If people in ancient Rome wanted a baby, they would pray to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. If they were hoping for a good harvest, they would look to Saturn, the god of agriculture. But if they wanted to bread rise perfectly, they would turn to the divine personification of the oven, Fornax, who was also a goddess of baking.
In ancient Rome, baking was a popular and well-respected profession. And, as techniques evolved over the centuries, those bakers helped pave the way for many of the modern baking practices we have today. Now, if you have access to a cup of flour, baking powder, some margarine, and a dash of vanilla extract, pretty much anyone can bake. But unless you are a Star Baker (shout out to The Great British Baking Show), then the best place to find a truly show-stopping cake, doughnuts, cupcake, or brownie is a professional bakery.
From Los Angeles to London, we’ve listed some of the best vegan bakery shop options below. But first, how do you even make baked goods without animal products?
What bakery items are vegan?
If you head into a standard bakery shop, chances are, most of the baked goods, like doughnuts, cupcakes, buns, etc, are going to be made with animal products. Eggs, butter, and milk are staple ingredients for most bakers, after all.
But, that said, vegan baked goods are rising in popularity, and now, many bakery shops also offer options that are made without animal products. And that’s because they’ve made simple recipe swaps (butter for vegan butter, eggs for aquafaba, milk for plant-based milk, and so on—you can find more information on vegan baking swaps here).
The truth is, that most bakery items can be made vegan if you make the right substitutions. Just always check the ingredients before you buy (unless you’re in a vegan bakery!), as many bakeries will offer regular and vegan versions of the same baked goods.
Where to buy vegan baked goods
As demand for plant-based food rises, the market for vegan baked goods is growing. In 2018, the vegan baking ingredients market was valued at around $1.1 billion, and it’s expected to grow at a rate of 5.6 percent CAGR by 2025.
But, despite this demand, in the US, major baked goods chains like Krispy Kreme and Dunkin Donuts are lagging behind. In fact, right now, neither offers any vegan doughnut options whatsoever. In the UK, it’s a different story—Krispy Kreme offers a number of vegan doughnuts, including Fudge Brownie Bliss and Strawberry Iced Ring.
Best vegan bakery shops
However, where the chains are failing to keep up, many independent bakery shops are stepping in to fill the gap in the market. From Los Angeles to New York, and from Washington, DC to Portland, we’ve highlighted some of the best vegan bakery shops in the US below (in no particular order). Plus, we’ve also included some of the best options from across the pond, in London, UK, where the vegan food scene is thriving.
Donut Friend
1Donut Friend
Los Angeles, CA
Every morning, Donut Friend’s range of vegan doughnuts is made fresh to order, and what a range it is. For breakfast, try the Bacon 182, which is dripping with maple glaze and covered in crunchy coconut bacon. Or, if you have a really sweet tooth, the Caramel on Parade—which features a chocolate glaze, candied pecans, chocolate chips, and a drizzle of caramel sauce—is well worth sinking your teeth into.
Check it out
Ladurée
2Ladurée
Los Angeles, CA
For a taste of Parisian sophistication, head to Ladurée’s Beverly Hills spot. In 2019, it was taken over by vegan chef Matthew Kenney, but the duo has since parted ways. That said, there are still some plant-based options on the menu, including vegan chocolate cake and à la carte vegan croissants.
Check it out
Just What I Kneaded
3Just What I Kneaded
Los Angeles, CA
For beautiful, awe-inspiring, and, most importantly, delicious birthday cakes, Just What I Kneaded is set to become your new go-to. And as a bonus, when you go to pick up your sweet treat, you can also grab a savory bite at the bakery’s own plant-based café, too.
Check it out
@clementinebakery/Instagram
4Clementine Bakery
New York, NY
Peanut butter blondies, chocolate babka, cinnamon rolls, and cream cheese brownies are just a few examples of the type of mouthwatering baked goods you can pick up at New York’s Clementine Bakery. Thirsty? They also offer a range of fruity, refreshing smoothies. In the mood for something savory? There are sandwiches, salads, and vegan wings, too.
Check it out
@lepetitmonstrebk/Instagram
5 Le Petit Monstre
New York, NY
If you’re in Brooklyn, head down to the vegan bakery Le Petit Monstre for a fresh vegan pastry and a steaming cup of coffee. There are doughnuts, Danish pastries, and kouign amann on offer, but the shop, which prides itself on its “imaginative” offering, changes most of its flavors daily.
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Erin McKenna’s Bakery/Instagram
6Erin McKenna’s Bakery
New York City, NY and Los Angeles, CA
Since 2005, Erin McKenn’s Bakery has been supplying New Yorkers (and now, Angelenos) with tasty vegan baked goods, and it’s still going strong. The menu is packed with delicious-sounding options, including brownie bites, cookie sandwiches, teacakes, doughnuts, and cupcakes.
Check it out
@sweetveganbakes/Instagram
7 Sweet Vegan Bakes
Chicago, IL
Sweet Vegan Bakes’ founder, Chef Cheryl, initially went vegan for her own health. But after discovering the joy of plant-based living (and cakes), she is now all about sharing her delicious vegan sweet treats, including scrumptious Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes and Butter Cookies, with the rest of Chicago.
Check it out
Pie, Pie My Darling!
8 Pie, Pie My Darling!
Chicago, IL
For a special event, Pie, Pie My Darling! knows that only a truly impressive, mouth-watering cake will do. If you’re catering for little ones, Funfetti, which features layers of vanilla sprinkle cake, dollops of buttercream, and a sprinkle coating, is a delicious crowd-pleaser.
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Sticky Fingers
9 Sticky Fingers
Washington, DC
Sticky Fingers has established a stellar reputation in Washington, DC, where it has been serving plant-based sweet treats since the early aughts. From custom cakes to their ever-changing cookie flavors, everything is 100-percent vegan. If you’re eager for a taste but you’re not in DC, don’t worry, because this bakery also ships nationwide!
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Wilma Bakes Cakes
10 Wilma Bakes Cakes
Washington, DC
From sweet apple pie to indulgent chocolate raspberry cupcakes, you can count on Wilma Bakes Cakes to always deliver deliciousness in the form of baked goods. Bonus cute fact: it’s named after and inspired by the founder Robin Walker’s sweet adopted pooch, Wilma.
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Shoofly Vegan Bakery
11 Shoofly Vegan Bakery
Portland, OR
Portland is one of the best cities for vegan food in the US, and so, true to form, it doesn’t disappoint on plant-based baked goods. For fresh, indulgent vegan cookies and cupcakes, as well as delectable savory and sweet pies, head to Shoofly Vegan Bakery.
Check it out
@doedonuts
12 Doe Donuts
Portland, OR
If you’re hit with a donut craving (we’ve all been there), get yourself to Doe Donuts. You will not be disappointed by the creative, tasty range of flavors on offer, which includes everything from French Toast (complete with Vermont maple syrup) to Portland Fog (which features an organic Earl Grey glaze!).
Check it out
@vidabakery/Instagram
13 Vida Bakery
London, UK
Vida Bakery’s journey began in 2014, when its co-founder (and now head baker) Dani Ortega, a celiac and a vegan, couldn’t find anything to satisfy her sweet tooth. Four years later, she was creating her own delicious, vegan, and gluten-free concoctions in her own Brick Lane shop in London. If you’re in the area, try one of the bakery’s cake tubs, which feature freshly baked cakes in cute little tubs. Flavors include Cookies and Cream, Red Velvet, Black Forest, and Praline & Caramel.
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Crosstown
14 Crosstown
London, UK
For doughnuts in London, there’s nowhere like Crosstown. The chain’s Marylebone spot is totally vegan, and the range of flavors is always innovative, imaginative, and delicious. Try Blood Orange, Strawberry Cheesecake, or Peanut Butter & Blackcurrant Compote for a bite of true indulgence. Or, if you can’t decide, grab all three (plus more) in a doughnut selection instead.
Check it out
Vegan Treats/Instagram
15Vegan Treats
Bethlehem, PA
The clue is in the name, but everything at this popular Pennsylvania bakery (which was once named one of the top 10 bakeries in the world by American Express) is vegan. From show-stopping lemon strawberry mousse cakes to shortbread cookies to addictive fluffy ring doughnuts, this bakery has it all.
Check it out
L’artisane Bakery/Instagram
16 L’Artisane Creative Bakery
Coral Gables, FL
Most French-inspired bakeries rely heavily on animal ingredients, like eggs and cream, but not L’Artisane. Head down to this Florida spot and grab a Croque Monsieur Croissant filled with vegan deli ham, vegan cheese, Mornay sauce, and tomato confit. If you want something sweet, indulge in a Blueberry Tart or perhaps the bakery’s signature L’Artisane Brownie with hazelnuts, vanilla pears, and hazelnut Chantilly cream.
Check it out
Peaceful Provisions/Instagram
17 Peaceful Provisions
Beacon, NY
New York City isn’t the only city in the state with vegan baked goods on offer. If you’re in Beacon, head down to Peaceful Provisions and grab a filled, unfilled, or chocolate cake doughnut (the dream combination). The flavors change regularly, but they are always delicious.
Check it out
Chaumont Vegan/Instagram
18 Chaumont Vegan
Beverly Hills, CA
In Beverly Hills, Chaumont Bakery has a reputation for always providing top-quality baked goods. And in 2021, it decided to expand further, by opening a new spot next door called Chaumont Vegan. Everything on offer is just as delicious, but it’s also totally animal-free.
Check it out
@hellocakegirl
19Cake Girl
Los Angeles, CA
Whether you want vegan cupcakes with chocolate sprinkles, churro doughnuts tossed in cinnamon sugar, or vanilla cake with vanilla frosting, Los Angeles’ Cake Girl has you covered. Plus, everything is gluten- and allergen-free.
Check it out
Baker’s Bench
20 Baker’s Bench
Los Angeles, CA
This Chinatown hidden gem is an absolute must when in Los Angeles. Jennifer Yee, the mastermind behind the bakery, used her professional baking background to make flaky, vegan croissants a reality. Her croissants have been described as some of the best croissants in LA, and for good reason. Buttery, flaky, crisp … everything you want a croissant to be and vegan! In addition to the croissants, you’ll find cookies in flavors like black sesame and fruit-topped cakes such as her white sesame cherry cake.
Check it out
San & Wolves
21 San & Wolves Bakeshop
Southern California
These baked goods from Kym Estrada have been popping up all over our Instagram feeds. From ube mochi butter bars to cheez putos (traditional Filipinx steamed rice cakes topped with a strip of vegan cheddar) and halo-halo turon (a sweet take on spring rolls), there is no shortage of dreamy sweets at this Southern California-based pop-up. They have a brick-and-mortar coming in Long Beach very soon, but for now you can order online or find them at pop-ups in Long Beach, Los Angeles, or Orange County.
Check it out
Orange & Blossom
22 Orange & Blossom
Portland, OR
This PDX-based modern patisserie is churning out seasonal baked goods that feature local produce. Think apricot almond buns, salted caramel sticky buns with local rhubarb, lemon elderflower buns, and speciality goods like Swedish Semlas (cardamom infused brioche filled with almond cream and topped with vanilla bean chantilly and toasted almonds). Stop into their adorable shop or find them weekly at the the much acclaimed PSU Portland Farmers Market.
Check it out
Crust Vegan Bakery
23 Crust Vegan Bakery
Philadelphia, PA
Crust Vegan Bakery was born to fill the vegan void bakery owner Meagan Benz saw growing up. Providing vegan options for much-loved classic desserts was the goal and the bakery’s emphasis on social justice is just the icing on the cake. Crust has made a name for itself with iconic and nostalgic poptarts in flavors such as strawberry mango, blueberry maple, and raspberry rose. Its other offerings includent decadent layer cake slices, gooey marshmallow-topped fudgy brownies, and chewy cookies.
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The Baklava Lady
24 The Baklava Lady Turkish Cafe
Englishtown, NJ
This New Jersey spot is not only the only fully vegan Turkish bakery in the US, but it’s offerings are also absolutely jaw droppingly good. Think cinnamon rolls, pistachio rose baklava, simit, sticky buns, chocolate-dipped cookies, layered baklava cakes, soft almond cream brioche buns, and so much more.
Check it out
Timeless Coffee
25 Timeless Coffee
Oakland, CA
This fully vegan coffee shop has three locations in Oakland and offers a caffeine kick as well as a sugar high. The café houses a full-scale bakery complete with customizable celebration cakes as well as the typical tea cakes, scones, and danishes for those on the go. It’s long been a favorite in the vegan scene since its opening in 2012.
check it out
Passion Flour
26 Passion Flour
Salt Lake City, UT
Since 2015, Jessica Davies, a classically trained French pastry chef gone vegan, has been serving up incredible pastries to the Salt Lake City community. Her mission to create vegan versions of French classics has been an absolute success and today the bakery offers a fully vegan brunch menu alongside its award-winning baked goods (such as French macarons, apple croissant turnovers, and Kouign Amanns).
Check it out
For more on vegan baked goods, read:
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Sarah McLaughlin (@sarahmclaughlin) is the New Products Editor at VegNews and is always on the search for the newest innovations in plant-based food.
Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
