Florida’s culinary scene is bursting with plant-based sweet treats that’ll make your taste buds dance! As someone who’s eaten her way through the Sunshine State’s vegan bakeries and ice cream shops, I’m spilling all my sugary secrets. From heavenly doughnuts to creamy gelato that’ll make you forget dairy ever existed, these 10 spots prove that going vegan doesn’t mean saying goodbye to dessert.
1. Valhalla Bakery – St. Petersburg, FL
Holy moly, friends! Valhalla Bakery is the Disneyland of vegan desserts; except instead of Mickey Mouse, you’ll find the most magnificent cinnamon rolls that could make even Thor weep with joy. The first time I bit into their signature Death Bar (layers of chocolate, peanut butter, and pure magic), I nearly proposed marriage to the pastry chef!
Their display case changes daily, but keep your eyes peeled for their famous donuts and cupcakes topped with swirls of buttercream so perfect they belong in a museum. The bakery’s funky purple walls and Norse-inspired decor make for killer Instagram backdrops while you’re sugar-loading.
Pro tip: Get there early on weekends! I once showed up at noon and watched the last slice of their legendary rainbow cake walk out the door. The heartbreak was real, folks. Their coffee is stellar too, making this spot perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up that’ll fuel your St. Pete adventures.
2. Valkyrie Doughnuts – St. Petersburg, FL
Square doughnuts?! Yes, you heard that right! Valkyrie Doughnuts breaks all the rules with their Instagram-worthy square creations that taste even better than they look. My first visit turned into a weekly pilgrimage after sampling their maple bacon doughnut (100% plant-based yet somehow capturing that sweet-savory magic).
The shop’s minimalist vibe with neon accents creates the perfect backdrop for your doughnut photoshoot. Their rotating menu keeps things exciting; one week you might find Oreo-topped masterpieces, the next could feature fruity pebbles or birthday cake creations that transport you straight back to childhood birthday parties.
What I love most is watching first-timers’ faces when they learn everything is vegan. That moment of disbelief followed by pure joy after the first bite never gets old! Arrive early because they frequently sell out, or check their social media for daily flavors to plan your attack strategy.
3. HaleLife Bakery – St. Petersburg, FL
Gluten-free AND vegan? Impossible, you say? HaleLife Bakery laughs in the face of such doubts! This dedicated allergen-friendly bakery crafts treats so delicious you’ll suspect witchcraft. Their cinnamon rolls; soft, gooey perfection; have ruined me for all other cinnamon rolls.
Tucked away in a cozy corner of St. Pete, this woman-owned gem specializes in baked goods that accommodate multiple dietary restrictions without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. My celiac friend actually shed tears of joy when she tried their chocolate chip cookies for the first time after years of disappointing gluten-free options.
Beyond the everyday offerings, their custom cakes deserve special mention; I ordered one for my mom’s birthday that was not only gorgeous but had everyone at the party shocked when I revealed it was both vegan and gluten-free. The staff treats you like family, remembering regulars’ orders and always throwing in baking tips if you ask nicely.
4. WeVegan Café – Tampa, FL
Cheesecake lovers, rejoice! WeVegan Café in Tampa crafts the creamiest, dreamiest vegan cheesecakes that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about dairy. The first time I tried their strawberry cheesecake, I did that embarrassing food-moan that makes strangers stare; zero regrets!
Beyond the legendary cheesecakes, their tiramisu deserves its own fan club. Made with house-brewed espresso and the lightest cashew cream, it’s the perfect balance of coffee kick and sweet indulgence. The café’s sunny yellow walls and plant-filled interior create such a cheerful vibe that I’ve started bringing my laptop just to work there.
What makes WeVegan extra special is their commitment to using local ingredients whenever possible. The owner, Maria, often comes out to chat and once spent twenty minutes explaining how they make their magical egg-free meringue. Come hungry because their savory menu is just as impressive; I always end up having a full meal before dessert!
5. Cinnaholic – Tampa, FL
Remember that show Shark Tank? Cinnaholic famously swam with those sharks and then conquered Tampa with their build-your-own vegan cinnamon roll concept! Walking into this sweet-smelling paradise is dangerous; I’ve never escaped with fewer than three rolls, despite my best intentions.
The genius of Cinnaholic lies in customization. Start with a freshly-baked cinnamon roll base, then go wild with frostings like cream cheese, chocolate, or my personal kryptonite; caramel. Next comes toppings: cookie dough, fresh fruit, nuts, or all of the above if you’re having that kind of day (no judgment here!). My go-to combo is strawberry frosting with chocolate chips and fresh strawberries; it’s like strawberry shortcake meets cinnamon roll.
Even my carnivore brother became a convert after I tricked him into trying their Cookie Monster roll. “This can’t be vegan” is the phrase I hear most often when bringing friends here for the first time. Their mini rolls are perfect if you’re trying to practice that mythical concept called “portion control.”
6. Tru Vegan Creamery – Tampa, FL
Gelato that’ll make Italians question everything they know about dairy! Tru Vegan Creamery crafts small-batch frozen delights that are so silky-smooth, I’ve witnessed dairy-devotees convert on the spot. Their pistachio gelato (made with actual pistachios, not that artificial green stuff) transported me straight to Sicily without the plane ticket.
The shop itself is a minimalist dream with reclaimed wood counters and plants hanging from macramé holders. What truly sets Tru apart is their commitment to weird-but-wonderful flavor combos. Lavender honey? Rosemary olive oil? Spicy chocolate? Yes, yes, and heck yes! The owner, Paolo, sources ingredients from local farms whenever possible and loves challenging customers to try his more adventurous creations.
My secret hack: ask for the affogato; their vanilla bean gelato drowning in a shot of locally-roasted espresso. It’s not always on the menu but they’ll make it if you ask nicely. They also offer take-home pints that have saved many of my Netflix binges from snack disappointment.
7. Plant Love Ice Cream – St. Petersburg, FL
Scoops of happiness! Plant Love Ice Cream serves up nostalgia with a sustainable twist. Their coconut-based ice creams come in those adorable paper cups with wooden spoons that make you feel virtuous even while demolishing their cookie dough masterpiece (my personal addiction).
Located just blocks from the beach, this tiny shop often has a line out the door; but trust me, it moves quickly and is absolutely worth the wait. The walls are covered in local art that changes monthly, making each visit a mini gallery experience. Their sundaes deserve special mention; topped with housemade hot fudge, coconut whip, and crumbled cookies that I’m convinced contain some form of sorcery.
The cherry on top? They let dogs hang out on their patio and even serve “pup cups”; little bowls of plain coconut ice cream that make four-legged friends go wild! I’ve befriended more cute dogs here than on dating apps. Their seasonal flavors keep things exciting; the summer peach cobbler variety had me visiting three times in one week.
8. Coco N’Ice – Tampa, FL
Frozen coconut cream whipped into towers of fluffy, dairy-free heaven! Coco N’Ice creates what can only be described as vegan soft-serve art. Their signature swirls rise a good six inches above the cone; perfect for those “I came, I saw, I conquered” Instagram moments before the Florida heat kicks in.
The family-run shop feels like stepping into a tropical paradise, complete with bamboo accents and reggae music setting the mood. Unlike many vegan ice cream spots that rely heavily on nuts, their base is allergy-friendly coconut cream, making this a safe haven for those with multiple dietary restrictions. My go-to order is their mango swirl topped with toasted coconut and fresh pineapple chunks.
Beyond the basics, they offer the most incredible dipped cones; that magical hardening chocolate shell but made with fair-trade chocolate. The owners’ kids often help behind the counter on weekends, making adorable recommendations with all the seriousness of tiny dessert sommeliers. Bonus points for their biodegradable packaging and discount if you bring your own container!
9. Parlour Vegan Bakery – Plantation, FL
Grab your stretchy pants, friends! Parlour Vegan Bakery is worth every calorie and every mile of the drive to Plantation. Their “cronut” (that magical croissant-donut hybrid) changed my life; flaky layers of pastry, sweet glaze, and that perfect chewy bite that makes you close your eyes and forget your own name.
The bakery’s retro-chic vibe with pastel colors and gold accents makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a Wes Anderson film. Glass cases display rows of picture-perfect cookies, brownies, and cupcakes that taste even better than they look. Their Boston cream cupcake performs some kind of sorcery; how they get that pudding center so perfect without eggs remains a delicious mystery.
I once brought their cookie sandwich platter to an office party without mentioning they were vegan. The cookies disappeared in minutes, with colleagues fighting over the last one before I revealed my sneaky plant-based surprise! They also make incredible custom cakes for special occasions; my birthday cake last year had everyone fooled.
10. Stephanie’s Vegan Bakery + Café – Fort Lauderdale, FL
Last but absolutely not least on my vegan dessert pilgrimage is Stephanie’s; the hidden gem of Fort Lauderdale that locals try (unsuccessfully) to keep secret. Their tres leches cake is nothing short of miraculous; somehow capturing that milk-soaked magic without a drop of dairy. I’ve seen hardcore omnivores weep with confusion and joy after tasting it.
The café has this charming European feel with mismatched vintage furniture and fresh flowers on every table. Stephanie herself is often there, flour-dusted and passionate, tweaking recipes and chatting with customers like old friends. Her Cuban background influences many desserts, including guava pastries that would make your abuela proud.
Beyond the display case treasures, they make the most incredible custom dessert platters for events. I ordered one for a baby shower and the mother-to-be (not vegan) called me the next day asking for Stephanie’s number for her future orders! Don’t miss their weekend brunch either; the sweet-savory combo of their French toast with house-made seitan bacon is the ultimate hangover cure.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
