Everyone knows that New York City is home to some of the most ridiculously epic desserts in the country. It’s hard to scroll through Instagram without seeing at least one photo of a churro cone or gigantic milkshake.
But what about all the people out there who are vegan, dairy-free, or just like to pretend they’re still being healthy while eating some delicious sweets? Are they doomed to a sad dessert-less existence? Not with these amazing NYC sweet spots where you can always get your vegan dessert fix.
1. Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream
If you’re anything like me, ice cream is an all-year-round treat, no matter how cold it gets outside. Van Leeuwen is the perfect place for when you’re craving some vegan ice cream in unique flavors like peanut butter chocolate chip or matcha green tea.
2. Sweets by Chloe
Almost everyone who follows the vegetarian and vegan food scene in New York has heard of by Chloe. This casual restaurant in the Village has gotten so popular that a second location has opened exclusively featuring vegan desserts! If you’re ever in the mood for a cupcake that’s both delicious and almost too pretty to eat, Sweets by Chloe is the place for you.
3. The Cinnamon Snail
The Cinnamon Snail started off as a food truck, but also opened a brick-and-mortar location in The Pennsy last year. They make some of the most mouthwatering vegan donuts you will ever have the privilege to taste and have a constantly rotating selection of around 30 different types of pastries every day.
4. Dun-Well Doughnuts
Dun-Well was NYC’s first all-vegan doughnut shop, but they’ve become a staple for all dessert-lovers, vegan or not. Their menu changes daily, featuring flavors like PB&J, Pumpkin Pie, Mint Cookie Crumble, and Maple Ginger Snap. Yum!
5. Brooklyn Whiskers Bakery
This tiny pastry shop in Brooklyn immediately catches your attention with its bright yellow storefront and draws you in with the smell of its fresh-baked vegan dessert goodness. I recommend stopping in to Brooklyn Whiskers on a Saturday morning for one of their incredible doughssants (a mash-up of a croissant and a doughnut) pictured above and only available on weekends.
6. Angelica Kitchen
Angelica Kitchen serves a full vegan menu complete with soups, sandwiches, dragon bowls, and more. But whatever you order, make sure to save room for dessert! Their sweets are made fresh every day and include both classics like the chocolate layer cake and more adventurous options. Maple Tofu Whip, anyone?
7. Chloe’s Soft Serve Fruit Co.
Chloe’s pride themselves on being a healthy(er) alternative to your typical fro-yo place, while still creating crazy good desserts. They use nothing but fruit, water, and a tiny bit of organic cane sugar to create their fabulous frozen treats. Plus, check out those pops! Who wouldn’t be willing to risk brain freeze for something that pretty?
8. Clementine Bakery
Clementine Bakery is the perfect place to stop in if you’re looking for a sweet treat or a light snack in a cozy shop with a bright white interior. Make sure to visit on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday if you want to try one of their famous cinnamon rolls and don’t forget to bring your pet for some vegan dog treats! Because everyone secretly wished they could take their dog with them on a vegan dessert date.
9. Champs Diner
In case you didn’t know, vegans sometimes crave comfort food too and when they do, there’s nowhere better to go than Champs Diner. No matter whether you’ve spent the night studying or partying, sometimes you just get an inescapable craving for a late night milkshake run. Champs has got you covered, with flavors like S’Mores, Girl Scout, Banana Creme, and Blueberry Pie.
10. Erin McKenna’s Bakery
You might not think that something gluten-free, wheat-free, soy-free, dairy-free, and egg-free could possibly still result in a tasty dessert, but Erin McKenna’s Bakery is here to prove you wrong. Whether you’re vegan, kosher, or just have a food allergy, you can always find some amazing sweets at this adorable bakery.
Next time you’re in NYC and craving some delicious treats, you know where to go for sweets you can feel good about eating. Vegan or not, we could all use a little more dessert in our lives.