I am an enthusiastic baker and sweets maker. Any time someone I know needs a cake, a pie, tarts, cookies, brownies, or a creamy fluffy mousse, they call me.

Sometimes they ask if I can bake or create a certain type of confection that I’ve never attempted before, and I almost always say yes. Then I get to work doing intense research on how to go about it.

For instance, I was asked if I can make Napoleons. I never made them before, but I do know how to make puff pastry which is the foundation of a Napoleon. All I needed to do was figure out how to put it together. It all depends on what you like to use for the filling. Pastry cream is the standard filling, and I know how to make that.

My first attempt wasn’t bad for such a labor-intensive recipe. Would I make them again? Probably not. I’d suggest finding a really good dessert shop or bakery known for its pastries.

There are lots of places in Ocean County to purchase already-made desserts when your sweet tooth demands something right now, or when you need to order a specialty cake or dessert for a special celebration.

I’m sure there will be a lot of debate about who has the best sweet treats in the county, but that is to be expected. Feel free to send me your choices for a future article. I can’t possibly cover all the wonderful places you’ve been to that satisfy your sugary cravings.

Devil Brownies - 1575 Route 37W Toms River in the Northampton Business Park

Devil Brownies 1575 Route 37W Toms River in the Northampton Business Park are known for such delectable creations such as the bacon brownie, espresso brownie, raspberry swirl blondies and so much more.
Sweet Treats & Ice Cream - 249 N. Main St Forked River

Sweet Treats uses the finest ingredients to ensure we produce the best homemade baked goods, custom ice creams, and more. Find them at 249 N. Main St Forked River.
The Crazy Baker Café - 1071 NJ-37 #5, Toms River, NJ 08755

The Crazy Baker Café is conveniently located on Rt. 37 West in Toms River. In addition to creating delicious bakery items, we also have a café where you can sit down and enjoy one of our creations with your coffee, tea, or cold beverage.
Mia Figlia Bella - 236 Nautilus Blvd Forked River

Mia Figlia Bella not only does specialty desserts for any occasion but also carries a full line of Gourmet Gift Baskets, Chocolates & offers on and off-site catering. They have incredible gourmet flavored cheesecakes, Cakes, Belgium Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Apples & Pretzels, Truffles, and an assortment of Cookies that also can be customized & Pastries.
Lilac and Creme - 575 Prospect Street Suite 240C Lakewood, NJ. 08701, US

Discover meticulously-crafted cheesecakes and miniatures at Lilac and Creme. Kosher Cholov Yisroel. So many varieties of cheesecakes, your head will spin. Cake pops cannolis, mini cheesecakes, and more!
Mister Softee -1580 Lakewood Road- Unit 2 Toms River, NJ 08755

I used to run after the Mister Softee truck when he came to the neighborhood when I was a kid. Hey, we all ran after the ice cream man No more chasing down the Mister Softee truck because there’s a free-standing building on Lakewood Road in Toms River. I’ll have a soft chocolate cone, please!
Uncle Doods Donuts -4 Robbins St, Toms River, NJ 08753

Dood, these donuts are the bomb! Dwight’s review says it all: When I say these are the best doughnuts, I truly mean they are the Very Best Doughnuts… I don’t eat chocolate and their Grave Dirt Doughnut is my All time Favorite.. Chocolate Icing with crushed Oreo topping. It’s to die for.. You guys are the best and all of my workers love your doughnuts when I treat them for their hard work.
Elisa's Pastry Shop - 1900 State Route 70 East Lakewood, NJ 08701

Now, this is where you can get a good Napoleon and other assorted pastries. I know firsthand how great this bakery is. So far, it’s my favorite bakery in Ocean County. Ask Elisa’s Pastry Shop about the raspberry crunch cake.
Nothing Bundt Cakes -1358 Hooper Ave, Toms River, NJ 08753

Someone from Nothing Bundt Cakes dropped off a big box of assorted flavors of mini bundt cakes. Everyone at the WRAT was fighting over them. Jimmy Steal took out a couple of office administrators to get to the chocolate chocolate chip and the white chocolate raspberry. That’s how good these things are.
The Original Rich's Ice Cream -1801 NJ-37 E, Toms River, NJ 08753

We have to include Rich’s, they’ve been around since 1955 for heaven’s sake. One of our personal favorites and 4.5 stars on Google. Jason said: “Best ice cream in the area! An amazing hand-dipped ice cream, also a really good soft serve. Peanut butter Oreo is my favorite! The specialty ice cream sandwiches are incredible! Friendly staff and always very clean. If you’re going to or coming home from the shore, or live in the area, stop by.”