There are countless ways to get a vegan cake — homemade, semi-homemade (aka box mix), local vegan bakeries, cakes that ship — but the quickest way to get a cake on your table is to buy one at the grocery store. You’re already there for the tofu and kale, so you might as well grab an impulse-buy cake. Different supermarkets carry different brands, but you can expect to find at least one of these grab-and-go desserts at a grocery store near you. Candles are optional.
Just dessert
1 Just dessert
Whether you’re a chocolate or vanilla fan, Just Desserts has a wonderfully moist cake for any occasion.
The brand started as a San Francisco cafe in 1974 Today, you can find its vegetarian dishes in the refrigerated dessert section of some major supermarkets. The brand also makes conventional baked goods, so look for items labeled “vegan.”
The vegan cake option is a rich, decadent vegan chocolate midnight cake. Afraid of what might happen if you’re alone in your apartment with a whole cake? Choose from single serving cupcakes available in Black and White, Chocolate Midnight, Classic Vanilla and Strawberry Vanilla flavors.
Where to find Just Desserts: Kroger, Stop & Shop, Safeway, Ralphs, Albertsons, Costco, Target, Whole Foods, and more.
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Rubicon Bakers
2 Rubicon Bakers
Rubicon Baker’s indulgent four-inch cakes are perfect for intimate and casual celebrations—from work wins to stellar report cards. For cake flavors, choose from intense chocolate blackout, plain vanilla or classic red velvet.
For the cupcake crowd, Rubicon offers a vegan version of its Neapolitan flavors – a chocolate cupcake filled with vanilla cream and generously frosted with strawberry buttercream and chocolate chips. It also has cupcakes in chocolate blackout, lemon raspberry and vanilla flavors.
Sometimes, we pick up a four-pack of Rubicon cupcakes because it’s Tuesday, and that should be celebrated. Rubicon also makes non-vegan cakes and cupcakes, so always be sure to read the label before buying.
Where to find Rubicon: Whole foods, sprouts, snacks, natural groceries and more.
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3 Whole Foods Market
It’s a challenge to visit Whole Foods and not stroll through the bakery department to see the impeccably decorated vegan cakes.
Signature cookie, cream cake, and pound cake platters are reliably on display and available for same-day pickup or pre-order. Depending on your local store, you may find a vegan carrot cake or donut behind the glass bakery display.
Shopping for one? Find generously portioned single slices of this vegan cake in the bakery’s grab-and-go section.
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The Vegan Tiramisu Factory
4 The Vegan Tiramisu Factory
One could argue that tiramisu is a cake, but we’ll leave that debate for another day. Although it may not be obvious judging by the name of this vegan bakery, it makes very good cakes.
Each single serving square slice is individually packaged, making it perfect for cake cravings. Flavors include banana, carrot, chocolate, orange, and yes—tiramisu.
Where to find Vegan Tiramisu Factory: Mother’s Market and other natural groceries.
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Better Kite Bakery
5 Better Kite Bakery
This Texas-based, allergen-friendly bakery’s chocolate-covered cookie dough bites had us hooked, and now we can’t get enough of the miniature cake bites, hostess-esque cupcakes, and full-sized chocolate cake.
Amore Cake—a double-layer, deep chocolate cake frosted with whipped chocolate buttercream and covered with chocolate ganache—is perfect for gift-giving or hosting.
Better Bites Bakery treats also freeze well, so if you suddenly need a chocolate cake, treat yourself and freeze the rest for the next time the chocolate goblins come calling.
Where to find Better Bite Bakery: Kroger, HEB, Whole Foods, Hy-Vee, Fred Meyer, King Soopers, Meijer, Wegmans, Target, and more.
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Aber Muffins
6 Aber Muffins
Do you know the Vegan Muffin Man? His name is Abe, and he’s started making the best cakes, from pounds to sheets and even celebration cakes.
Each flavor is mouth-wateringly moist and deliciously aromatic. You know you’re about to bite into the ginger spice variety because you can smell the sweet and spicy aroma as you peel off the plastic wrap.
Some flavors — like zucchini bread, banana bread, blueberry and coffee cake — are great for breakfast or tea time. For a more decadent dessert experience, the Chocolate, Vanilla and “Ultimate Vanilla” do not disappoint.
Where to find Abe: Whole foods, natural groceries, sprouts, fresh thyme and more.
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Rubicon Bakers
7 Your local grocery store
Depending on where you live, your local grocery store may carry vegan cakes, cupcakes, and other treats made by local bakeries. Or, the in-store bakery itself may offer plant-based options—it’s worth asking.