Ashley Witting and Kevin McAllister are changing the way Torontonians think about dessert, one vegan, gluten-free cinnamon bun at a time.
Without any formal baking training, Ashley classifies herself as a home baker. “All of my recipes come from my own kitchen,” she explains. She and Kevin started selling their homemade vegan and gluten-free baked goods at local farmers’ markets. “We were amazed at how well they sold, and not just among people with dietary restrictions and food sensitivities,” says Ashley. The high demand for tasty gluten-free and vegan alternatives inspired the couple to quit their jobs and take a chance on their very own bakeshop.
In December 2010 Ashley and Kevin opened Toronto’s first and only 100% vegan and 100% gluten-free bakery. Inspired by the success of the first Bunner’s Bake Shop location, they launched a second outpost in the city’s eclectic Kensington Market neighbourhood in June 2014. They now have over 20 employees, two locations and a best-selling cookbook.
Basic cupcakes
premium cupcakes
Seasonal cupcakes
6 Round cake
9 Round cake
12 square
Full slab cake
chocolate cheesecake
Big bun
Baby bun
Supersonic cookie
chocolate chunk cookie
Ginger molasses cookie
cornflake cookie
creamies
pumpkin chocolate chip
Sweet potato cramberry
Lemon raspberry struesel
Double chocolate
Morning glory
Gingerbread carrot
pizza muffin
Date square
Rasberry crump cake square
Butter tart
Apple crumble,blueberry
Double chocolate brownie
brownie bite
shaved coconut macaroons
Donuts
parfait
Mini pie
scone
plain bread & three seed bread
Savoury pockets
veggie pot pie
Mac & cheese(family size)
Mac & cheese (individual size)
soft serve cone
A la mode
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While not technically a restaurant, Bunner’s Bakeshop (two locations) has to be included as they have just released a mouthwatering new spring menu. Their new gluten-free, vegan treats include: Blueberry Oat Muffins, Chubby Bunny Whoopie Pies (carrot cake stuffed with raisins, pumpkin seeds, and toasted coconut, with a thick layer of rich vanilla cream cheese frosting in the middle) and Strawberry & Cream Buns with strawberry cream cheese filling and topped with a cream cheese frosting. And if you prefer savoury to sweet, their new spring pies (available in personal and family size) are filled with the tastes of the season - yukon golds, fennel, leeks, dill, and green peas in a light gravy, topped with a golden brown lattice.
View this Smart ListFor moist, mouth-watering vegan, gluten- and soy-free cakes and cupcakes, Bunner’s is your best bet. Their cupcake flavours include vanilla, chocolate and red velvet, plus special flavours and creations that change every month (think: movie theatre-themed, blueberry crumble, and lemon cream). Their cakes come in six-, nine- and twelve-inch sizes plus full-slab options for a larger fete. Flavours include vanilla, chocolate, lemon, French toast, and more. They also have cheesecake, which comes in a six-inch size. Hot tip: special orders require 48-hour notice.
View this Smart ListThis Kensington vegan and gluten-free bakeshop has organic soy-based soft serve ice cream available from spring until fall. They come in the standard vanilla and chocolate, or twist of both flavours, but sometimes they have different flavours like the Pumpkin Spicecream in October. Plus, there’s nothing like a soft serve ice cream sandwiched in between two cornflake cookies. You can even ask for it in a cup, walk down to Café Novo a few steps next door and pour their espresso on top for an affogato creation.
View this Smart List