The 5 Must-Visit Ice Cream Shops Near Spring Lake, NJ: A 2025 Dessert Guide
Planning your perfect Jersey Shore getaway for 2025? No trip to the picturesque, refined beach town of Spring Lake, New Jersey, is complete without indulging in a classic frozen treat. While the area is known as the “Jewel of the Jersey Shore” for its pristine beaches and laid-back atmosphere, its ice cream scene offers a delightful blend of nostalgic parlors and modern, homemade specialties. This guide, updated for the current season, reveals the essential spots to cool off, whether you’re strolling near the Spring Lake boardwalk or exploring the charming Washington Avenue shops.
As of late December 2025, some seasonal shops may be closed, but the anticipation for their grand re-opening in the spring is already building. We’ve compiled the definitive list of the best places for everything from classic sundaes and specialty ice cream cakes to rich, daily-made frozen custard, ensuring your next visit is topped with the perfect scoop.
The Essential Spring Lake Ice Cream & Frozen Custard Destinations
The Spring Lake area, including neighboring Spring Lake Heights, is a hub for high-quality frozen desserts. These three locations stand out as the absolute must-visits, each offering a distinct experience and unique flavors that keep visitors coming back year after year.
1. Hoffman's Ice Cream: The Timeless Jersey Shore Staple
Hoffman's Ice Cream is arguably the most famous name in the Monmouth County dessert landscape, and its Spring Lake Heights location is a crucial stop for any ice cream aficionado. The brand has been a timeless symbol of summer at the Shore for decades, celebrated for its rich, high-butterfat ice cream and vast selection of specialty items.
What Makes Hoffman’s Unique?
- Signature Flavors: While classic vanilla and chocolate are always perfect, visitors rave about the decadent Almond Turtle and the rich Caramel Nut. These homemade flavors are a testament to Hoffman's commitment to quality.
- Specialty Ice Cream Cakes: Beyond the scoop, Hoffman's is renowned for its specialty ice cream cakes and novelties, making it a go-to spot for celebrations throughout the year.
- Year-Round Appeal: Unlike many seasonal shops, Hoffman's often maintains hours well into the off-season, and their commitment to seasonal flavors—such as festive holiday offerings—ensures there's always something fresh on the menu.
- Multiple Locations: The shop in Spring Lake Heights serves the immediate area, but the brand’s presence is strong across the Jersey Shore, with locations in Long Branch, Little Silver, and Point Pleasant Beach.
Entity Checklist: Hoffman's Ice Cream, Spring Lake Heights, Monmouth County, Jersey Shore, Almond Turtle, Caramel Nut, Specialty Ice Cream Cakes, Point Pleasant Beach, Little Silver, Long Branch, Homemade Flavors.
2. Sundae Times Ice Cream Parlor: A Nostalgic Local Gem
Tucked away on Atlantic Avenue, Sundae Times Ice Cream Parlor offers a quintessential, low-key, and nostalgic ice cream parlor experience right in the heart of Spring Lake. It’s often touted by locals as a favorite alternative to the larger chains, providing a cozy atmosphere and friendly service.
Why You Need to Visit Sundae Times:
- Fresh Waffle Cones: The aroma of freshly made waffle cones is one of the first things you’ll notice, elevating the simple pleasure of a scoop into a memorable dessert experience.
- "Crazy" and Classic Flavors: Sundae Times excels at offering a wide variety of flavors, ranging from the traditional (Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Mint Chocolate Chip) to more inventive, "crazy flavors" that rotate regularly. Past favorites have included a unique Maple Bourbon Pecan.
- Low-Key Vibe: Reviewers often praise the parlor for its convenient location and more relaxed, low-key area, making it an easy and delightful stop after a day at Spring Lake Beach.
- Signature Treats: Beyond the scoop, they offer classic sundaes and soft serve options, including vanilla with colored sprinkles and chocolate with cookie crumbs.
Entity Checklist: Sundae Times Ice Cream Parlor, Atlantic Avenue, Nostalgic Parlor, Fresh Waffle Cones, Maple Bourbon Pecan, Classic Sundaes, Soft Serve, Spring Lake Beach, Cookie Crumbs, Mint Chocolate Chip.
3. Surfside Frozen Custard: The Custard Specialist
For those who prefer the dense, creamy texture of frozen custard over traditional ice cream, Surfside Frozen Custard is the undisputed champion in Spring Lake. Located on Morris Avenue, this popular shop has been serving up its signature treat since 2014.
What is Frozen Custard?
Frozen custard is a premium dessert similar to ice cream but made with egg yolks in addition to cream and sugar. This ingredient, combined with a slower churning process, results in a richer, smoother, and denser product that melts slower than traditional ice cream. Surfside prides itself on its homemade, locally sourced frozen custard made fresh daily.
A Note on Seasonality:
Surfside Frozen Custard is a highly seasonal operation, perfectly aligning with the summer vacation season. Visitors planning a trip during the colder months (typically November through March) should check their official status, as they often close for the season. Plan your visit during the warmer months to experience their creamy specialties.
Entity Checklist: Surfside Frozen Custard, Frozen Custard, Morris Avenue, Homemade, Locally Sourced, Egg Yolks, Seasonal Closure, Creamy Texture, Denser Product, Spring Lake.
Beyond the Scoop: Other Spring Lake Dessert Spots (LSI Entities)
While ice cream is the star, the Spring Lake area offers a variety of other high-quality dessert options and baked goods that complement a refined beach vacation. Exploring these local establishments is a great way to enhance your culinary tour of the "Jewel of the Jersey Shore."
The Best Bakeries and Sweet Treats
To deepen your topical authority on Spring Lake desserts, consider these highly-rated spots for pastries, cakes, and coffee treats:
- The Scone Pony: Located on Washington Avenue, this is a beloved local bakery specializing in, as the name suggests, scones, alongside a variety of other freshly baked goods and pastries.
- Mueller's Bakery: A short drive away, Mueller's is a full-line retail bakery famous for everything from doughnuts and coffee to traditional cakes, cookies, and Danish pastries. It’s a classic Jersey Shore institution for baked goods.
- Marigold Market and Cafe: Situated in Spring Lake Heights, this cafe is a popular breakfast and lunch destination that features a seasonally influenced menu, often including delicious, freshly prepared sweet treats and coffee drinks perfect for a mid-day indulgence.
- Chocolate Carousel: For those seeking elaborate layered cakes, cupcakes, or pies, the Chocolate Carousel in nearby Wall, NJ, is a family-owned dessert shop that offers a wide range of custom and ready-made confections.
Entity Checklist: The Scone Pony, Washington Avenue, Baked Goods, Mueller's Bakery, Doughnuts, Danish Pastries, Marigold Market and Cafe, Spring Lake Heights, Chocolate Carousel, Wall NJ, Layered Cakes, Cupcakes, Pies, Refined Beach Vacation.
Maximizing Your Spring Lake Dessert Experience
Visiting these spots is about more than just the ice cream; it’s about the experience. Spring Lake provides a sophisticated, non-commercial alternative to the bustling boardwalks of other shore towns. Here are a few tips for maximizing your dessert run:
- Boardwalk Stroll: While you can't eat directly on the beach, grab your cone from Sundae Times or Surfside (during the summer) and enjoy a leisurely walk along the Spring Lake boardwalk. The views of the Atlantic Ocean are the perfect backdrop for your treat.
- Timing is Everything: During the peak summer months, lines can be long, especially at Hoffman's. Visit during the mid-afternoon or slightly later in the evening to avoid the primary dinner rush.
- Explore Washington Avenue: Sundae Times is close to the boutique shops and cafes along Washington Avenue, allowing you to combine your dessert stop with some unique local shopping.
Whether you're craving the rich, buttery goodness of a Hoffman's classic, the nostalgic charm of a Sundae Times waffle cone, or the dense perfection of Surfside's frozen custard, Spring Lake, NJ, offers a world-class dessert experience. Make sure these stops are at the top of your 2025 summer getaway itinerary!
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