Florida’s sunny shores aren’t just famous for beaches and theme parks; they’re also home to some amazing vegan dessert spots that fly under the radar! As someone who’s eaten my way through the Sunshine State in search of plant-based treats, I’ve discovered some absolute gems that’ll make your sweet tooth sing. Grab your appetite and join me on this sugar-fueled adventure through Florida’s best-kept vegan dessert secrets!
1. Valhalla Bakery – St. Petersburg, FL
Holy moly, folks! I stumbled upon this Norse-named paradise after a particularly sweaty beach day, and my life hasn’t been the same since. The display case at Valhalla Bakery looks like something straight out of a dessert fantasy; towering layer cakes with the fluffiest frosting you’ve ever seen!
Their signature ‘Death Bar’ is wickedly rich, packed with chocolate, peanut butter, and all things sinful (minus the actual sin of animal products). I literally had to sit down after my first bite. The staff treats you like long-lost family, always ready with recommendations when I stand there gawking at all the options.
What makes this place truly special? Everything is made from scratch daily, and they don’t skimp on portion sizes. Pro tip: Get there early on weekends; the locals know what’s up, and the best stuff sells out fast. This is definitely worth planning your St. Pete adventures around!
2. Valkyrie Doughnuts – St. Petersburg, FL
Doughnut lovers, prepare for your taste buds to do a happy dance! Valkyrie Doughnuts serves up the most Instagram-worthy vegan doughnuts I’ve ever laid eyes on. Picture this: massive, pillowy rings topped with vibrant glazes, crushed cookies, and drizzles that would make even the most devoted dairy-lover convert.
My personal obsession is their rotating cereal milk flavors; imagine your favorite childhood breakfast cereal transformed into doughnut form! The shop itself is tiny but mighty, with a cool punk aesthetic that makes waiting in the inevitable line actually enjoyable.
The owners are passionate about proving that vegan doughnuts can be even better than traditional ones. They’ve converted many skeptical friends I’ve dragged along. Fair warning: they often sell out before closing time, so check their social media for the day’s flavors and get there early. Your future self will thank you when you’re floating on a sugar cloud of doughnut bliss!
3. HaleLife Bakery – St. Petersburg, FL
Gluten-free AND vegan? Usually that’s a recipe for disappointment, but not at HaleLife! This magical bakery has cracked the code on creating treats that satisfy all dietary needs without sacrificing an ounce of deliciousness. The first time I bit into their cinnamon roll, I actually checked with the staff twice to confirm it was really vegan AND gluten-free!
Founded by a mom searching for allergy-friendly options for her daughter, HaleLife has heart behind every recipe. Their cupcakes have the perfect crumb texture; not dense or gritty like many gluten-free options. And don’t get me started on their Italian rainbow cookies that transport me straight to my (non-vegan) childhood.
The bright, cheerful space feels like walking into a friend’s kitchen, and they’ll happily help newbies navigate the menu. They also take custom orders for special occasions; I ordered a birthday cake that fooled all my non-vegan friends. That’s what I call sweet success!
4. WeVegan Café – Tampa, FL
Tucked away in a Tampa strip mall, WeVegan Café is the hidden jewel I almost don’t want to share (more treats for me)! This family-run spot serves up the most incredible vegan cheesecakes that have literally made me tear up with joy. No joke; their strawberry cheesecake brought back memories of my grandma’s kitchen, minus the dairy.
Beyond cheesecake, they craft the most creative seasonal desserts; think pumpkin spice everything in fall and key lime delights in summer. The café has this cozy, unpretentious vibe where you’ll often find the owners chatting with customers like old friends. I’ve gotten some of my best Tampa recommendations just sitting at their counter!
What makes WeVegan extra special is their commitment to using local ingredients whenever possible. You can taste the difference in their fresh fruit toppings and locally-sourced coffee that pairs perfectly with their sweets. When friends visit Tampa, this is always my first stop; no matter what part of town we’re exploring!
5. Cinnaholic – Tampa, FL
Remember that scene in cartoons where characters float through the air following an amazing smell? That’s literally me every time I walk by Cinnaholic. This place specializes in build-your-own vegan cinnamon rolls that will make you question everything you thought you knew about dessert!
The concept is genius; start with a warm, gooey cinnamon roll base, then choose from dozens of frosting flavors and toppings. My go-to combo is maple frosting with fresh strawberries and pecans, but the possibilities are endless! You can go totally wild with cookie dough, brownie bites, and every fruit imaginable.
The Tampa location has this fun, energetic atmosphere with friendly staff who never judge my increasingly bizarre topping combinations. They also offer mini rolls for when I’m pretending to show restraint (who am I kidding though?). Even my staunchly non-vegan brother makes a beeline here whenever he visits. These rolls have conversion powers; consider yourself warned!
6. Tru Vegan Creamery – Tampa, FL
Summer in Florida demands ice cream, and Tru Vegan Creamery delivers the creamiest dairy-free scoops I’ve ever experienced! Their secret? Cashew and coconut bases that create that rich mouthfeel that most vegan ice creams miss. The first time I tried their salted caramel flavor, I actually checked my pulse to make sure I hadn’t died and gone to heaven.
Unlike many places with just a few token vegan options, Tru boasts over 24 rotating flavors daily. From classics like chocolate and vanilla to wild creations like lavender honeycomb and chai spice, there’s something for every mood. The shop itself has this retro parlor vibe with the friendliest scoopers who’ll let you sample to your heart’s content (dangerous!).
They also make incredible ice cream cakes for special occasions; I surprised my vegan bestie with one for her birthday, and she cried actual tears of joy. Pro tip: their affogato with locally roasted espresso is the perfect pick-me-up during that mid-afternoon Florida heat slump!
7. Plant Love Ice Cream – St. Petersburg, FL
Imagine artisanal ice cream so creamy you’d swear it’s from a dairy farm; except it’s 100% plants! Plant Love Ice Cream crafts small-batch frozen magic that’s converted even my most dairy-devoted friends. Their signature black sesame coconut had me doing that embarrassing food dance right there on the sidewalk!
The owner, a former pastry chef, experiments with unexpected flavor combinations like rosemary olive oil and blackberry sage that somehow work perfectly. The shop itself is this adorable little spot with plants hanging everywhere and local art on the walls. I always feel cooler just being there, spoon in hand.
What really sets Plant Love apart is their commitment to sustainability; compostable packaging, local ingredients, and they even grow some of their own herbs for flavoring! They also collaborate with other local vegan businesses for special edition treats. My latest obsession is their affogato made with locally roasted coffee that creates this perfect hot-cold sensation. Worth melting for, as Olaf would say!
8. Coco N’Ice – Tampa, FL
Ever had a dessert so beautiful you feel guilty eating it? That’s Coco N’Ice’s specialty! This Tampa gem creates the most gorgeous vegan “nice cream” bowls topped with edible flowers, geometric fruit arrangements, and drizzles that look like abstract art. I’ve definitely held up the line just staring at my creation!
Founded by a husband-wife team who traveled through Southeast Asia, their signature bowls blend traditional tropical flavors with modern presentation. The base is always banana nice cream with coconut, but then the magic happens with additions like dragonfruit, lychee, and jackfruit. They make their own granola too; crunchy clusters of nutty goodness that I may or may not buy by the bagful.
The beachy, minimalist shop feels like a little tropical escape in the city. Even on busy days, there’s something zen about watching them assemble each bowl with tweezers and squeeze bottles. I’ve tried recreating these at home but always end up with what looks like fruit salad dropped from a height. Some things are best left to the professionals!
9. Parlour Vegan Bakery – Plantation, FL
Road trip alert! When I’m in South Florida, I’ll drive the extra miles to Plantation just for Parlour Vegan Bakery. This place is worth every minute on the highway for their savory-sweet Cuban guava pastries alone! The flaky, buttery layers (without actual butter!) will make you question reality.
Started by a Cuban-American family, Parlour beautifully blends traditional Latin pastries with American classics; all veganized without losing an ounce of flavor. Their cookies are the size of your face, and the cinnamon rolls have this perfect gooey-to-bread ratio that I’ve tried (and failed) to recreate at home many times.
The bakery has this warm, nostalgic vibe with vintage furniture and the constant smell of something amazing coming from the kitchen. The staff remembers regulars by name and order, making you feel like part of their extended family. Every time I visit, I stock up on their packaged cookies for the drive home; though they rarely survive past Palm Beach County!
10. Stephanie’s Vegan Bakery + Café – Fort Lauderdale, FL
The moment you walk into Stephanie’s, you’re hit with the intoxicating aroma of fresh-baked goodness and the warmest welcome imaginable! This Fort Lauderdale treasure is where I bring vegan skeptics for their conversion experience; specifically via their life-changing tiramisu that somehow captures that perfect boozy, coffee-soaked magic without a drop of dairy.
Stephanie herself is often behind the counter, creating European-inspired pastries from her grandmother’s recipes that she’s veganized over years of experimentation. The display case is a tour of global treats; French eclairs, Italian cannolis, German chocolate cake; all plant-based but tasting deceptively traditional. Their afternoon tea service with tiny sandwiches and scones is my favorite special occasion splurge.
Beyond sweets, they serve the most incredible brunch on weekends; think fluffy pancakes and savory quiches. The café has this charming, mismatched vintage china and comfy seating that makes you want to linger for hours. I’ve literally planned entire South Florida trips around making sure I get my Stephanie’s fix!
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