Carvel Clifton NJ: Home to Fudgie the Whale and Fresh Soft Serve Treats

Carvel Introduce

For generations of New Jersey residents, the name Carvel is synonymous with celebrations, sweet summer days, and, most importantly, the perfect soft-serve swirl. The Carvel Ice Cream and Cake Shoppe, conveniently located in Clifton, New Jersey, is a beloved local institution that continues to deliver on that nostalgic promise. Far more than just a place to grab a scoop, this Van Houten Avenue location serves as a full-service dessert destination, offering everything from daily frozen treats to elaborate, custom-made ice cream cakes that mark life's biggest milestones.

This Clifton shoppe is deeply integrated into the fabric of the community, serving as the go-to source for families looking to instantly sweeten any day. The atmosphere is consistently described as casual and family-friendly, encouraging a quick visit for an afternoon pick-me-up or a planned stop to collect a party centerpiece. Local users trust this location not only for the consistent quality of Carvel's classic offerings—the creamy soft serve and signature crunchies—but also for the impressive breadth of its modern menu, which caters to contemporary dietary needs with its inclusion of dairy-free and vegan options. Whether you are craving a familiar classic like the Classic Sundae or looking for one of the famous holiday-themed ice cream cakes, the Carvel on Van Houten Avenue stands ready to satisfy your frozen dessert desires, upholding its reputation as a New Jersey dessert icon.

The core of the experience here revolves around freshness. Everything from the signature soft ice cream to the elaborate cakes is made fresh on-site, a practice that ensures the highest quality treat possible for the Clifton community and its neighbors. This commitment to fresh, delicious frozen desserts is precisely why New Jersey locals continue to make Carvel their choice, season after season, for both spontaneous cravings and essential party planning.

Location and Accessibility

The Carvel Ice Cream and Cake Shoppe is ideally situated at 750 Van Houten Ave, Clifton, NJ 07013, USA. This address places it squarely in a high-traffic, easily accessible area of Clifton, making it a simple stop for residents of Passaic County and surrounding North Jersey towns like Nutley, Woodland Park, and Montclair.

The convenience of the location is one of its major strengths for local users. Being on Van Houten Avenue means it is easily navigable by car, a crucial factor for anyone transporting delicate ice cream treats. Furthermore, the shoppe prioritizes accessibility for all patrons. Key features include a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring that the joy of a perfect ice cream treat is available to everyone in the community.

The shoppe maintains extensive operating hours, open every day of the week—Monday through Sunday—from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. This consistency allows for flexible visiting times, catering to early afternoon treats as well as late-night dessert cravings. For those who prefer to enjoy their treats at home, the location also offers convenient delivery and in-store pickup options, broadening its reach across the Clifton area.

Services Offered

The Carvel shoppe provides a comprehensive suite of services focused entirely on delivering the perfect frozen dessert experience, whether in-store or at home.

Soft Serve and Scooped Ice Cream: Offering the classic creamy soft serve and a variety of traditional scooped ice cream flavors ($5.99 each).
Custom Ice Cream Cakes: Specializing in made-fresh-daily ice cream cakes for all occasions, including the iconic novelty cakes like Fudgie The Whale® ($39.99), Cookie Puss® Cake ($36.99), and the seasonal Tom The Turkey ($23.98).
Take-Home Treats: Providing ice cream to go in Pints ($9.99) and Quarts ($14.99).
Specialty Sundaes and Mix-ins: Serving a full menu of Sundae Dashers® ($7.99), Classic Sundaes ($6.99), Shakes ($7.29), and the mix-in heavy Carvelanche® ($7.99).
Dairy-Free Options: Catering to a wider audience with a dedicated line of Oatly-based frozen desserts, including Oatly Soft Serve ($5.79), Oatly Scooped ($5.79), and the Oatly Round Cake (Small) ($24.99).
Convenience Services: Offering Delivery, In-store pickup, Onsite services, and Takeout.
Family Value Promotion: Known for promotional deals like BOGO WEDNESDAY (buy one, get one free), a popular weekly service for local customers.
Payment Flexibility: Accepting Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for quick transactions.

Features / Highlights

What truly makes the Clifton Carvel location stand out for New Jersey dessert lovers are its unique and high-quality features.

The Original Soft Serve: The legendary, creamy soft serve ice cream remains the shop's centerpiece, offered in a variety of classic flavors, perfect in a cone or as the base for all other treats.
Iconic Cake Collection: The ability to instantly pick up or custom-order the nationally famous novelty cakes—such as Fudgie The Whale® and Cookie Puss®—for a truly memorable New Jersey celebration.
Signature Crunchies: The inclusion of the famous layers of Carvel Crunchies (vanilla and chocolate ice cream pieces coated in chocolate sauce) within the ice cream cakes and as toppings is a signature feature enjoyed by generations.
Extensive Handheld Treats Menu: A diverse selection of ready-to-eat novelties, including Flying Saucers® (Individual $2.50, 6-Pack $11.99), Chipsters (6-Pack $13.99), and the iconic Brown Bonnet® (Individual $4.00), perfect for quick grab-and-go enjoyment.
Modern Menu Inclusivity: The introduction of the full Oatly Non-Dairy line ensures that those with dairy sensitivities or vegan diets have a satisfying range of options, from soft serve to cakes.
Seasonal Specials: The shoppe consistently features limited-time offerings and holiday-themed cakes, such as the Toasted Marshmallow line during S’mores season or the variety of holiday cakes (Santa Cake, Pumpkin Cake, Tom The Turkey) to keep the menu fresh and exciting year-round.
Family Focus: The overall atmosphere and quick-visit planning options make it exceptionally Good for kids, solidifying its role as a consistent family favorite.

Contact Information

Carvel Ice Cream and Cake Shoppe - Van Houten Ave

Address:750 Van Houten Ave, Clifton, NJ 07013, USA

Phone:(973) 773-4737

Operating Hours:Monday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PMTuesday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PMWednesday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PMThursday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

What is Worth Choosing

For a resident of New Jersey, choosing the Carvel on Van Houten Avenue is choosing a combination of reliable quality, tradition, and modern convenience. What truly makes this location worth choosing is its dual mastery of everyday treats and special occasion centerpieces.

If you are celebrating a family event, no other local spot offers the instantly recognizable, nostalgic charm of a Fudgie The Whale® or Cookie Puss® ice cream cake, which are integral parts of North Jersey celebration culture. The fact that the shoppe features a wide array of seasonal and holiday cakes—from the Festival Of Lights Cake to the Red White & Blue Cake—means there is a perfect, show-stopping dessert for every date on your calendar.

Beyond the cakes, the store is the quintessential everyday stop. The value of the BOGO Wednesday promotion alone is a powerful incentive for local families. The convenience of being able to grab a classic Classic Sundae or one of the satisfying, layered Sundae Dashers® after work or school, combined with the ease of in-store pickup or delivery, positions this Carvel as a top-tier local amenity. Moreover, the dedication to inclusivity through the Non Dairy made with Oatly products ensures that no family member is left out of the treat-time joy.

In summary, the Clifton Carvel is worth choosing because it embodies the best of a nostalgic brand while embracing modern needs, providing quality, fresh, and accessible frozen desserts for every New Jersey resident. It is a reliable, professional, and friendly shoppe that has been—and continues to be—a sweet fixture in the local community.

Carvel Food & drink

Non Dairy made with Oatly
Oatly Scooped $5.79
Thick, creamy and non-dairy. Enjoy scooped ice cream made with Oatly.
Oatly Round Cake (Small) $24.99
Layers of non-dairy soft serve made with Oatly, separated by a layer of our chocolate crunchies. Serves 10-12.
Oatly Soft Serve $5.79
The Original Soft Serve™ you know and love, made with Oatly.
Oatly Lil' Love® $21.99
Layers of non-dairy soft serve made with Oatly, separated by a layer of our chocolate crunchies. Serves 2-4.
Oatly Shake $7.49
Non-dairy soft serve spun into creamy deliciousness.
Oatly Flying Saucer® $11.99
Non-dairy soft serve made with Oatly, sandwiched between two Flying Saucer® chocolate wafers.

Ice Cream Celebration Cakes
Fall Seasonal Round Cake $34.79
Celebrate the season with an autumn-inspired classic Carvel® Ice Cream Cake. Each handmade cake features layers of rich chocolate and creamy vanilla ice cream with Carvel Crunchies® nestled in between.
Cup Of Toppings $5.49
Your choice of extra toppings.
Game Ball® Cake $32.99
Everyone's a winner with layers of vanilla and chocolate ice cream, separated by a layer of chocolate crunchies then topped with chocolate crunchies and whipped topping.
Tom The Turkey $23.98
Get ready to gobble up this irresistible treat! Tom the Turkey Ice Cream Cake features rich layers of creamy chocolate and vanilla ice cream, perfectly paired with a crunchy layer of chocolatey Crunchies. Decorated like a turkey, it’s the ultimate Thanksgiving dessert!
Crunchie Munchie Monster $33.99
Lovable, fun, and full of flavor, this monster of a cake is ready to bring monstrous fun to any celebration. Topped with a mountain of smooth milk chocolate fudge, cone horns, and signature Chocolate Carvel Crunchies™, Crunchie Munchie Monster is layered with delicious vanilla and chocolate soft serve sandwiching a layer of chocolate Carvel Crunchies™. It’s the perfect mix of creamy goodness and a delightful crunch with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a monster bash or a spooky season gathering, invite the lovable Crunchie Munchie Monster to your next party!
Round Ice Cream Celebration Cake $36.99
Round ice cream cakes perfect for any occasion made with layers of freshly made, premium vanilla and chocolate soft serve ice cream, separated by a layer of our famously delicious chocolate crunchies. Variety of sizes that serve 10-16 people.
24 Pack Of Candles $2.49
24 candles to blow out. Wish not included.
Fudgie The Whale® Cake $39.99
Our famous whale of a cake with layers of vanilla and chocolate ice cream, separated by a layer of chocolate crunchies then covered with fudge, crunchies and whipped topping. Variety of sizes that serve 6-12 people.
Sheet Ice Cream Celebration Cake $49.99
Rectangular sheet ice cream cakes perfect for any occasion made with layers of freshly made, premium vanilla and chocolate soft-serve ice cream, separated by a layer of our famously delicious chocolate crunchies. Variety of sizes that serve 14 -40.
Square Ice Cream Celebration Cake $30.99
Square Ice cream cakes perfect for any occasion made with layers of freshly made, premium vanilla and chocolate soft serve ice cream, separated by a layer of our famously delicious chocolate crunchies. Variety of sizes that serve 4-8 people.
Santa Cake $24.99
Celebrate the season with layers of chocolate, vanilla ice cream, and Carvel Crunchies™, all dressed up as jolly old Saint Nick. Perfect for sharing holiday cheer!
Festival Of Lights Cake $20.99
Celebrate the season with layers of chocolate, vanilla ice cream, and Carvel Crunchies™, all beautifully adorned with a festive menorah design.
Pumpkin Cake $34.79
Handmade with layers of classic chocolate and vanilla ice cream, this festive cake is decorated to look just like a pumpkin — complete with Carvel Crunchies™ inside. Perfect for fall gatherings, Halloween parties, or any autumn celebration.
Chocolate Decadence Heart Cake $19.99
Feed your chocolate addiction this Valentine's Day with The Original Soft Serve (TM), Carvel Crunchies (TM), and lots of fudge.
Baseball Cake $21.99
`Layers of chocolate ice cream, chocolate crunchies, and vanilla ice cream. Festively decorated for your special occasions. No substitutions, alterations, or additions. For more customization, please call or visit this location. Baseball Cake is an 8” small round cake. Serving size is 10-12 people.
Cookie Puss® Cake $36.99
A favorite party guest with layers of vanilla and chocolate ice cream, separated by a layer of chocolate crunchies then topped with a scoop of chocolate ice cream in a sugar cone, two chocolate chip cookies, and fudge. Serves 10-12 people.
Red White & Blue Cake $39.99
Layers of premium chocolate ice cream, chocolate crunchies, and vanilla ice cream. Topped with a patriotic trim. Product Contains: Milk, Soy and Wheat
Pumpkin Cake $23.99
Layers of freshly made, premium vanilla and chocolate soft serve ice cream, separated by a layer of our famously delicious chocolate crunchies. Variety of sizes that serve 10-16 people. No substitutions, alterations, or additions. For a more customized cake, please call or visit this location . Product Contains: Milk, Soy and Wheat
Numbered Candles $1.99
Number of your choice. We won't tell.

Ice Cream, Sorbet and Sherbet
Soft Serve Ice Cream $5.99
Our classic soft ice cream available in a variety of flavors.
Cup Of Toppings $5.49
Your choice of extra toppings.
Scooped Ice Cream $5.99
Classic scooped ice cream in a variety of flavors.
Ice Cream Quart $14.99
Your choice of ice cream flavor in a quart.
Sorbet Scooped (Vegan & Dairy-Free Dessert) $5.99
A sweet and fruity frozen treat that’s dairy-free but full of flavor. Toppings may not be vegan or dairy free.
Ice Cream Pint $9.99
Your choice of ice cream flavor in a pint.

Limited Time Offer
Mother's Day Heart Cake $31.19
Celebrate mom with a decadently decorated, classic Carvel Ice Cream in the shape of a heart. Each of Carvel's handmade cakes features Carvel Crunchies, lovingly sandwiched between layers of chocolate and vanilla ice cream. Product contains milk, soy, wheat.
Toasted Marshmallow Pop $16.49
This pop’s got it all-creamy toasted marshmallow ice cream with a snap of our iconic Brown bonnet hard shell. It’s a crackly, melty, toasty treat on a stick. Product contains soy, wheat.
Mother's Day Seasonal Round Cake $34.79
Celebrate mom with a spring-inspired classic Carvel Ice Cream cake. Each of Carvel's handmade cakes features Carvel Crunchies lovingly sandwiched between a layer of chocolate and vanilla ice cream. Product contains milk, soy, wheat.
Reese’s Toasted Marshmallow Sundae Dasher® $7.79
Layers of creamy toasted marshmallow soft serve swirled with REESE’S® peanut butter sauce and chunks of peanut butter cups. Topped with fluffy whipped cream and a final drizzle of rich, peanut buttery goodness. It’s the ultimate campfire treat in a cup. Product contains milk, soy, wheat, and peanut.
S’mores Shake $6.29
Toasted marshmallow ice cream, hand-spun with rich fudge and graham cracker topping. Product contains soy, wheat.
Mother's Day Round Cake $34.79
Celebrate mom with a delicately decorated floral classic Carvel Ice Cream cake. Each of Carvel's handmade cakes features Carvel Crunchies lovingly sandwiched between a layer of chocolate and vanilla ice cream. Product contains milk, soy, wheat.
Toasted Marshmallow Soft Serve $4.89
Dive into the sweetness of caramelized toasted marshmallow with our original soft serve. Product contains milk, soy, wheat.
S'mores Sundae Dasher® $7.79
Creamy toasted marshmallow soft serve layered with crunchy graham cracker crumbles and rich ribbons of fudge. Finished with whipped cream and a fudge drizzled - need we say s’more? Product contains milk, soy, wheat.
Toasted Marshmallow Flying Saucers $19.79
Creamy toasted marshmallow soft serve tucked between two rich chocolatey wafers for a twist on your favorite campfire treat. Product contains soy, wheat.
S’mores Sundae $8.19
Enjoy the sweetness of caramelized toasted marshmallow ice cream topped with graham cracker and rich fudge. Product contains soy, wheat.
S’mores Scoped Ice Cream $4.89
Toasted marshmallow ice cream brings the campfire flavor with graham cracker and ribbons of fudge in every creamy bite - your favorite s’mores combo, scooped to perfection. Product contains milk, soy, wheat.

Sundae Dashers
Fudge Brownie Sundae Dasher® $7.99
Layers of fudge brownie bites, vanilla ice cream and hot fudge topped with whipped cream and fudge drizzle.
OREO® Cookie Sundae Dasher® $7.99
Layers of Oreo® cookies, vanilla ice cream and fudge topped with whipped cream and fudge drizzle.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Sundae Dasher® $7.99
Layers of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Reese's Peanut Butter Sauce, vanilla ice cream and fudge topped with whipped cream and fudge drizzle.
Strawberry Shortcake Sundae Dasher® $7.99
Layers of vanilla ice cream, strawberries and pound cake topped with whipped cream and strawberry drizzle.
Heath® Sundae Dasher® $7.99
Layers of Heath® pieces, vanilla ice cream and caramel topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle.
Bananas Foster Sundae Dasher® $7.99
Layers of bananas, vanilla ice cream and caramel topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle.
Mint Chocolate Chip Sundae Dasher® $7.99
Layers of chocolate crunchies, mint ice cream and fudge topped with whipped cream and fudge drizzle.

Handheld Treats
Heart Pops (4-Pack) $11.99
Heart-shaped pops made with The Original Soft Serve (TM) covered in Brown Bonnet and drizzled with White Bonnet.
Brown Bonnet® (Individual) $4.00
Soft ice cream dipped in Brown Bonnet®, and served on a sugar cone.
Crunchie Pop $0.00
Crunchie Ice Cream Pops are made with The Original Soft Serve™, dipped in a brown Bonnet® hard shell and rolled in the iconic Carvel Chocolate Crunchies (TM). They're a classic Carvel treat that brings the crunch to every bite. Product contains milk, soy, wheat.
Heart Pops $0.00
Heart-shaped pops made with The Orginal Soft Serve(TM) covered in Brown hard shell Bonnet and drizzled with White Bonnet. Product contains milk, soy, wheat.
Flying Saucers® (6-Pack) $11.99
Soft ice cream sandwiched between two Flying Saucer® chocolate wafers. Served as a 6 pack for multiple people to enjoy.
Deluxe Flying Saucers® (6-Pack) $12.99
Soft ice cream rolled in sprinkles and sandwiched between two Flying Saucer® chocolate wafers. Served as a 6 pack for multiple people to enjoy.
Sprinkle Cups (6- Pack) $12.99
Vanilla or chocolate ice cream with rainbow sprinkles served with a cherry on top.
Jolly Pops $18.19
Celebrate the season with Jolly Pops—a festive six-pack of our signature soft serve dipped in classic bonnet, featuring cheerful designs like Christmas lights, a snowman, snowflakes, and sprinkle-topped holiday magic!
OREO® Rounders (6-Pack) $11.99
Soft serve ice cream sandwiched between two mini OREO® cookies.
Deluxe Flying Saucers® (Individual) $3.00
Soft ice cream rolled in sprinkles and sandwiched between two Flying Saucer® chocolate wafers.
Flying Saucers® (Individual) $2.50
Soft ice cream sandwiched between two Flying Saucer® chocolate wafers.
Sprinkle Pop $0.00
Sprinkle Ice Cream Pops are made with The Original Soft Serve™, dipped in a white Bonnet® hard shell and rolled in colorful rainbow sprinkles. A classic Carvel treat that brings the fun to every bite. Product contains milk, soy, wheat.
Chipsters (6-Pack) $13.99
Soft serve vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two chocolate chip cookies.
Ice Cream Pint $7.99
Your choice of ice cream flavor in a pint.
Ice Cream Quart $11.99
Your choice of ice cream flavor in a quart.
Cup Of Toppings $5.49
Your choice of extra toppings.
Fudgie Pops $12.99
Mini Fudgie-shaped ice cream pop on a stick, made with vanilla soft serve ice cream covered in chocolate bonnet shell and decorated with frosting. Product Contains: Milk, Soy, Egg
Lil Gobblers $15.58
Celebrate Thanksgiving with Lil’ Gobblers—adorable turkey-shaped ice cream treats! Made with creamy vanilla ice cream, coated in rich chocolate, and topped with candy eyes, they’re the perfect bite-sized dessert for kids and adults alike. Grab a pack today and get ready to gobble them up!
Brown Bonnet® (4 Or 6-Pack) $16.19
Soft ice cream dipped in Brown Bonnet®, and served on a sugar cone.

Cakes
Father's Day Seasonal Round Cake (8") $34.79
Celebrate Dad this Father’s Day with a classic Carvel Ice Cream cake. Each of Carvel's handmade cakes features Carvel Crunchies lovingly sandwiched between a layer of chocolate and vanilla ice cream. Product contains milk, soy, wheat.

Shakes and Carvelanche®
Carvelanche® $7.99
Our signature soft ice cream with your choice of mix-ins. Thicker than a shake, a Carvelanche® is best enjoyed with a spoon.
Shakes $7.29
Hand-spun shakes made with our signature soft serve ice cream.

Holiday Cake
Patriotics Seasonal Round (8in) $34.79
Celebrate the Stars and Stripes with a patriotic-inspired classic Carvel Ice Cream cake. Each of Carvel's handmade cakes features Carvel Crunchies lovingly sandwiched between a layer of chocolate and vanilla ice cream. Product contains milk, soy, wheat.
Cookie O'Puss (One-Size) $33.99
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with the cake that has everything on it. Straight from the party planet it's Cookie O'Puss.
Red, White, & Blue Cake (Small Sheet) $46.79
Celebrate the Stars and Stripes with a patriotic-inspired classic Carvel Ice Cream cake. Each of Carvel's handmade cakes features Carvel Crunchies lovingly sandwiched between a layer of chocolate and vanilla ice cream. Product contains milk, soy, wheat.

Sundaes
Classic Sundae $6.99
Your choice of soft ice cream with one topping, whipped cream and a cherry included.
Cup Of Toppings $5.49
Your choice of extra toppings.

Carvel Details

Service options
Delivery
In-store pickup
Onsite services
Takeout

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Dining options
Table service

Atmosphere
Casual

Crowd
Family-friendly

Planning
Quick visit

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids

Carvel Photos

Carvel Location

Carvel

New Jersey Passaic County Clifton Van Houten Avenue

750 Van Houten Ave, Clifton, NJ 07013, USA

Carvel Reviews

An average rating of ★4.2 from 308 user reviews.

priceflavorsshakesice cream cakebirthdaysundaecleankoshervanillagloves

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I’ve been coming here since I was a kid. They never disappoint. Good ice cream good milkshakes over a good customer service specially on a hot summer day when you crave an ice cream this is the place to go to Carvel. And they have wonderful ice cream cake for special occasions.
August 23 · Nade Deeb
Today we bought ice cream (vanilla, cherry, mint, coconut, and orange). Unfortunately, after eating it both my husband and I experienced stomach issues (diarrhea). This raises concerns about the quality or storage conditions of the ice cream. I hope the place takes this seriously, since it’s about customers’ health.
September 02 · Олександра
Great ice cream, but horrible service. There’s always an issue at this location. When you arrive, the staff always seem like they don’t want to help you — and if they do, it feels like you’re wasting their time.The employees are usually hanging out in the back, and it takes a while before anyone even acknowledges you’re there.This time around, I went in for a single scoop of ice cream that cost nearly $5. Because I “bothered” the employee to help me, she gave me half of a half scoop, charged me full price, and walked away before I even had a chance to say anything.
July 12 · Rich '
I am calling out to the Owner(s) of this particular establishment..this Carvel Store needs an IMMEDIATE MAKEOVER!!! I have been coming here for years and you can no longer sit and enjoy your ice-cream. This place is disgusting and falling apart. The floors look filthy, the counters have cracks in them and need replacing, the paint and the wallpaper is chipped & peeling off and the chairs need to be upholstered, or better yet, Replaced! 🤦‍♀️ Please do your customers a favor and fix up the parlor. I'm sure everyone in the neighborhood and surrounding area enjoy coming here. Maybe then you can receive another recognition for Excellence which you have not received since 2013. Just saying. 🤷‍♀️
August 04 · Sergia Rosario
I have purchased that beautiful cake in Carvel Clifton, I would like to share my huge thank you to Barbara for the kind and professional service. She helped me to make a choice and served me in very nice and friendly way. Thank you very much Barbara! It is a pleasure to be served by you! I look forward seeing you again!
November 26 · Agnieszka Pyra