Here's where to find dulce de leche pancakes, donuts, ice cream at the Jersey Shore

Gabriela L. Laracca, Asbury Park Press
·4 min read

If you're someone who enjoys the decadently sweet things in life, you probably like dulce de leche. But when I grew up, this delicious staple found in countless Hispanic postres (desserts) had not hit the map. I could only get my favorite dessert homemade, from my Uruguayan mom's pot.

People would often ask, "So, it's like caramel?"

While it may be similar, they are not the same. Caramel is made by heating sugars; dulce de leche is made by boiling condensed milk.

When you boil an unopened can (Eagle Brand or Carnation are best) for two to three hours, you are left with a rich, creamy concoction that can be used as a dip for apples, or to top ice cream and baked goods. (You can also just eat it with a spoon!)

Homemade dulce de leche made by boiling a can of condensed milk for three hours.
Homemade dulce de leche made by boiling a can of condensed milk for three hours.

But before boiling your can, be sure to check for dents, holes, imperfections and remove the label. Make sure there is always at least 1 to 2 inches of water above the can, completely covering it. Set a timer as a reminder to replenish the water every 20 minutes.

But if you don't want to make it, you can find dulce de leche breakfasts, desserts and more at countless eateries at the Jersey Shore. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, here are some to try:

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39 Degrees North, Manahawkin

Dolce Vita pancakes with dulce de leche, strawberries and cinnamon whipped mascarpone from 39° NORTH diner in Manahawkin.
Dolce Vita pancakes with dulce de leche, strawberries and cinnamon whipped mascarpone from 39° NORTH diner in Manahawkin.

This new diner is owned by Diego Sanchez, a Peruvian-American whose menu takes inspiration from his culture.

Try the Dolce Vita pancakes with dulce de leche, pecans, walnuts and cinnamon-whipped mascarpone.

Or try the Churro French Toast, served with dulce de leche and whipped cream. It also comes in a kids version.

Go: 32 East Bay Ave., 609-597-4771, 39degreesnorthnj.com.

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Coney Waffle Ice Cream, Multiple locations

Dulce de leche ice cream topped with a cookie from Coney Waffle and Coney Cakery.
Dulce de leche ice cream topped with a cookie from Coney Waffle and Coney Cakery.

All locations sell this smooth and rich blend of sweetened cream base, heavily swirled with salted caramel.

There are year-round locations in Red Bank and Pier Village, as well as the Coney Cakery in Belmar, where they make ice cream cakes and ice cream sandwiches.

The Asbury Park hub is open seasonally.

Go: For information on Coney Waffle locations and the Coney Cakery, visit coneywaffle.com/store-location.

Cookman Creamery at Luna Verde

Vegan dulce de leche ice cream from Cookman Creamery in Asbury Park sports an organic coconut cream base, and homemade vegan caramel swirls.
Vegan dulce de leche ice cream from Cookman Creamery in Asbury Park sports an organic coconut cream base, and homemade vegan caramel swirls.

This collaboration is one made in vegan heaven, with ice cream made by Cookman Creamery in Asbury Park, and sold by Luna Verde in Bradley Beach.

Exclusively sold at Luna Verde in 8-ounce cups, Cookman Creamery's vegan dulce de leche ice cream is made with organic coconut cream and vegan caramel swirls.

Go: For Cookman Creamery: 711 Cookman Ave., Asbury Park; 732-361-5215, cookmancreamery.com. For Luna Verde (which is currently take out only): 400 Main St, Bradley Beach; 732-361-8180, veganlunaverde.com.

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El Familiar, Toms River

Fresh churros at El Familiar in Toms River come topped with vanilla ice cream drizzle in chocolate, whipped cream, and stuffed with dulce de leche.
Fresh churros at El Familiar in Toms River come topped with vanilla ice cream drizzle in chocolate, whipped cream, and stuffed with dulce de leche.

This Colombian and Mexican hub serves fresh churros, piled high with vanilla ice cream, chocolate drizzle and whipped cream - and stuffed with dulce de leche.

Go: 1246 Route 166, 732-240-6613, elfamiliar.com.

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Fuze Eatery: Empanada & Smoothie Bar, Eatontown

A dulce de leche stuffed empanada with a mixed berry coconut milk smoothie.
A dulce de leche stuffed empanada with a mixed berry coconut milk smoothie.

This shop specializes in made-to-order empanadas and smoothies.

Consider ordering the dulce de leche empanada, which can come as is, or used as a base for other fillings like Nutella, bananas or nuts.

Go: 180 Route 35, 732-483-6218, facebook.com/FuzeEatery.

Half Moon, Keansburg

Homemade churro waffles drizzled with dulce de leche, found on the brunch menu at Half Moon in Keansburg.
Homemade churro waffles drizzled with dulce de leche, found on the brunch menu at Half Moon in Keansburg.

On the brunch menu, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, order the homemade churro waffles drizzled with dulce de leche. On the regular menu, try the rich dulce de leche cheese cake.

Go: 2 Beachway Ave., 732-787-3560, halfmoonkb.com.

Main Street Donuts, Belmar and Matawan

A Belmar Bomb donut topped with dulce de leche from Main Street Donuts in Belmar and Matawan.
A Belmar Bomb donut topped with dulce de leche from Main Street Donuts in Belmar and Matawan.

At either location, try the Belmar Bomb (a chocolate donut drizzled in dulce and sprinkled with toffee) or the Churro (a cinnamon sugar vanilla donut topped with dulce).

Go: For Belmar: 705 Main St.; 732-681-2100. For Matawan: 141 Main St.; 732-696-8883, mainstdonuts.com.

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Purple Glaze Donuts, Asbury Park

At Purple Glaze, donuts include the Good Karma (with chocolate icing, dulce de leche filling and Health Bar bits); La Dona (a cinnamon sugar donut with dulce de leche filling); and Salt Dog (with caramel drizzle, dulce de leche filling and sea salt).

They also makes filled churros that can be stuffed with dulce de leche.

For those who are gluten-free, try the Chocolate De-Licious, a vanilla gluten-free donut with vanilla glaze, dulce de leche drizzle and chocolate buttercream filling. (Dulce de leche is also gluten-free.)

Go: 516 Summerfield Ave., 732-361-5308, purpleglazedonuts.com.

Gabriela L. Laracca joined the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey in 2021 and eagerly brings her passion for cuisine and culture to our readers. Send restaurant tips to glaracca@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Dulce de leche at the Jersey Shore:Desserts and dishes to try