The nation’s capital is the home of life, liberty, and the pursuit of vegan sweets! I mean, if you give me creamy ice cream or a cream-filled cupcake, I’d equate that to happiness in an instant — maybe that’s just me. But I’m going to take a wild guess that you might agree since you’ve somehow made your way to this sugar-filled article.
So, let me give you what you want!
If you need decadent cakes, fudge-covered donuts, or chewy cookies that make you think, oh man, I need another one, then you can’t miss these outrageously delicious vegan bakeries and ice cream spots in Washington DC.
Vegan Bakeries in Washington DC
#1 Sticky Fingers Eats & Sweets
1370 Park Rd NW, Washington, DC 20010
We’re starting this lineup with award-winning treats! Seriously the owner and creative sugar genius behind Sticky Fingers won The Food Network’s Cupcake Wars two times — so get ready for a sugar coma. Their bakery case is loaded with almost every kind of delicious treat you can imagine — flaky croissants, Oreo cookie sandwiches, cupcakes, donuts, and much more. No worries if you need a whole cake; they can help with that too! Their cakes must be ordered in advance and come in popular flavors like red velvet, Funfetti, and cookie dough. They also have gluten-free options!
#2 Donut Run
6904 4th St NW, Washington, DC 20012
Do not walk; run to this vegan donut shop (well, it is a bit out of the downtown area, so you may want to Uber instead)! These irresistible, plump donuts have been voted the best donuts in DC, and with one bite, you’ll understand why! The donut menu lineup rotates regularly, but you may get lucky and find mocha-cream-covered long johns, strawberry cheesecake, maple cream bars, apple fritters, and many more. They are also known for creating irresistible seasonal and holiday flavors too! If you’re traveling, bring Tupperware because you’ll want to take a few or a dozen of these home.
Vegan-Friendly Bakeries in DC
#3 Rise Bakery
2409 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
If you suffer from soy, gluten, or nut allergies, you must make a bee-line to this vegan-friendly bakery in Adams Morgan! This bakeshop has a terrific mix of baked goods and pastries — many things you probably thought you’d never taste again after saying goodbye to gluten! Their vegan lineup includes a variety of fluffy cupcakes, cherry pies, apple turnovers, cookies, and more. They also take special orders for whole cakes in case you’re celebrating or just want an entire cake — there’s no judgment here!
#4 Sweet Crimes Gluten-Free Bakery
1238 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003
Another fantastic gluten-free bakeshop with a handful of vegan options —hooray! They claim you’d never know their treats are gluten-free if they didn’t tell you; I guess you’ll have to be the judge of that! You’ll always find various options like donuts, sweet bread, cupcakes, and seasonal options.
#5 Bakeshop
3210 Grace St NW, Washington, DC 20007
This charming family-run bakery is well known for its extensive lineup of sugary sweets — they seriously have everything, including vegan options! While vegan options can sometimes be an afterthought, it’s clear that’s not the case here. You’ll come for a vegan brookie but then leave with a chocolate mint cupcake, a slice of pumpkin pie, and an ice cream cookiewich! I told you they have everything!
DC Vegan Bakeries for Pre-Order Only
Although you can’t visit an actual storefront, if you’re in the market for something unique and want to order it ahead of time, you’ve got to check out these Washington DC vegan bakeries.
#6 Wilma Bakes Cakes
So technically, this spot isn’t in DC, but it’s right on the border — it seems close enough to me. Plus, if you’re planning on pre-ordering, does it really matter that it’s not in the heart of DC? I say, nah! Plus, it’s entirely vegan! This one woman-owned bakeshop creates a sinful lineup of treats from chocolate raspberry surprise cupcakes to mini apple pies, plus so much more! You’ll get lost looking at all the baked goods she can create!
#7 Teff & Co.
Vegan and gluten-free friends, if you want to order a dozen cookies or a mouthwatering cake, check out this online bakeshop! Everything from the buttery shortbread cookies to the decadent German chocolate cake is vegan and gluten-free. Delivery is available to Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern VA.
Vegan-Friendly Ice Cream Shops in DC
#8 Pressed
1431 P St NW, Washington, DC 20005
You might be thinking, wait, isn’t that a juice shop? Yep, sure is, but they also have a better-for-you plant-based soft serve made with coconut and oat bases. Start with one of their tasty flavors like acai, vanilla, or mint chip, then load it up with fresh fruit, granola, chocolate chips, nuts, and more!
#9 Jeni’s Ice Cream
Multiple locations throughout DC
You’re guaranteed to find at least a few outrageously delicious vegan flavors at this ice cream shop! Choosing between Texas Sheet Cake, Dark Chocolate Truffle, and Caramel Sticky Buns will be a challenge — I say don’t limit yourself; get all of them!
#10 Dolci Gelati
1420 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
It’s always disappointing when the vegan option is just fruity sorbet — I mean, it’s not 1990 anymore! Vegans want more and Dolci Gelati heard that sugar-coated cry! While they have the good ole standby sorbets, you’ll also find a creative lineup of oat-based flavors like salted caramel, peanut butter, and toasted coconut.
Need More East Coast Vegan Eats?
You’ve come to the right spot! We’ve got everything you need to plan an epic vegan adventure in the nation’s capitol and beyond!
The Best Washington DC Vegan Travel Guide
8 Can’t Miss Spots for Vegan Food in DC
The Ultimate NYC Vegan Travel Guide
Vegan-Friendly Hotels in NYC
The Best Spots for Vegan Brunch in NYC
The Most Delicious Vegan Bakeries & Dessert Spots in NYC
Brooklyn Vegan Guide: 32 Spots for Vegan Food
The Perfect Vegan Travel Guide to Philadelphia
