Abbate Bakery

For residents of Central New Jersey, the name Abbate Bakery is synonymous with authentic Italian baking and decades of culinary tradition. Originally founded by the Abbate family in Brooklyn, New York, in 1976, this beloved bakery relocated its cherished family recipes to Matawan in 2000, quickly establishing itself as a cornerstone of the local community. Abbate Bakery is more than just a place to buy sweets; it is an institution dedicated to preserving the quality and flavor of classic Italian pastries and transforming special occasions with beautifully crafted cakes. The deep-rooted heritage, tracing back to the Abbate family's origins in Cinisi, Sicily, ensures that every cannoli, sfogliatelle, and custom cake is made with a traditional touch that is increasingly rare to find.

The core philosophy of Abbate Bakery is built on two pillars: consistency and tradition. They use original family recipes passed down through generations, which guarantees that the taste of their products remains authentic and comforting. This dedication to traditional methods is particularly evident in their robust selection of Italian pastries, cookies, and artisanal breads. For New Jersey locals planning a major celebration—from weddings and bridal showers to birthdays and anniversaries—Abbate Bakery is a highly recommended resource. Their expertise in custom cakes, particularly their highly praised cannoli cake, has earned them a loyal following, with customers frequently commending the bakery's ability to perfectly execute both complex designs and incredible flavors.

The bakery’s extensive menu caters to both those seeking an everyday indulgence and those requiring a centerpiece dessert. On any given day, customers can find everything from a simple but delicious croissant or donut for a morning treat, to an elaborate, multi-layered custom cake designed to serve dozens. This versatility makes Abbate Bakery a one-stop-shop for all things sweet and even some savory, like their popular Prosciutto Bread. They have adapted to modern customer needs by offering easy online ordering for pickup, though for same-day or highly customized orders, a friendly call to the shop is always recommended, ensuring that the staff can personally assist in bringing every vision to life.

The shop itself, located on Main Street in Matawan, serves as a beacon of deliciousness in Monmouth County. It has successfully created an environment where customers feel like friends and family, a direct reflection of the Abbate family’s gratitude for the local support that has allowed their business to thrive in New Jersey for over two decades. Whether you are craving a slice of New York-style cheesecake, a delicate seven-layer rainbow cookie, or an Italian cream-filled pastry, Abbate Bakery promises to deliver a sweet experience that truly lives up to their goal: "a sweet experience, with love at first bite."

Abbate Bakery is centrally located in Matawan, New Jersey, providing easy access for residents throughout Monmouth County and beyond. The shop’s physical location is a key part of its community presence, drawing in both local regulars and customers traveling from surrounding New Jersey towns.

The official address is: 247 Main St, Matawan, NJ 07747, USA.

The business maintains consistent operating hours to serve the community throughout the week, though they observe a day of rest:

• Monday: CLOSED
• Tuesday - Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Sunday: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

These hours are set up to accommodate both the morning rush for breakfast pastries and afternoon needs for treats, while the shortened Sunday hours allow for weekend family enjoyment. For those looking for convenience, the bakery offers online ordering for pickup, though customers should note that online pickup orders must be placed a minimum of 24 hours in advance. For immediate needs or specific inquiries about same-day availability, contacting the shop directly by phone is the best option.

Abbate Bakery offers a comprehensive array of services, specializing in both daily fresh-baked goods and custom creations for significant events.

• Authentic Italian Pastries: A wide selection including Cannoli (small and large), Lobster Tails (Sfogliatelle), Napoleons, Eclairs, Cream Puffs, and Pastaciotti (custard pies).
• Custom Cake Orders: Specializing in customized cakes for all occasions (e.g., weddings, birthdays, bridal showers), with options for various sizes (round, square, half, three-quarter, and full sheet), cakes (Vanilla, Chocolate, Red Velvet, Carrot Cake), and multiple fillings (Cannoli Cream, Vanilla Custard, Chocolate Mousse, Raspberry Mousse, French Cream, Strawberry Preserves).
• Signature Cake Varieties: Offering famous options like the 7-Layer Cannoli Cake, Blackout Cake, Tiramisu Cake, Strawberry Shortcake, and a range of New York Style and Italian Cheesecakes.
• Cookies and Mini Desserts: Including cookie trays, 7 Layer “Rainbow” Cookies, Pignoli Cookies, Almond Cookies (Amaretti), Mini Black and White Cookies, and small pastry squares in flavors like Tiramisu and Blackout.
• Bread and Savory Items: Baking Artisan Sourdough Rounds, Italian Loaves (plain, seeded, caraway), and their well-known Prosciutto Bread.
• Breakfast and Brunch Items: Fresh-baked goods such as Croissants, Apple Turnovers, Crumb Cake slices, Muffins, and various donuts (Jelly, Boston Cream, Frosted).
• Gluten-Free Options: Providing select dessert alternatives for customers with dietary restrictions, such as the Mini 3” Cheesecake and Strawberry Almond Cookies.
• Online Ordering and Pickup: Customers can pre-order their favorites through the bakery's website for scheduled pickup, with a 24-hour minimum notice for online orders.

Abbate Bakery is a standout in the New Jersey culinary scene, primarily due to its commitment to quality and classic Italian heritage.

• Sicilian Family Recipes: The bakery’s foundation is based on traditional recipes originating from Cinisi, Sicily, ensuring an authentic taste that is consistent across all product lines.
• Show-Stopping Custom Cakes: Highly praised for their skill in creating complex, custom-designed cakes, including 3D designs, which maintain incredible flavor alongside stunning visual presentation.
• The Signature Cannoli Cake: A frequently mentioned customer favorite, this specialty cake combines rich cake layers with authentic, house-made cannoli cream filling.
• Authentic Italian Pastry Selection: They offer a complete collection of Italian staples, including the famous Cannoli, Lobster Tails (Sfogliatelle), and the popular 7-Layer Rainbow Cookies.
• Variety of Cake Fillings: Customers can customize their round and square cakes with a wide selection of gourmet fillings, such as Fresh Bananas with Vanilla Custard, Raspberry Mousse, Chocolate Ganache, and French Cream.
• Savory Bread Expertise: Beyond sweets, they are recognized for high-quality savory offerings, with the Prosciutto Bread being a notable customer favorite for sharing.
• Multi-Generational Experience: With roots tracing back to 1976 in New York and established in Matawan since 2000, the bakery offers a depth of experience and a strong relationship with the local New Jersey community.

For anyone in New Jersey, choosing Abbate Bakery means opting for a guaranteed blend of quality, tradition, and customer satisfaction. The bakery’s strongest selling point is its reputation for executing both simple and complex orders flawlessly, a claim substantiated by enthusiastic customer reviews. When planning a major event, the peace of mind that comes from knowing the bakery can replicate a design exactly while delivering a delicious product—such as the "delicious cannoli cake" that was an "exact replica" of a picture—is invaluable.

For everyday indulgence, the most compelling reason to visit is the authenticity of their Italian pastries. Abbate Bakery transports a piece of Sicily to Monmouth County with every bite of a cannoli or lobster tail. Their dedication to making these traditional pastries ensures a superior taste experience compared to mass-produced alternatives. We highly recommend starting with a mix of their mini desserts, such as the Small Pastry Squares (Blackout, Tiramisu, or 7 Layer with Cannoli Cream), which are perfect for tasting the breadth of their skill. For those looking for a savory surprise, the Prosciutto Bread is a local must-try.

Ultimately, Abbate Bakery’s worth lies in its ability to be both your neighborhood bread and coffee spot, and your go-to vendor for a wedding or milestone cake. The family history, commitment to quality ingredients, and clear customer focus—evident in the praise for both their incredible flavors and cake design—make Abbate Bakery an essential and highly-recommended local gem in the New Jersey food landscape. You are not just buying a dessert; you are investing in a time-honored tradition.

Abbate Bakery

247 Main St, Matawan, NJ 07747, USA