Best Places to Taste Vegan Desserts and Treats in Toronto
Veganism has experienced a significant surge in popularity in recent years, driven by a growing awareness of the environmental, ethical, and health benefits of plant-based diets. Toronto, renowned for its diverse culinary scene, has embraced the vegan food movement with enthusiasm. As a result, the city now offers an impressive array of vegan desserts and treats that cater to both vegans and non-vegans alike. This article explores the delightful world of vegan desserts in Toronto and highlights the vibrant vegan food scene that has flourished in the city.
Exploring Vegan Restaurants and Cafes in Toronto
Vegan cafes have emerged as thriving hubs of plant-based culinary innovation. These establishments not only serve delectable desserts and treats but also provide unique and inviting spaces for people to gather and enjoy vegan delights. Let’s take a closer look at some popular vegan cafes in Toronto:
Bunner’s Bake Shop
- Location: 244 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2L7
- Working Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Menu: Bunner’s Bake Shop is known for its gluten-free, vegan baked goods, including cupcakes, pies, cookies, cinnamon buns, and more. They offer a variety of flavours and seasonal specialties.
Bloomer’s
- Location: 873 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1M4
- Working Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Menu: Bloomer’s is a trendy vegan cafe that offers a diverse range of decadent pastries and desserts, including their famous cinnamon buns and chocolate chip cookies. They also serve a variety of savoury dishes, sandwiches, and vegan brunch options.
Apiecalypse Now!
- Location: 735 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1L5
- Working Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
- Menu: Apiecalypse Now! is a punk rock-inspired vegan pizza joint that also delights customers with its selection of vegan desserts. Their menu features items like apple pie, soft-serve ice cream, brownies, and cookies. They offer an extensive range of creative vegan pizzas and other savoury options as well.
Through Being Cool
- Location: 1277 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1N7
- Working Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
- Menu: Through Being Cool is a beloved vegan bakery and cafe that serves up creative treats like vegan donuts, cinnamon rolls, muffins, and savoury pastries. They also offer a variety of specialty beverages. They have a cozy and eclectic ambiance, perfect for enjoying delicious vegan goodies.
Cosmic Treats
- Location: 207 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2L4
- Working Hours: Closed
- Menu: Cosmic Treats is a popular vegan cafe in Toronto, offering a delightful selection of vegan desserts and treats. From sundaes and milkshakes to innovative ice cream flavours and decadent baked goods, Cosmic Treats is known for its wide range of indulgent plant-based delights. They also have a playful and inviting atmosphere that adds to the overall dining experience.
Please note that working hours and menu items are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check the respective websites or contact the establishments directly for the most up-to-date information.
Vegan Waffles in Toronto
Vegan waffles have become a breakfast and brunch sensation, and Toronto boasts several establishments that excel in crafting mouthwatering vegan waffle creations. Whether you prefer classic waffles with traditional toppings or innovative flavour combinations, Toronto’s vegan food scene has something to satisfy every waffle lover. Notable places to enjoy vegan waffles in Toronto include:
- Mabel’s Bakery: Mabel’s Bakery is renowned for its fluffy vegan waffles topped with an array of fresh fruits, maple syrup, and vegan whipped cream.
- The Goods: The Goods offers hearty vegan waffle plates with toppings like fresh berries, almond butter, and a drizzle of maple syrup, creating a delightful breakfast experience.
- Fresh Restaurants: Known for their creative twists on vegan cuisine, Fresh Restaurants serves up vegan waffles with exciting flavour combinations, such as matcha-infused batter or savoury waffle sandwiches.
For those interested in trying their hand at making vegan waffles at home, a variety of vegan waffle recipes can be found online.
Vegan Ice Cream in Toronto
The vegan ice cream trend has taken Toronto by storm, with an abundance of parlours dedicated to crafting dairy-free frozen delights. These establishments offer a wide range of vegan ice cream flavours made from bases like coconut milk, almond milk, or even bananas. Some notable vegan ice cream shops in Toronto include:
- Sweet Hart Kitchen: Sweet Hart Kitchen offers a delightful selection of vegan ice cream flavours made from wholesome ingredients like cashews, coconut milk, and fresh fruits.
- Death in Venice Gelato: Known for its artisanal vegan gelato, Death in Venice Gelato creates unique and bold flavour combinations that captivate the taste buds.
- Dutch Dreams: Dutch Dreams is an iconic ice cream parlour with an extensive range of vegan ice cream flavours, toppings, and indulgent desserts.
The variety of vegan ice cream flavours available is impressive, ranging from classics like chocolate and vanilla to more exotic options like lavender or matcha green tea.
Vegan Desserts in Toronto
Toronto’s vegan dessert scene is a haven for those seeking delectable plant-based sweets. From rich and indulgent cakes to delicate pastries and cookies, there are numerous vegan desserts that are worth exploring in the city. Some establishments renowned for their exceptional vegan desserts include:
- Roselle Desserts: Roselle Desserts is a popular destination for vegan sweets, offering a selection of delectable vegan pastries, including their famous vegan Basque burnt cheesecake.
- D-Beatstro: D-Beatstro is a beloved vegan cafe that serves up delicious cupcakes, cookies, and other sweet treats in a cozy and community-oriented setting.
- Aft Kitchen & Bar: Aft Kitchen & Bar focuses on using seasonal ingredients to create innovative and mouthwatering vegan desserts that will delight any dessert enthusiast.
For those interested in trying their hand at vegan dessert recipes, numerous online resources provide inspiration and guidance for creating homemade vegan treats.
Vegan Chocolate in Toronto
Indulging in vegan chocolate is a guilt-free pleasure that Toronto’s chocolatiers have embraced wholeheartedly. Several establishments in the city specialize in creating delicious vegan chocolate options. Noteworthy places to buy vegan chocolate in Toronto include:
- Soma Chocolatemaker: Soma Chocolatemaker is celebrated for its ethically sourced and handcrafted vegan chocolate bars and truffles made with high-quality ingredients.
- Chocosol Traders: Chocosol Traders offers stone-ground, organic, and fair-trade vegan chocolates, incorporating flavours from around the world into their delectable creations.
- Nanashake: Nanashake provides a unique twist on vegan chocolate treats by offering soft-serve ice cream made from frozen bananas, complemented by vegan chocolate sauces.
These establishments provide an opportunity to indulge in delicious vegan chocolate while supporting ethical and sustainable practices.
Late-Night Dessert Options in Downtown Toronto
For those seeking sweet treats late into the evening, downtown Toronto has a variety of dessert spots that cater to night owls. These establishments offer a range of vegan dessert options to satisfy cravings even after the sun sets. Some late-night dessert options in downtown Toronto include:
Venue Name | Offerings | Operating Hours |
---|---|---|
The Sweet Oven | Cakes, cupcakes, and cookies | Open until midnight |
Sweet Jesus | Vegan soft-serve ice cream with a multitude of toppings | Open until 11:00 PM on weekends |
Bang Bang Ice Cream and Bakery | Vegan ice cream sandwiches and baked goods | Open until 11:00 PM |
These venues provide a delightful late-night experience for those with a craving for something sweet.
Kensington Market: Vegan Hub
Kensington Market is a vibrant and eclectic neighbourhood in Toronto known for its multiculturalism and alternative spirit. It has also become a hotspot for vegan culinary delights. In Kensington Market, vegan food options are abundant, including desserts and treats.
Vegan Restaurants in Kensington Market
Kensington Market boasts numerous vegan restaurants that showcase the diverse flavours of plant-based cuisine. Some popular vegan eateries in the neighbourhood include:
- Vegandale Brewery: Vegandale Brewery is a vegan brewpub that offers an extensive menu featuring comfort food classics like burgers, poutine, and innovative vegan dishes, along with vegan-friendly desserts.
- Hogtown Vegan: Hogtown Vegan specializes in Southern-style vegan comfort food, serving dishes such as “chicken” and waffles, vegan mac ‘n’ cheese, and a range of mouthwatering desserts.
- Freshii: Freshii, a well-known chain, provides build-your-own vegan bowls and salads, along with grab-and-go vegan snacks and desserts.
These restaurants showcase the diversity and creativity of vegan cuisine in Kensington Market, providing a satisfying dining experience for vegans and non-vegans alike.
Dessert Places in Kensington Market
Kensington Market is not only a haven for savoury vegan delights but also a treasure trove of dessert-focused establishments. These places prioritize crafting delectable vegan desserts that cater to all tastes. Some dessert places to visit in Kensington Market include:
- Cosmic Treats: Cosmic Treats is a popular vegan ice cream parlour that offers a variety of flavours, along with sundaes, milkshakes, and other indulgent vegan desserts.
- Wanda’s Pie in the Sky: Wanda’s Pie in the Sky is a beloved bakery that offers a wide selection of vegan pies, tarts, cookies, and cakes made from scratch with love.
- Kensington Natural Bakery: Kensington Natural Bakery provides vegan-friendly baked goods, including croissants, cookies, and cakes, allowing visitors to satisfy their dessert cravings with vegan options.
These dessert-focused establishments in Kensington Market offer a delightful array of vegan treats to please any sweet tooth.
Ice Cream Options in Kensington Market
For those seeking vegan ice cream options, specifically in Kensington Market, the neighbourhood offers several establishments specializing in dairy-free frozen delights. Noteworthy options include:
- Tom’s Dairy Freeze: Tom’s Dairy Freeze is a local favourite that offers vegan soft-serve ice cream and classic milkshakes, with vegan options available.
- Seven Lives Paleteria: Seven Lives Paleteria is renowned for its unique vegan popsicles made with fresh fruit and creative flavour combinations, providing a refreshing and satisfying dessert experience.
- Fugazi Pizza: Fugazi Pizza not only serves vegan-friendly pizza options but also offers vegan gelato and sorbet as a perfect ending to a meal.
These establishments in Kensington Market allow visitors to enjoy a delightful array of vegan ice cream flavours and treats.
Toronto’s Vibrant Vegan Dessert Scene
Toronto’s vegan dessert scene showcases the city’s dedication to providing a wide variety of delectable plant-based treats. From vegan cafes and specialized dessert places to vegan ice cream parlours and chocolatiers, Toronto offers an abundance of options for indulging in vegan desserts and treats. The growing popularity of veganism, coupled with the city’s diverse culinary landscape, ensures that the future of vegan desserts in Toronto will continue to thrive. Whether you’re a committed vegan or simply curious about exploring the world of plant-based delights, Toronto’s vegan dessert scene is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.