Gluten-Free and Vegan Bakeries with the Most Options
With or without dietary restrictions, you’ll love what’s coming out of the oven.
Who doesn’t get excited about the smell of freshly baked cookies or salivate at the sight of beautifully decorated cupcakes? But as most people with dietary restrictions have figured out, when it comes to bakeries you usually have to scour the menu to find something that will actually cater to your needs. Luckily, awareness for more gluten-free and vegan baked goods options is spreading and Minneapolis bakeries are up for the challenge. From triple chocolate cakes to cinnamon rolls to donuts we’ve found the bakeries that offer the most variety for your sweet cravings.
Gluten-Free Bakeries
Sift Gluten Free
Location: 4557 Bloomington Ave.
A bakery completely dedicated to gluten-free sweets and desserts is exactly what Sift Gluten Free has set out to establish. With this wide of a selection it’s going to be tough to not buy up the whole place. The owner Molly Miller gained a following from selling her products in farmers markets and popular coffee shops in the area, but now has her own store front. Most bakeries stick to specializing in a few different treats, but not this place. Here they attempt to create all types of gluten-free baked goods, things that those with dietary restrictions have only dreamed of eating in the past. Everything at Sift is labeled so you know exactly what you are getting.
- What to try: Cinnamon rolls, Double Chocolate Donut
- Also has vegan options.
French Meadow Bakery
Location: 2610 Lyndale Avenue S.
French Meadow Bakery is a staple in the Twin Cities, known for its organic and high quality ingredients. As the first certified organic bread bakery in the USA, this local favorite is a true pioneer. They have a huge menu that fulfills all types of special dietary needs and that includes a variety of bakery options. French Meadow’s food is so popular it even has its own stand at the Minnesota State Fair and a restaurant at the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport.
- What to try: Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
- Also has vegan options.
Nadia Cakes
Location: 11650 Fountains Dr. #207
Nadia’s wants to make sure everyone has the opportunity to try their cupcakes and thus have created a whole line of fittingly named “Gluten Aware” cupcakes. Known for its crazy and unique cupcake creations like “Unicorn Poop” (sounds gross, but is one of the most popular and magical flavors), they don’t want to leave anyone out of the fun. Winner of the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars you better believe Nadia Cakes know their stuff when it comes to baking.
- What to try: Peanut Butter Cupcake
Edwards Dessert Kitchen
Location: 200 N Washington Ave.
Edwards Dessert Kitchen proclaims itself as the ultimate dessert destination. All desserts here are made in house by a team of innovative pastry chefs. And because Edwards is determined to be an experience everyone can enjoy, you're sure to find the most decadent gluten-free desserts. Located in the trendy North Loop Neighborhood this will become your go-to for a late night sweets craving very fast.
- What to try: Rocher Mousse
- Also has vegan options
Hark! Cafe
Location: 430 N 1st Ave Ste 150
Best friends cooking and baking together is the perfect combo. Even better when they are making gluten-free and vegan sweets. Lisa Neumann (who is vegan) and Katherine Pardue (who is also vegan) began cooking together when Kathrine was diagnosed with celiac and they both felt determined to create food that they both could eat and that was delicious. And while Hark’s kitchen is filled with lunch and breakfast items that are 100% vegan, gluten-free and celiac-safe, they don't skimp on the bakery menu. Assorted seasonal treats are always popping up in they display case for visitors to choose from and are guaranteed to be outstanding.
- What to Try: The Seasonal Toaster Pastry
- Also has vegan options
Vegan Bakeries
Glam Doll Donuts
Locations: 2605 Nicollet Ave
Glam Doll Donuts is one of the most, if the not THE most famous donut spot in Minneapolis. Aside from the Instagrammable creations and funky names it’s got the widest variety of Vegan donuts in the city. And don’t worry, just because you’re going vegan doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on the crazy flavors. For example, the Chart Topper is a peanut butter and sriracha flavored donut! How is it that their vegan donuts taste so good? They are made with coconut milk, cornstarch and coconut oil base and fried in a soy and cottonseed oil shortening. Any fillings are made with dairy-free chocolate and assorted plant-based milks.
- What to try: Misfit Donut
Lutunji's Palate
Location: 1400 Park Ave #1010
This story begins with Peach Cobbler. Which for most people who have dietary restrictions might be a dessert that's hard to come by. Not at Lutunji's Palate though! Baker and owner Lutunji Abram has formulated a vegan version made with a coconut oil crust that might just taste better than the original version. After being persuaded to sell her peach cobbler to the masses by Pastor Jeff Cowmeadow, Lutunji started baking in the kitchen of the Calvary Church in South Minneapolis. Now she has her own space to bake and most of the menu features plant-based and gluten free desserts. Her creations also have some sort of nutritive element, baking with ingredients like turmeric, mineral-rich algae or organic beets and oranges to add a pop of color.
- What to Try: Vegan Peach Cobbler
- Also have gluten-free options
Vegan East
Location: 2409 Lyndale Avenue South and 1226 NE 2nd Street
In south Minneapolis is this totally vegan bakery and they’ve got plenty for you to choose from including many gluten-free options. For owner Shelia Nelson, baking vegan goods started off a just a hobby, but as she kept getting more and more request decided it was finally time to open up a store front. Vegan East has an assortment of tasty treats, but what will impress you the most is just how beautifully decorated the cakes and cupcakes are.
- What to try: Cinnamon rolls, Any type of cake
