Cathy MerrittI’m not sensitive to gluten, but my sister is, so all my life, I’ve been eating gluten-free bread and pastries, and I actually like them.
Sure, some can be dry, but my sister has introduced me to many gluten-free bakeries where the goods taste just as delicious as their gluten counterparts. From cakes to cookies and sourdough bread, they have everything oven-fresh that you’re craving.
Here are the local bakeries that have my (and my sister’s) stamp of approval!
- Wild Blue Bakery
- Konscious Kitchen
- Whisked Gluten-Free Bakery
- Cock-A-Doodle-Doo Gluten-Free Bakeshop
- Bunner’s Bakeshop
- Almond Butterfly Bakeshop and Cafe
- Sweets from the Earth
- Tori’s Bakeshop
- Yoona’s Kitchen
- Kensington Natural Bakery
- Bloomer’s
- The Bread Essentials
- Vanilla Bite Bakery
- Vegan Danish Bakery
- Tartistry
- What A Bagel
- Bakerbots Baking
Wild Blue Bakery
– From: thewildbluebakery
Address: 366 Oakwood Ave, York
Operating Hours:
- Thursday and Friday—10 am to 6 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—10 am to 4 pm
Contact Number: +14164100205
Wild Blue Bakery is my sister’s ultimate favorite bakery, and I have to agree that it’s pretty great. I love that there’s a wide array of treats available here—both sweet and savory—so there’s always something for every occasion.
We usually come here during breakfast, so bagels are our usual order. I recommend the Bagel Bomb, which has a cream cheese spread in the center. It’s creamy and tangy, and if you get the jalapeño bacon cream cheese option, you can also taste salty and spicy flavors.
| Pro Tips: They welcome custom cake orders. For more information, fill out this form. Do you want to get started on baking? The website has recipes you can follow. I tried the braided challah recipe, and it was so easy to make! |
Konscious Kitchen
– From: konsciouskitchen_
Address: 705 College St
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday and Thursday—11 am to 5 pm
- Wednesday—11 am to 4 pm
- Friday—10:30 am to 2 pm
Contact Number: +16472419666
Konscious Kitchen isn’t just gluten-free; it’s also paleo-, keto-, and vegan-friendly. That’s why it’s a popular spot for people with dietary restrictions or who are on a strict diet.
I’m a big fan of the sweet cinnamon doughnuts. They’re sugar-free and low-carb, so I don’t feel bad consuming several of them in one day. Despite not having any sugar, these treats still have a lovely sweetness to them.
The cinnamon adds a woody, citrusy undertone that makes the doughnuts taste even better.
| Pro Tip: If you want to order a custom cake or pastry, you can send an inquiry to [email protected]. |
Whisked Gluten-Free Bakery
– From: whiskedgf
Address: 1970 Ellesmere Rd Unit 4
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday—11 am to 4 pm
- Friday—9 am to 6 pm
- Saturday—9 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14166336313
If you have nut and soy allergies on top of being gluten-sensitive, then Whisked is the bakery for you!
My sister loves to get the rosemary flatbread because it’s versatile. She can eat it as is, but she can also make an impromptu pizza if she’s in the mood for something tastier.
For me, I love the blueberry scones. They’re not super sweet, and they taste great with lemon curd. How can I refuse the sweet and sour flavor combo?
| Pro Tip: You can book a custom cake order for weddings and other special events. |
Cock-A-Doodle-Doo Gluten-Free Bakeshop
– From: cockadoodledoobakeshop
Address: 830 Bloor St W
Operating Hours: Wednesday and Saturday—12 to 5 pm
Contact Number: +16477738783
Cock-A-Doodle-Doo is such a humble bakery, but that’s what makes it so charming. Every time I come here, it’s like I’m ordering bread or pastry in a rustic countryside.
I love ordering the baklava bar. It’s such a decadent dessert—very sugary and nutty—and I devour it in no time. The chocolate brownie is also a must-try. So light and fudgy at the same time! I love pairing it with a cup of coffee or tea.
| Pro Tip: If you want to make a custom order or bulk-order some of the items, send a request to [email protected]. |
Bunner’s Bakeshop
– From: bunner
Address: 244 Augusta Ave
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 7 pm
Contact Number: +16473502975
Not only are the treats at Bunner’s Bakeshop delicious and gluten-free (also vegan!), but they’re also so cute and pretty. It’s even better if you’re visiting during a holiday like Christmas because the cupcakes and cakes on display will be on theme.
Muffins are my go-to orders here. The double chocolate one is my favorite because it’s just so chocolatey and decadent. The blueberry oat crumble muffin is another one I love. The fruity tanginess is delightful, and the oat crumble adds a nice texture.
| Pro Tip: Get your custom wedding cake from this bakery. |
Almond Butterfly Bakeshop and Cafe
– From: almondbutterflycafe
Address: 100 Harbord St
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—9 am to 7 pm
- Thursday to Saturday—9 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14167927994
Almond Butterfly is best known for its bistro in Trinity-Bellwoods, but it also has a bakeshop in Harbord Village, and you can find scrumptious gluten-free treats there.
The butter croissants are some of the bestsellers. They’re just as butter and flaky as the gluten version, and they taste better with jam and a hot beverage of your choice.
If you want something more filling, you can order any of the flatbreads. My favorite is the Mediterranean flatbread, which is topped with olives, sun dried tomatoes, onions, cheddar, marinara, and feta. An explosion of sharp, salty, and tangy flavors!
| Pro Tip: You can build your own toasted sandwich here. There’s a variety of fresh toppings, proteins, and sauces. |
Sweets from the Earth
– From: sftebakery
Address: 101 Canarctic Dr, North York
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—9 am to 5:30 pm
- Sunday—10 am to 5:30 pm
Contact Number: +16474362004
At Sweets from the Earth, you can trust to eat your favorite desserts guilt-free. The bakery only uses plant-based ingredients, so there’s no need to worry about your diet getting ruined.
I love the peanut butter brownie. I’m already a big fan of the peanut butter and chocolate flavor combo, so this isn’t really a surprise. Other than that, I love how this brownie is so rich and fudgy, and the roasted peanuts add a nice crunch.
| Pro Tip: If you order from the online store, you can enjoy free shipping for orders over C$75. This promo is available all over Canada. |
Tori’s Bakeshop
– From: torisbakeshop
Address: 2188 Queen St E
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—8 am to 5 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—9 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +16473506500
The great thing about Tori’s Bakeshop is that the team tries to be as ethical as possible with their production. They only source from local farmers and producers, and they use plant-based ingredients. I love it when establishments take the environment into consideration!
Other than that, the menu is filled with so many pretty, delicious treats. I recommend the chocolate cream cheese cupcake with sprinkled frosting. The cake base is moist and dense, and the cream cheese frosting is tangy and sugary. I can’t get enough of it!
| Pro Tip: If you order online, you can score free shipping when your order exceeds C$80. |
Yoona’s Kitchen
– From: yoonas.kitchen
Address: 3895 Bathurst St
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday—11 am to 6 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11:30 am to 6 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +16473438200
Generally speaking, Yoona’s is a health and wellness shop that sells organic skincare products like oils. But it also has a kitchen that offers sweet treats that even diabetics are allowed to eat.
You should try any of the cheesecakes. I love the Reese’s Style Cheesecake because, like I said earlier, the peanut butter and chocolate flavor combo is simply elite. I also really like the Oreo cheesecake. The crushed Oreo pieces are so fun to bite on.
| Pro Tips: Yoona’s has a holistic nutritionist who can help create a diet that’s right for you. You can book a consultation! Give a gift card from this shop to a gluten-sensitive friend. |
Kensington Natural Bakery
– From: knb_1980
Address: 460 Bloor St W
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 7:45 pm
Contact Number: +14165341294
Kensington Natural Bakery is a beloved spot in the neighborhood, and I can see why. This place just has a cozy, casual vibe like I’m simply hanging out in a friend’s house, eating a delicious, gluten-free pastry.
I usually get their pies because they’re always so delicious. I recommend the blueberry pie, which is perfectly tart and sweet and with a crumbly top. During the holiday season, I get their pumpkin pie, which is smooth like silk.
| Pro Tip: If you order online, keep in mind that it will take up to three days for them to make and deliver the pastry to you. |
Bloomer’s
– From: bloomersto
Address: 873 Bloor St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—8 am to 8 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—9 am to 8 pm
Contact Number: +14165510532
Another cozy bakery that offers gluten-free (and vegan) pastries is Bloomer’s. This bakery has several locations throughout the city, but my go-to is the one on Bloor West.
I usually go with the brownie because I love how fudgy it is. The cookies are also great. The peanut butter stout has a nice sweet and malty flavor combination going on, and the red velvet white chocolate chip is moist and tangy.
If you don’t like sweets, don’t worry because there are savory options as well. I really like the mushroom and veggies pot pie. It just tastes so hearty and comforting!
| Pro Tip: This bakery offers catering services for weddings, parties, and other special events. |
The Bread Essentials
– From: thebreadessentials
Address: 406 Royal York Rd, Etobicoke
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday—10 am to 6 pm
- Saturday—10 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +16476803490
For gluten-sensitive people who are obsessed with bread, The Bread Essentials is a must-visit. This bakery serves an extensive array of fluffy, delicious gluten-free bread that tastes just as the same as the gluten ones.
I always get the rosemary sourdough bread. It smells so aromatic and tastes great as is. I usually toast it with a bit of olive oil and spread a generous heap of cream cheese. Such a simple combination, but it hits the spot every time.
| Pro Tip: Looking for a gift to give to a fellow bread lover? Buy them a bread basket from this bakery. |
Vanilla Bite Bakery
Address: 389 Front St W, Apex at Cityplace
– From: thevanillabite
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday—8:30 am to 6 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—9 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +16138505698
Vanilla Bite Bakery started as an online shop, but now, it has grown enough in popularity that it’s able to have a physical location. I actually tried the regular menu items first, but there’s now a gluten-free menu with treats that are just as good.
The rose-lychee tart is a thing of beauty. It’s actually almost a shame to eat it! That said, when you do bite into it, you can enjoy a rose-infused vanilla bean pastry cream and jiggly lychee jelly for the filling. It’s not too sweet and also kind of refreshing.
| Pro Tips: This bakery sells a few pantry items like tea bags, maple syrups, chocolate bars, and more. Order a custom cake for your wedding here. They also offer catering services for any special event. Items you can choose from include cinnamon buns, brownies, and apple turnovers. |
Vegan Danish Bakery
– From: vegandanishbakerytoronto
Address: 1312 Queen St W
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Sunday—12 pm to 6 pm
Contact Number: +16473521312
I first heard about Vegan Danish Bakery from my friend who recommended it as a wonderful vegan brunch spot. It also offers delicious cakes that can be made gluten-free; it’s where I get my birthday cakes for my sister!
My sister and I love the chocolate cherry cake. The chocolate cake base is light and airy, while the cherry-infused pastry cream is tart and sweet. We always devour this cake in just one day—no leftovers—because we’re so obsessed with it!
| Pro Tip: Complete your meal with a drink; you can request the regular milk to be replaced with soy, oat, or almond milk. I recommend the Bombai Chai Latte because it’s aromatic and has a lovely combination of sweet and earthy flavors. |
Tartistry
– From: glutenfreejoanne
Address: 1252 The Queensway, Etobicoke
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Friday—9 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +16477481818
There’s something calming about Tartistry. Maybe it’s because of the combination of mellow jazz music playing in the background and the aromatic, nostalgic smells from the freshly baked tarts. Whatever it is, my sister and I always keep coming back here.
As you can guess from the name, tarts are the specialty here. My favorite is the lemon curd tart. It’s zesty enough to make me pucker up, but the sweetness cuts through it in the end, creating a nice balance.
There are also savory options if you’re not much of a dessert person. The chicken vegetable with rosemary tart is my personal favorite. It’s earthy and rich, like a soup but in tart form.
| Pro Tip: If you’d like to make a custom order, email a request to [email protected]. |
What A Bagel
– From: whatabagel130spadina
Address: 130 Spadina Ave., Fashion Building
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—7 am to 5 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—8 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +16473477222
Bagels are such a great way to start the day because they’re served fast, you can eat them on the go, and you feel full immediately. When I’m craving this food, I usually head to What a Bagel on Spadina (but there are other outlets in the city for this bakery).
There are gluten-free bagels available here. I usually get the sesame one, but you can also choose the poppyseed or multigrain bagel. I like eating my bagels as is, but sometimes, I pair them with fries because why not?
| Pro Tip: This bakery also offers catering services. |
Bakerbots Baking
– From: bakerbots_baking
Address: 1242 Bloor St W
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday—10 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14169013500
Bakerbots Baking isn’t actually totally gluten-free, but it does offer gluten-free cookies that are miles better than anything else my sister and I have ever tasted. So, I thought it just makes sense for me to include it here.
These cookies aren’t crumbly or dry; in fact, I actually didn’t think they were gluten-free until the server told us so. They also have lots of additional ingredients, such as chocolate chunks and nuts, so every bite is a sweet and crunchy delight.
| Pro Tips: To make a custom order, you have to call the bakery ahead of time. Cash isn’t accepted here. So be sure to bring your credit card. |
