15 Chicago Vegan Bakeries & Dessert Spots Worth Visiting
There’s nothing quite like the smell of rich, decadent chocolate or freshly baked pastries dancing through the air — it’s like sugar-filled magic! If you’re in Chicago, you’ll be drooling once you lay eyes on all of the incredible options!
From cream-filled chocolate cupcakes to lavish golden pastries and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, Chicago has plenty of delicious vegan bakeries and dessert spots to discover.
So, get your taste buds ready to explore the best of what the Windy City’s vegan bakeries offer with this comprehensive sweet guide!
Delicious Vegan Bakeries & Ice Cream Spots in Chicago
These fully vegan bakeshops have absolutely everything, from mouthwatering raw desserts to giant rainbow cakes — you won’t be able to say no! Even if you’re not vegan, these spots are ideal if you’re avoiding dairy or eggs.
#1 Pie, Pie, My Darling
2636 W Chicago Ave Suite 1, Chicago, IL 60622
This woman-owned bakery is on a mission to create spectacular cakes that will wow a crowd — with one look, I think it’s safe to say mission accomplished. Currently, the shop only takes advance orders for cakes and treats (Saturdays only for the treats).
Hopefully, one day soon, we will see the bakeshop reopen to the public because this is one dessert case you’ll want to drool over! If you need a whole cake, don’t miss their signature Cookie Monster (vanilla cake filled with mini chocolate chips and covered in brown sugar cookie dough buttercream, more chocolate chips, and mini chocolate chip cookies)!
Don’t need a whole cake? You can find yummy slices of their cakes at Upton’s Breakroom, The Handlebar, Paulie Gees, and Kale My Name.
#2 Liberation Donuts
2054 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60612
Jam-filled, cookie dough-topped, glazed — what’s your favorite kind of donut? It’s almost 100% guaranteed that you’ll love every plump donut that comes out of this Chicago kitchen! While they are well known for their insanely delicious vegan donuts, the sugar-filled fun doesn’t end there.
They regularly bake chewy chocolate chip cookies and have creamy soft serve that can be whipped up into a milkshake or donut sundae— how amazing does that sound? Oh wait, one more thing, they also carry slices of tender cake from Pie, Pie My Darling, our next delicious spot!
#3 Sweet Vegan Bakes
409 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60610
Whatever you do, don’t skip the tart and creamy lemon cheesecake at this Black woman-owned vegan bakery! This new sweet spot was inspired by owner and head baker Chef Cheryl’s journey to improve her health.
After adopting a vegan diet, she lost over 100 lbs., and everything that ailed her disappeared; now she’s on a mission to show others that going vegan doesn’t mean lackluster food and desserts! The bakery case is lined with a rotating mix of sprinkle-covered cakes, soft-baked cookies, and buttercream-topped cupcakes.
#4 Betty Bot Shop
7100 S South Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60649
Vegan and gluten-free friends, you won’t want to miss this cozy spot! Tucked into Chicago’s South Shore is this vegan and gluten-free bakery that’s ready to delight you with Old Fashioned glazed donuts, fudgy cakes, chocolate mousse tarts, and more! In addition to visiting the shop, you can find their treats at the 61st Street Farmers Market on Saturdays and the Logan Street Farmer’s Market on Sundays.
Don’t miss this article if you need more vegan and gluten-free friendly spots in Chicago!
#5 Cinnaholic
1295 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Get ready for your taste buds to go into overdrive once you step into this land of cinnamon swirl dreams! This vegan cinnamon roll franchise literally covers the US in its sweet cream cheese frosting — did you ever in a million years think that there would be a vegan cinnamon roll shop, let alone a franchise?!
Whether you enjoy a traditional fluffy cinnamon roll covered in simple frosting or want to amp it up, you can here! The sugar masterminds behind this spot have created incredible options covered in candied almond frosting, cookie dough, chocolate chips, marshmallows, and much more.
On top of having an endless lineup of cinnamon rolls, you’ll also find cookies, cookie dough sundaes, brownies, and baby buns (mini cinnamon rolls).
#6 Ingrained
108 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60654
This vegan snackery specializes in crafting mouthwatering plant-based, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free treats! If you’re thinking, wait a second, sugar-free, will this taste like cardboard!? Oh, heck no! I promise you’ll be head over heels in love with one bite of their downright decadent Superfood Raw bars!
Many of their bars play off popular candy and cookie flavors like oatmeal cream pie, samosa, peanut butter cups, and more. If you love cookies and brownies, don’t skip the Slutty Brownie (chocolate cookie base with chocolate chip cookie dough, activated charcoal, cashew cream, cashew butter drizzle, and more).
Wait, there’s more. They also have handmade chocolate peanut butter cups filled with hazelnut, cookie dough, peanut butter, caramel cashew, and a small selection of baked goods.
#7 Chicago Raw
51 W Huron St, Chicago, IL 60654
A staple in the Chicago vegan scene, Chicago Raw has been serving up dishes made from raw, vegan ingredients since 2009, including desserts! There’s no better place to go for a nutrient-dense treat that’s tasty and good for you.
Their house-made menu includes tart lemon squares with a nutty crust, creamy chocolate mousse made with avocado and dates, walnut-filled brownies, coconut cacao truffles, and more.
#8 Vaca’s Creamery
Locations in Wicker Park & Lincoln Square
Don’t be surprised if you see a line forming around the block as you approach this vegan ice cream shop — it’s absolutely worth waiting for! This is Chicago’s first vegan soft-serve ice cream shop specializing in over-the-top sundaes and hand-mixed milkshakes.
Their soft serve flavors rotate regularly but always include the classic vanilla and chocolate that you can top with peanut butter caramel, chocolate shell, chunks of cake, sprinkle cookie dough, nuts, and more! For a special treat, check out their molten chocolate cake sundae — warm gooey cake with your choice of soft serve and chocolate sauce — yum!
#9 Runaway Cow
608 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60616
If only all of the cows could runaway here! This electric moo-free ice cream shop wanted to re-invent classic ice cream treats with a dairy-free spin. All of its ice creams are made from an oat milk base and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways! For those who love a classic cone, why not try their blue raspberry cone dip? Or, if you’re looking for something a little extra special, their creamy milkshakes and Snowstorms (their delicious ice cream blended with all sorts of treats) have your name all over them! The fun doesn’t stop there! They also have banana splits, peanut fudge parfaits, ice cream sandwiches, and a ton more!
Vegan-Friendly Bakeries & Ice Cream in Chicago
These vegan-friendly Chicago bakeries understand how to craft outstanding vegan baked goods and desserts! You won’t find hockey puck baked goods at any of these spots (I know some of you know exactly what I mean)!
#10 Defloured: A Gluten-Free Bakery
1477 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
Just because you’re gluten-free doesn’t mean you have to miss out on a buttery scone or fluffy slice of cake! Whether you’re sensitive to gluten or Celiac, you can rest assured that whatever you enjoy here won’t cause you trouble later! Their menu includes a great lineup of vegan options that include frosted oatmeal cookies, peppermint brownies, chocolate whoopie pies, and more!
#11 Beacon Doughnuts
810 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Although this spot is tucked down in an alley off Armitage, between the sweet smell of fried dough in the air and the bright floral-covered front, you can’t miss it! Their donut menu is super vegan-friendly and has so many creative options you’ll want to try — good luck leaving without a box!
The flavor rotates, but if you’re lucky, don’t miss the Blueberry Pancake (vanilla cake injected with blueberry jam and topped with maple icing and powdered sugar) or a Blackberry Bismark (brioche donut filled with blackberry jam and topped with powdered sugar).
Their flavors sell out quickly. To ensure you don’t miss the vegan options, order early!
#12 Panderia Nuevo Leon
1634 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608
Traditional Mexican sweets are far from vegan-friendly unless you come here! This family-run Mexican bakery has a full vegan menu to delight guests. You can try traditional Mexican favorites like Concha (colorful sweet bread), Palotiado (Mexican elephant ear), Bigote (croissant with pink sugar and chocolate sugar paste, and so much more. In addition to Mexican specialties, you’ll also find vegan cupcakes, muffins, and cookies.
#13 West Town Bakery
Multiple locations throughout Chicago
The baking team at this spot bakes for everyone, whether you’re vegan, nut-free, gluten-free, or soy-free! Their vegan-friendly cake, cupcake, and cookie options are available for pre-order and include favorites like peanut butter cup, chocolate raspberry, cookies and cream, and much more. If you don’t find a flavor you love, reach out and see if they can make your sugary sweet dreams come true!
#14 Do-Rite Doughnuts & Chicken
Multiple locations throughout Chicago
I didn’t think a spot with fried chicken would be even a little vegan-friendly, but it is! Every day, this donut shop has three vegan options — spiced maple chai, orange olive oil, and double chocolate.
#15 Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream
Multiple locations throughout Chicago
This vegan-friendly ice cream shop is well known for its creative and ultra-rich flavors — if you’re looking for plain ole vanilla, look elsewhere! You won’t always find the same vegan flavors at every shop, but a few favorites include Banana Cream Pudding, Cold Brew with Coconut Cream, Lemon Bar, and Dark Chocolate Truffle. If you love fruitier flavors, you’ll enjoy their frosé sorbet (a blend of pear, strawberry, and watermelon — like a frozen sangria).
Need More Vegan Help in Chicago?
Whether you’re hanging out in Chicago for one day or a week, you won’t want to miss these tasty articles to plan your entire adventure (you can’t just visit vegan bakeries in Chicago after all)!
The Best Vegan Travel Guide to Chicago
Where to Find Irresistible Vegan Pizza in Chicago
The Best Spots for Vegan Breakfast & Brunch in Chicago
Vegan & Vegan-Friendly Mexican Eats in Chicago
