Eight Dairy-Free Delights in Northeast Ohio

Cleveland Vegan: Cherry Pie ($30-$35)

Nothing beats the classics, and Cleveland Vegan's traditional cherry pie is perfect for feeding the family during the upcoming holidays. The 9-inch pie is made from scratch, with the Lakewood bakery making its traditional flaky, buttery vegan piecrust weeks in advance, so the savory cherry pie is ready for your taste. This traditional pie can also go gluten-free upon request. 17112 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-221-0201, clevelandvegan.com

Totally Sweet Baking: Poptarts ($7)

For the past seven years, owner Brooksie Edmondson has been quietly baking up some of the city’s most beloved pop-tarts that are flaky, generously filled, and decadently frosted. These pastries feel nostalgic but taste like something entirely new. Strawberry remains the top seller, but seasonal flavors like lemon crunch, mango and mocha keep things fresh. While not yet gluten-free, the bakery is always evolving. Without a storefront, you’ll find these eye-catching tarts online or at local cafes and shops around town, including Six Shooter Coffee, Birch Cafe, Goodkind Coffee and more. They’re sweet, substantial and totally worth tracking down. 216-307-4311, totallysweetbaking.com

Frosty’s Cake & Ice Cream: Ice Cream Cake ($45+)

Frosty’s in Lakewood is known for its decadent vegan ice cream cakes, perfect for birthdays, celebrations or just because. Each cake features layers of chocolate and vanilla coconut-soy-based ice cream, a rich fudge crunch center and a whipped cream-style icing made in-house. Available in two sizes, with gluten-free options available, these cakes serve 8–12 people and can be customized with a message on top. For smaller cravings, try the single-serve ice cream cupcakes $7.50, also gluten-free optional. 100% vegan and allergy-aware, Frosty’s makes plant-based desserts feel celebratory and completely indulgent. 13343 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 440-857-0845, frostyslakewood.com  

Raisin Hell Vegan Bakery: Muffins ($30 per dozen)

Launched during lockdown by longtime vegan Lauren Budin, this home-based bakery brings delectable flavor and spirit to every bake, now available at weekly pop-ups around Cleveland. With more than 20 rotating flavors, from cinnamon coffee cake to apple butter and seasonal pumpkin, each one is rich, moist and thoughtfully made with gluten-free options also available upon request. Raisin Hell also nails classics like oatmeal cream pies and vegan carrot cake. instagram.com/raisinhellvegan

Bitchy Vegan Homo's Best Damn Brownie ($5 each, or 5 for $20)

"Nothing Milked. Nothing Murdered." That's the guarantee from David Huffman's Bitchy Vegan Homo, which serves up the fan-favorite "Best Damn Brownie" at local farm markets, pop-ups and vegan events in Northeast Ohio and beyond. The brand, which Huffman started in 2018, has earned fans for its decadent classics and seasonal favorites, which includes pumpkin praline bars for the fall. Various locations, bvhbakery.com

Philomena Bake Shop: Carrot Cake (6-inch cake $55 / 8-inch cake $70)

Philomena Bake Shop’s carrot cake is a standout vegan and gluten-free treat that reimagines the classic with bold, aromatic flair. Made with a golden milk spice blend from Adun’s Spices, it delivers warm, fragrant notes that elevate every bite. The moist cake is studded with walnuts for added texture and depth, while a silky vegan, cashew cream cheese frosting — crafted with house-made butter — brings it all together. Available as cupcakes or full-sized cakes, this creation tastes just like the traditional favorite but suits a variety of dietary needs. Find it at their new Cleveland storefront or pre-order for your next celebration. 5324 Fleet Ave., Cleveland, 216-543-9769, philomenabakeshop.com 

The Vegan Doughnut Company: Doughnuts ($3-$4)

Ohio’s first and only fully vegan doughnut shop, founded by sisters Kharisma and Kyra Mayo in Lakewood, has transformed classic treats into bold, plant‑based delights. Since opening in 2018, they’ve built a cult following with monthly rotating flavors, generous frostings and cloud‑like dough. “Once we went vegan, we couldn’t find doughnuts, so we started making them at home,” Kharisma says. Flavors rotate monthly, but the reliably refreshing lemon lavender and nostalgic raspberry strudel, filled with seedless raspberry jelly and topped with cream cheese icing, are available all year long. 14811 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-712-4192, thevegandoughnutco.com

Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream: Vegan Chocolate ($7.25 for a pint)

Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream offers a rich, creamy vegan chocolate that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Made with coconut milk and 72% fair-trade dark chocolate, this plant-based option delivers the same indulgent experience as any of the classic dairy flavors. The texture is velvety smooth and satisfying, with deep chocolatey notes. Like all of Mitchell’s small-batch creations, it’s crafted with care and high-quality ingredients. Whether you’re dairy-free or just craving something delicious, vegan chocolate is a must-try treat that proves great ice cream doesn’t have to include milk. Available year-round in scoops and pints. Various locations, mitchellshomemade.com

Cleveland’s vegan food is having a moment. Get the full flavor in our complete guide.

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