Craving for Cruelty-free Cakes? Top 5 Vegan Bakeries in Austin
In Austin, Texas, a city known for its vibrant food scene, you can indulge in a plethora of delectable vegan treats. Whether your dietary preferences are by choice or necessity, these vegan bakeries will satiate that craving for something sweet without compromising your lifestyle. Ready to embark on a culinary journey in Austin? Here are my insider picks for the city’s top 5 vegan bakeries.
1. Capital City Bakery
The Cakes that started a Plant-based Revolution
Nestled in the heart of East Austin, Capital City Bakery has been a pivotal fixture in the local vegan community. Since 2011, it has consistently produced high-quality, 100% vegan treats that leave both locals and tourists raving.
Unassuming yet warm, the bakery is more than its dreamy pink exterior. Step inside, and you’re greeted by an enticing array of pastries—all made without any animal products. And it’s not just sweet treats on offer. Savory delights like flaky sausage rolls and plush kolaches are also ready to steal the limelight.
Menu Highlights * Raspberry Lemonade Cupcake: A fruity burst of flavors encased in a soft, moist cupcake with a light, tangy frosting. * Cookie Monster: A colossal sandwich made of chewy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies filled with lavish vanilla frosting. Is your mouth watering yet? * Texas Sheet Cake: This rich, fudge-like chocolate cake dusted with powdery sweetness is simplicity at its best.
Location Hours & Contact * 2211 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702 * Open daily from 7 AM to 7 PM * Contact: 512-666-7437
Dig into your chosen treat in their modest outdoor seating area, weather permitting of course. Capital City Bakery is beloved for not only its cruelty-free baked goods but also its welcoming approach, vibrant atmosphere, and relentless commitment to the vegan lifestyle.
2. Zucchini Kill
Rock and Roll with a Vegan Twist
With its fierce name and unconventional approach, Zucchini Kill stands tall in Austin’s vegan bakery scene. This rebellious spot pairs an unconventional rock and roll theme with a passionate commitment to accessible baking.
Housed in a small, inviting space, Zucchini Kill specializes in rebelliously delicious vegan treats that are also gluten and soy-free. The bakery prides itself on creating sweet staples that everyone—regardless of dietary restrictions—can enjoy to the fullest.
Menu Highlights * Tres Leches Cake: A moist, exotic coconut sponge cake luxuriously soaked in coconut and almond milk, delivering the authentic ‘Three Milk’ experience. * Wavy Gravy Cupcake: Baked with integrity and stout beer for a unique depth of flavor. Expect an intoxicatingly good cupcake finished with an Irish coffee cream cheese icing.
Location Hours & Contact * 701 E 53rd St, Austin, TX 78751 * Open from Thursday to Sunday, 12 PM to 6 PM * Contact: 512-666-8562
Take a trip down the memory lane of your punk rock days while relishing Zucchini Kill’s indulgent sweets. This is not just a visit; it’s an experience worth savoring.
3. Mr. Natural
Blend of Health and Taste
Mr. Natural isn’t just another vegan bakery. As a pioneering eatery, bakery, and health food store set in Austin since 1988, Mr. Natural is a culinary institution that’s been serving up vibrant and healthy alternatives much before plant-based became the buzzword.
This family-owned and operated establishment is as much a perfect spot for health-conscious eaters as it is for anyone satisfying a sweet craving. The atmosphere is relaxed and the recipes are authentic, passed down through generations with a subtle touch of innovation.
Menu Highlights * Superfood Energy Bars: Nutrient-dense bars packed with antioxidant-rich goji berries, omega-3 filled chia seeds, and protein-loaded quinoa. They’re not just snacks; they’re superfoods. * Blueberry Muffin: Baked fresh daily, these muffins boast a fabulously moist, tender crumb filled with beautiful bursts of fresh blueberries.
Location Hours & Contact * With two locations for double indulgence—on South Lamar and East Cesar Chavez * Open Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 8 PM; Sunday, 10 AM to 3 PM * Contact: 512-916-9223 (South Lamar), 512-477-5228 (East Cesar Chavez)
What makes Mr. Natural unique is it strikes the perfect balance between taste and health. No matter what you choose, it’s bound to be unique, creative, and, most importantly, incredibly tasty!
4. Skull & Cakebones
Edgy Vegan Creations
Skull & Cakebones is an experimental bakery unleashing the magic of unconventional flavors and innovative collaborations with other local businesses. This destination bakery often sources its organic ingredients from neighboring ranches, farms, and breweries.
Tucked away in the sleepy town of Dripping Springs, just outside Austin, Skull & Cakebones is a haven for adventurous foodies looking to explore inventive plant-based desserts.
Menu Highlights * Truffle Shuffle Cupcake: This is no ordinary chocolate cupcake. It’s the perfect blend of rich chocolate cake infused with Austin Eastciders Original Dry Cider, creating an intricate mosaic of flavors. * Unicorn Poop: As magical as it sounds, the beloved cookie studded with colorful sprinkles unveils a surprising fluffy ‘marshmallow’ center for a fun twist.
Location Hours & Contact * 3991 E Hwy 290 Unit A, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 * Tuesday to Sunday, 9 AM to 4 PM; closed on Mondays * Contact: 512-348-8346
If you appreciate exploring and savoring confections that elevate the vegan baking scene to an art form, Skull & Cakebones is just the place. It’s worth the scenic drive into Texas Hill Country.
5. Sweet Ritual
Let’s Scream for Vegan Ice Cream
It would be a grave oversight to build an Austin vegan bakery guide without including Sweet Ritual, a cornerstone in the city’s plant-based dessert community. Offering a fabulous assortment of vegan ice creams and sundaes, Sweet Ritual is a haven for all ice cream devotees—not just vegans.
Menu Highlights * Unicorn Poop: Vanilla soft serve generously covered with rainbow sprinkles and edible glitter. Pleasing to both eyes and taste buds. * Cubano Coffee: A treat for coffee lovers! Imagine a scoop of velvety, coffee-laced ice cream made from locally sourced Counter Culture Coffee.
Location Hours & Contact * 4631 Airport Blvd #125, Austin, TX 78751 * Open daily from 12 PM to 10 PM * Contact: 512-666-8346
Sweet Ritual proves once and for all: You don’t need dairy to create creamy, luscious ice cream. With their rotating menu of exciting flavors, you’re bound to find a new favorite each time you drop by.
While Austin is famous for its barbecue joints and steakhouses, it also offers a veritable feast of vegan delights. This curated list of the top 5 vegan bakeries in Austin, Texas, assures a unique and delectable experience that fulfills your craving for vegan indulgence. Go ahead—treat yourself to Austin’s best cruelty-free confections. Happy tasting!
