A dessert is a special treat and a mood lifter for anyone, but the unfortunate fact is that in most places vegans find themselves hard-pressed for options. The best desserts invariably seem to contain either eggs, or dairy products, or both. The good news, however, is that New York is a serious exception. The city features a variety of outlets that specialize in vegan desserts. So, the next time you step out, put your inhibitions to rest and head straight to one of these places for a sweet indulgence.
BabyCakes NYC
BabyCakes NYC in the Lower East Side has to rank as the best vegan cupcake destination in the city. Erin McKenna launched this store in 2005, and has since then produced an explosion of flavors, all with natural and healthy ingredients. Lemon, carrot, vanilla, chocolate and red velvet treats all feature on the counter here, and the preparations are free of eggs, dairy, artificial sweeteners or gluten. The wooden screen-door at the entry and the rustic, vintage décor add to the charm of sitting in this tiny corner of town and waiting for your delectable treats to show up.
Naidre’s
A café situated in a reasonably quiet part of Henry Street out in Carroll Gardens, Naidre’s not only offers a wide selection of homemade vegan desserts, but also a complete menu of food, tea and coffee. To satisfy your sweet cravings, the place dishes out a wide selection of vegan muffins and vegan granola, and you will always finds an interesting special of the day. The place is also a perfect venue to lounge about, hangout or set up your laptop and work. Free WiFi is available at the venue.
Atlas Café
The Atlas Café on Second Avenue in Manhattan is only a small place, but with a menu that can satiate the biggest appetites. Considering the vast range of vegan sandwiches, wraps, burgers, steaks, platters and desserts, don’t be surprised if it takes you a while to decide what to order. Some of its most tempting vegan delights are strawberry shortcake, death by chocolate, blueberry cheesecake, German chocolate cake and a range of cookies. The desserts all come from a Pennsylvania bakery called Vegan Treats. Unfortunately, the tiny space here is not conducive to lounging for a long time.
Café Blossom
Café Blossom, with its prime location at the Upper West Side, is a popular vegan joint. Its menu offers a lot more than what you would expect from a regular café, and its range of desserts does full justice to its excellent reputation. With chocolate, carrot and lemon cakes on the menu, apart from a range of ice-creams and cookies, you may want to break convention and start your meal with a dessert!