There was a time, not long ago, when the only sweet vegan option on a menu might have been a raw energy ball, more suited for a workout than a dessert. But thanks to rising demand for quality plant-based treats in the big apple, a myriad of plant-based bakeries is popping up across the five boroughs – particularly Brooklyn. Here’s a list of the top vegan bakeries NYC has to offer.
Many of the best vegan bakeries in NYC are small, independently run passion projects. These bakers have refined their craft to master rich and buttery confections that anyone – vegan or not – could fall for.
Brooklyn Whiskers
Brooklyn Whiskers (1037 Broadway) is a vegan retail bakeshop located in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn. The bakery, the brainchild of two cat-loving co-founders, offers beautiful muffins, scones, cookies, brownies, and more. If you’re visiting on weekends don’t miss out on the Doughssant, a unique doughnut/croissant hybrid that is a delightful spin on the famed Cronut. Brooklyn Whiskers also offers a light menu of lunch and snack items with vegan wines and local craft beers to pair. This beloved spot is worth a trip across the river.
Sugar Sweet Sunshine Bakery
Located in the Essex Street Market, Sugar Sweet Sunshine Bakery is literally and figuratively a mouthful. While this bakery primarily makes conventional sweets, their vegan cupcakes are some of the best in the five boroughs. Don’t believe us? Order any (or all) of their four vegan cupcakes and you’ll taste why. The creamy Vegan Chocolate Explosion cupcake, a chocolate cake with vegan chocolate buttercream will leave you dreaming about your next trip back.
Erin McKenna’s Bakery
Established all the way back in 2005, Erin McKenna’s Bakery was ahead of its time. The bakers in this adorable East Village shop are crafting delicious, not only vegan but gluten-free desserts. Donuts and cookies reign supreme at Erin McKenna’s. Order the Thin Mint Cookies or Samoa Donut for Girl Scout cookie-inspired flashback. If you’re craving McKenna’s sweets at home, fear not. This gluten-free and vegan gem now ships nationwide with Goldbelly.
Terms of Endearment
While the vegan options in Brooklyn are plentiful, we love Terms of Endearment for their delicious plant-based and for having easily the best vegan croissant in NYC. The Williamsburg cafe and patisserie offers a variety of decadent pastries and sandwiches served on their homemade, flaky croissants or focaccia bread. Try the scrumptious B.A.L.T sandwich with bacon, avocado, greens, and tomato with a Thai chili aioli on their signature croissant. It works perfectly for breakfast or lunch and can be enjoyed in their outdoor seating area. Making it one of our top choices of vegan bakeries in NYC.
Ovenly
While Ovenly isn’t entirely vegan, its small selection of plant-based treats, available at its five locations and carried by dozens of local coffee shops throughout NYC, make this bakery a great go-to. Their Salted Chocolate Chip Cookie, referred to as “secretly vegan” is worth seeking out. Perfectly soft and chewy, this childhood favorite will have you coming back for more. Be sure to order one of their rotating sweet vegan loaves such as their current Blueberry Lemon Bread with a luscious blueberry glaze.
Le Petit Monstre
Le Petit Monstre is a charming, part bakery, part flower shop with two locations in Brooklyn. With a stunning lineup of plant-based buns, pecan rolls, croissants, and tarts – this patisserie shines in all things puff pastry. With so many creative pastry combinations to choose from, bring an appetite, a good friend, and order a little bit of everything. Be sure to check out their sister spot Clementine Bakery.
[plant-baked]
Plant-baked (117 E 7th St) was an exciting addition to an already thriving vegan scene in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The tiny, take-out window can be easy to miss. Onlookers will queue outside and peer into their glass display with a gorgeous array of sweet and savory selections. Expect a lovely offering of mostly French pastries including the recently trending Kouign-amann, a crisp puff pastry coated in caramelized sugar. Plant-baked is also proudly baker owned and operated.
Peace Food
If you’re looking for a mix of healthy and delicious vegan dessert options look no further than Peace Food. While guests can enjoy a tasty meal and dessert in the restaurant, you can also let your sweet tooth go wild and pick out your favorites on display. Raw Keylime Pie made with young coconut, cashew, avocado, agave, and lime in a nut crust is a great gluten-free option. While those looking to indulge, can’t go wrong with the classic Peanut Butter Cheesecake.
Little Choc Apothecary
Little Choc Apothecary is the first fully vegan and gluten-free crêperie in NYC. Its founder is on a mission to make healthy, cruelty-free food delicious, and more readily available. Delicate crepes filled with Nutella, peanut butter, or caramel will surely satisfy any sweet tooth. Little Choc’s savory crepes, like the Jacked Up crepe filled with smoky pulled jackfruit, kale, roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, and barbecue sauce make a satisfying lunch. With a focus on health, this apothecary offers over 25 specially crafted medicinal tea blends. Be sure to wash your crepe down with a cup!
Body and Soul Bakeshop
While Body and Soul Bakeshop doesn’t have a brick-and-mortar location, their handcrafted baked goods can be found at various greenmarkets in NYC. Body and Soul has been serving the community from their bakery in Brooklyn since 1993. They pride themselves in using clean ingredients and keeping things local and sustainable whenever possible. We love the hearty Spelt-Bran Carrot Raisin Muffin or the Chocolate Chunk Muffin for a more decadent start to the day. Be sure to check their website for where they’ll be popping up next.
Barbara Booras is a Boston native and freelance food & drink writer. She’s spent the last 7+ years in NYC eating her way through the five boroughs. Over the last decade she’s worked in a boutique wine shop, for a Mediterranean specialty food company, and even slung bottles of hot sauces at a New York City holiday market. In addition to being a lover of all things gastronomy, Barbara is an avid runner and recently completed her third marathon. Follow her adventures on Instagram at @favoritenoodle.