Indulge your sweet tooth at these vegan and vegan-friendly bakeries and cafés that never compromise on taste.
Abstaining from animal products doesn’t mean sacrificing dessert, at least not in Toronto. From birthday cake donuts bursting with sprinkles to old-school cinnamon buns with nostalgic appeal, these vegan Toronto eateries will satisfy your sugar and your appetite for adventure. Get ready to dig in!
Caked Coffee
After strolling through High Park, walk five minutes along Bloor Street to Caked Coffee, a fully vegan, family-owned, cozy and bright café.
They whip up scrumptious hand-crafted pastries from scratch using high-quality ingredients without refined sugar or sweeteners and provide gluten-free options. The friendly service and warm vibes make it a perfect spot to sip a macchiato with friends.
Must-try: Cookies & cream cupcakes and whole banana bread to go!
Vegan Danish Bakery
True to its name, Vegan Danish Bakery is a must-visit, with multiple locations, including trendy Queen Street West. Opened by three passionate animal-loving sisters, locals craving their high-quality sweet treats will form weekend lineups for a taste.
Enjoy traditional (veganized) Danish pastries or rum balls, rich and creamy cupcakes, cinnamon sticky buns, carrot cake squares, butter tarts and more.
Must-try: Pecan pumpkin spice muffin with a hot matcha green tea latte.
Tori’s Bakeshop
Since 2012, Tori’s Bakeshop has created fully plant-based, locally loved desserts in the family-friendly Beaches neighbourhood. Choose from a delicious assortment of organic sweets free of animal products and refined sugar, with gluten-free options.
Enjoy a decadent donut, cookie, cupcake or scone in their cute café, or take it to go and stroll along the boardwalk.
Must-try: Chocolate walnut biscotti paired with an espresso.
Cinnaholic on the Danforth
Cinnaholic on the Danforth is what cinnamon roll dreams are made of. It’s fully plant-based, including made-from-scratch brownies, cookie dough and unique “create your own” cinnamon roll options—making this bakery a vegan game changer.
There is a table for six and several chairs by the window, or take your masterpiece and stroll along North America’s largest Greek neighbourhood.
Must-try: CN Tower cinnamon roll with maple frosting, cookie dough, pretzel and pecans.
Bunner’s Bakeshop
Bunner’s Bakeshop has proved since 2010 that vegan and gluten-free doesn’t require compromise. Repeat customers love their mouth-watering brownies, muffins, cupcakes, pies, tarts and scones.
Although it’s take-out only, there is a colourful shared patio next door where you can chill on Muskoka-style chairs in eclectic Kensington Market and people-watch as you munch.
Must-try: Maple crunch blondie bar with an oat milk latte and blueberry cheesecake for your next dinner party.
Also see: 9 Iconic Eats in Kensington Market
Tsuchi Café
Little Italy’s Tsuchi Café is a Japanese-inspired plant-based café and the only one of its kind in Toronto. Nicely decorated with green leafy plants, wooden seats with pillows and many treasures for sale, it’s known for unique and traditional vegan desserts that rotate per season, such as mango lassi tart, creamy cheesecakes and various chocolate cakes.
Must-try: Ontario strawberry tart (or seasonal tart) and a hot cup of Hojicha tea.
Good Earth Coffeehouse
Offering much more than a steaming cup of joe, downtown Yonge Street’s Good Earth Coffeehouse bakes tasty vegan muffins that are fluffy and delicious. There are plenty of roomy tables in this warm, inviting, nicely decorated café whose founding values include environmental responsibility.
Must-try: Black Forest muffin with an organic coffee.
Bloomer’s
If you’ve ever savoured a Bloomer’s donut, you won’t be surprised this vegan family bakery that opened in 2014 now has multiple locations and donut booths throughout the 6ix, including one at Bayview Village shopping centre.
Bursting with tempting flavours like Canadian maple, Ferrero Rocher, toasted coconut and turtles salted caramel pecan, every Bloomer’s donut is as photo-worthy as it is tasty.
Must-try: Birthday cake donut on your birthday, of course!
Almond Butterfly Bakeshop & Café
Almond Butterfly Bakeshop & Café in Harbord Village is fully gluten-free with several tempting vegan options, including cupcakes, squares, cookies and raw peanut butter energy balls. Grab a window seat and enjoy the street view as you nosh on your pastry in a quaint space decorated with pretty hanging lamps and white brick.
Must-try: Vegan chocolate espresso cupcake made with freshly ground beans.
Kensington Natural Bakery
Kensington Natural Bakery in the Annex neighbourhood has been in business for 30 years. It’s a Bloor Street West landmark known for its healthy food, welcoming vibe and vegan-friendly cakes, cookies, pies and muffins. Everything is peanut-free and made without additives or artificial colours. Order at the counter and chill at one of their many tables.
Must-try: Vegan rice ginger cookie and fresh squeezed seasonal juice.
