some of the most popular flavors for the doughnuts and bundt cakes include mango lassi, spice chai tea latte, and rose pistachio. Priyanka started her business during the pandemic after making her delectable treats for friends and family. The doughnuts are available through the website and during pop-ups at Smorgasburg Jersey City.
Laurel Bakery | Online
Jersey City resident Greg Marx began baking simple breads for fun in 2017. He kept on with that hobby during the pandemic, and eventually branched out to make other treats like cookies and biscotti. Greg was one of the first bakers in Hudson County to receive a home-baking permit under the new New Jersey law permitting sales of home-baked goods. Laurel Bakery treats can be ordered online and at pop-ups at the Hamilton Park Farmers Market.
See More: The Ultimate Guide to Desserts in Montclair
Torico | 20 Erie Street
This family-owned shop has been in business since 1968, when it was founded by patriarch Peter Barrios and his wife Pura. Pura was pregnant and craving ice cream in the tropical flavors of their native Puerto Rico. Peter started making ice cream, and the rest is history.
The shop has over 50 flavors, including a special flavor each month. There are the three original tropical flavors: tamarind, passion fruit, and coconut; plus modern favorites like mint chocolate chip, blueberry cheesecake, and chocolate peanut butter. The Barrios family still runs the shop, and the original hand-cranked ice cream machine is in the store. Ice cream cakes, pints to go, and ice cream sandwiches can all be custom-made at Torico.
