7 Illinois Vegan Bakeries That Will Make You Forget Store Bought Desserts

Illinois surprises me every time with its ever-growing vegan food scene, and bakeries here have become a real highlight for anyone craving plant-based sweets. When I started seeking out vegan bakeries in the state, I expected a few decent cupcakes.

Instead, I found an entire community of bakers crafting desserts that taste just as good, sometimes even better, than what I used to grab from the grocery store. Each spot on this list brings a personality and flavor all its own, making the search for your next favorite treat an adventure in itself.

If you’re ready to experience the best vegan bakeries that Illinois has to offer, read on for seven places that keep me coming back, fork in hand and sweet tooth at the ready.

1. Pie, Pie My Darling (Chicago)

Walking into Pie, Pie My Darling feels like stepping into a cozy, pastel dream. It’s not just the charming space that draws crowds, it’s the legend surrounding their perfectly moist cakes. Locals and out-of-towners fill the air with excited chatter about the bakery’s rainbow cake layers and decadent frostings.

My favorite part is seeing the rotating case of cupcakes, slices, and cookies, each one tempting in its own way. They take whole cake orders, which means celebrations here come with cakes people talk about long after the candles are blown out. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot limited flavors, like the chocolate peanut butter cake, which sells out fast.

Pie, Pie My Darling started small but made such a splash that it’s now a celebrated fixture in the Illinois vegan scene. Their desserts pop up at local cafes too, so you might stumble upon a slice elsewhere in Chicago. According to Reddit and local vegan food groups, their cake texture and flavor set a new standard for plant-based desserts. This bakery is proof that you never have to compromise indulgence when eating vegan.

2. Kitchen 17 (Chicago)

Kitchen 17 doesn’t just bake desserts, it creates a whole vegan experience right in the heart of Chicago. Their in-house bakery churns out pies, cheesecakes, cookies, and brownies, all made without animal products. The steady hum of conversation and the scent of fresh-baked treats always make me linger longer than planned.

I once picked up a birthday cheesecake here for a friend and watched everyone at the table, vegan or not, reach for seconds. The bakery’s open, creative mindset is clear from their ever-changing menu, offering classic flavors and bold experiments side by side. They even ship nationwide, so even if you’re not in Illinois, you can still enjoy their desserts at home.

What makes Kitchen 17 extra special is the personal touch in every bite, with custom cake options that allow you to personalize everything from flavor to decoration. The staff knows their repeat customers and are happy to suggest something new. If you love discovering inventive takes on comfort food sweets, this spot deserves a permanent spot on your radar.

3. New Moon Vegan (Batavia)

Tucked away in Batavia, New Moon Vegan feels like a hidden treasure on Illinois’ bakery map. The aroma of fresh bread and pastries greets you before you even reach the door. Inside, a small but inviting space offers shelves full of plant-based croissants, muffins, and savory rolls.

I’m always drawn to their use of seasonal ingredients, which means there’s something new and local with each visit. The bakers here focus on sourcing from nearby farms, giving their treats a freshness I rarely find elsewhere. Their savory options, think mushroom turnovers and herbed focaccia, are just as satisfying as their sweeter offerings.

New Moon Vegan isn’t just about food; it’s about community. Many mornings, I see regulars chatting over coffee and pastries, swapping stories with the staff. You can taste the commitment to quality and local roots in every bite. This bakery makes plant-based living feel accessible and genuinely delicious, all while supporting the regional food network.

4. Cinnaholic (Chicago)

Ever had a cinnamon roll so good you almost forget it’s vegan? That’s the magic of Cinnaholic in Chicago. Every roll starts as a fluffy, warm canvas, with an array of frostings and toppings to let you mix and match your dream dessert.

I once brought a group to Cinnaholic, and the excitement over custom combinations was contagious. From cookie dough to fresh fruit, and even brownie chunks, the bakery lets you create a treat as unique as your cravings. All their products skip dairy and eggs without missing a beat on taste or texture.

Beyond rolls, they whip up cookies, brownies, and edible cookie dough that’s just as tempting. Families gather here for sweet celebrations, while solo visitors enjoy a quiet moment with a gooey treat. Cinnaholic’s creative approach proves vegan desserts can be just as playful and satisfying as their traditional counterparts. You’ll want to taste every flavor on the menu.

5. Sweet Vegan Bakes (Chicago)

There’s something joyful about stepping into Sweet Vegan Bakes. Cupcakes, cookies, and a rotating cast of plant-based sweets fill the bakery’s cases with color and creativity. I’ve met people who travel across Illinois just to take home a box from this spot.

What sets Sweet Vegan Bakes apart is their commitment to variety, with classic flavors sitting alongside inventive, seasonal specials. Every treat is thoughtfully decorated, making even a simple vanilla cupcake feel special. The bakery team is welcoming and quick to share recommendations if you’re stuck choosing.

Sweet Vegan Bakes doesn’t just do sweets, they also offer savory vegan bites for a light lunch with your dessert. Guides and food bloggers often call this place a must-visit, and after a single bite, I found myself agreeing. It’s the kind of bakery that makes plant-based eating fun for everyone, no matter what you’re craving.

6. Foxship Bakery (Chicago, online/pickup)

Foxship Bakery operates a little differently from a traditional storefront, they’re all about online orders and local pickup in Chicago. Their Quarter Pound Vegan Cookie has a loyal following, and for good reason. Each oversized cookie is thick, chewy, and packed with rich chocolate chunks.

I remember picking up a cookie box for a weekend picnic and watching everyone’s eyes widen at the size and aroma. Foxship also makes vegan brownies and cookie cakes, perfect for sharing or gifting. The menu changes often, so you can look forward to new creations with each order.

As a women-owned business, Foxship brings a personal touch that’s clear from their friendly communication and careful packaging. If you like discovering new bakers before everyone else does, keep an eye on their Instagram for pop-ups and seasonal releases. Foxship proves that a homegrown bakery can become a citywide sensation.

7. Ingrained (Chicago)

Ingrained offers something refreshingly different on the Illinois vegan dessert scene, specializing in raw, vegan, and gluten-free treats. When I need a dessert that feels like a treat but still leans toward healthy, this is my go-to spot. Their raw bars, cookies, and tarts are as beautiful as they are delicious.

The bakery’s bright, plant-filled interior makes it a peaceful place to recharge. I once tried their raw brownie and couldn’t believe it was made entirely from nuts, cacao, and dates. Every bite feels nourishing, yet satisfyingly rich.

Ingrained is popular with people looking for allergen-friendly options, but the flavor never feels like an afterthought. Staff are knowledgeable about ingredients and happy to help newcomers find something just right. For dessert lovers who want balance, this bakery offers indulgence without compromise.