Nestled in the heart of Larchmont, Erin McKenna’s bakery offers Angelenos healthy and delicious gluten-free desserts.

While many people many not associate the words vegan and gluten-free with delectable desserts, this small bakery is filled with tasty eats. 

Originally founded in New York City in 2005, Erin McKenna created her bakery free of harmful ingredients often found in processed food. She had recently been diagnosed with severe food allergies and did not stop want that to stop her from indulging her cravings. 

Besides Los Angeles and New York, McKenna also has a store in Orlando. 

In addition to baked goods, McKenna sells cookbooks with recipes that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth; some of her recipes include how to make donuts, “thin mints” and even pizza. She also sells baking mixes for an easy way to please any hungry customer. 

While visiting the L.A. location, I decided to try the plain bagel with cream cheese and the chocolate chip banana bread loaf.

My first reaction was that it would be impossible for the bagel, which was gluten free and vegan, to taste good — but I was proven wrong. It tasted exactly like a normal one although it was a little chewier. The cream cheese also mirrored that of one you could find at any traditional bagel store. 

The chocolate chip banana bread loaf had the perfect ratio of chocolate chips to bread, which I usually struggle to find. Although I wish it had been a little more moist, I was thoroughly impressed, considering it was refined sugar and soy free.

The store also had a wide variety of cupcakes, donuts and ice cream. I easily could have ordered everything on the menu. 

If you ever find yourself venturing over to Larchmont or are just craving something super yummy, I highly recommend visiting Erin McKenna’s bakery. You can also order cakes and other items for special occasions like birthdays, weddings or holidays.

The restaurant is located on 236 N. Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004 and is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday to Saturday.