10 absolutely delicious Bakeries in New Jersey that you must visit!

Face it: right off the bat, the Garden State is known for a few things, like Springsteen, the Turnpike and "Jersey Shore". But it's also home to some of the greatest foods ever invented: a few examples include saltwater taffy, sausage and peppers and "disco fries" (french fries smothered in gravy and melted cheese, served at a diner, after a night at the club).

But no matter where you live, the bakery is always a Happy Place. New Jersey is no exception. From freshly baked bread to Italian cannoli and variations on pastries from Portugal and Senegal, you'll find a world of taste treats. Here are 10 awesome places to get your carbo load on.

1. Carlo's Bake Shop, Ridgewood

It was originally opened in 1910, but has gotten an even higher-profile by its current owner, Buddy Valastro, of "Cake Boss" TV fame. Outside of those famed cakes, there are also cannoli, cupcakes and other treats.

2. Paris Baguette, Edison

Besides the aforementioned baguette, this bakery also serves up exotic "Green Pea" and "Choux Cream" breads - for starters. Locals also line up for the excellent pastries.

3. La Rosa's Pastry Shop & Bakery, Shrewsbury

Baking is in this family's DNA, going back to even before their great-grandfather came to America in 1901. You'll find an assortment of Italian pastries (of course), along with breads, cakes, turnovers and more.

4. Erie Coffee and Bakery, Rutherford

Locals rave over their "savories," like quiche or olive oil & citrus cake. But their "sweets" get high marks, too. The Snickerdoodle cookie (with filling) goes especially well with coffee.

5. Francesca's Bakery, Pequannock

This shop is passionate about keeping things "local" and they source as much as they can from area farmers. Breads, tea loafs, croissants, scones, strudels, pot pies…their mouth-watering list of offerings goes on and on.

6. Deluxe Italian Bakery, Runnemede

Since opening in 1949, it's cranked out an impressive amount of breads, cakes, pies - and despite its Italian heritage, it also makes bagels! Let's not forget: "cream-filled donuts." Whaaaa?

7. Montclair Bread Company, Montclair

They use local grains and seeds in their breads - and those breads go perfectly in the sandwiches they serve. Afterwards, sample a flourless cookie (or the real deal) -or any of their sweets. You won't be sorry.

8. Del Ponte's Bakery, Bradley Beach

Cookies and pastries and rolls…oh my! This well-loved local favorite serves up everything from Italian rainbow cookies to decadent cheesecake and more. (And tiny customers generally snag a free cookie…)

9. Confections of a Rock Star, Asbury Park

Their cupcakes alone have earned them plenty of TV and press. But their cookies, pastries and custom cakes also grab the spotlight. Rock on.

10. SugarFlake Bakery, Rivervale/Lyndhurst/Fair Lawn/Wyckoff

This area staple has won multiple awards over the years (no wonder they've expanded to four locations). Besides winning kudos for their breads and cakes, they've cracked the code on creating amazing gluten-free versions of cookies, cheesecake, quiches and more.