Not too far from Govinda's in Philadephia is Sweet Freedom Bakery.
A "no refined sugars, casein-free, dairy-free, wheat-free, gluten-free, vegan, corn-free, peanut-free, kosher, egg-free, soy-free" bakery (their words, not mine): it's worth a visit.
A couple of friends and I stopped in one day in the scorch of summer (I know) when our plans were not conducive to taking anything to-go.
The interior was pretty adorable; I especially liked the chandelier. There was what we assumed was either a new vegan or an allergy sufferer enjoying when we arrived, and her excitement made the place considerably cuter.
I didn't think there was any wow factor in the presentation of the baked goods; they were suitably displayed, but I wasn't overly impressed and therefore didn't have very high hopes for indulgence. We each chose a single treat and stayed to enjoy.
On the heels of the amazing one in London, my friend chose an oatmeal raisin cookie sandwich.
I am wholly against oatmeal raisin cookies in general and, since I'm pretty majorly obsessed with another cookie sandwich, I never would have chosen this for myself. I admit, however, that I wasn't at all prepared to like this unassuming goody as much as I did.
Another friend chose the coconut bliss cupcake.
Coconut cupcake, coconut icing, and coconut flakes: I didn't taste this one, but it was enjoyed by the other coconut lovers of the group.
Because I'd recently enjoyed salted caramel and chocolate ice cream, I couldn't resist the salted caramel cupcake.
It erred a little on the small side, but it wound up being just the right size and really delicious (I also liked their silverware).
Interior:
So, don't let the lack of pizazz fool you; there is some good stuff in the case at Sweet Freedom Bakery.
And, in case you can't make it to Philly, Sweet Freedom has opened another shop in Collingswood, NJ.
A "no refined sugars, casein-free, dairy-free, wheat-free, gluten-free, vegan, corn-free, peanut-free, kosher, egg-free, soy-free" bakery (their words, not mine): it's worth a visit.
A couple of friends and I stopped in one day in the scorch of summer (I know) when our plans were not conducive to taking anything to-go.
The interior was pretty adorable; I especially liked the chandelier. There was what we assumed was either a new vegan or an allergy sufferer enjoying when we arrived, and her excitement made the place considerably cuter.
I didn't think there was any wow factor in the presentation of the baked goods; they were suitably displayed, but I wasn't overly impressed and therefore didn't have very high hopes for indulgence. We each chose a single treat and stayed to enjoy.
On the heels of the amazing one in London, my friend chose an oatmeal raisin cookie sandwich.
I am wholly against oatmeal raisin cookies in general and, since I'm pretty majorly obsessed with another cookie sandwich, I never would have chosen this for myself. I admit, however, that I wasn't at all prepared to like this unassuming goody as much as I did.
Another friend chose the coconut bliss cupcake.
Coconut cupcake, coconut icing, and coconut flakes: I didn't taste this one, but it was enjoyed by the other coconut lovers of the group.
Because I'd recently enjoyed salted caramel and chocolate ice cream, I couldn't resist the salted caramel cupcake.
It erred a little on the small side, but it wound up being just the right size and really delicious (I also liked their silverware).
Interior:
So, don't let the lack of pizazz fool you; there is some good stuff in the case at Sweet Freedom Bakery.
And, in case you can't make it to Philly, Sweet Freedom has opened another shop in Collingswood, NJ.
This sounds like a spot I must visit on my next trip to Philly. My husband is going next week — maybe I can convince him to bring something back.
ReplyDeletei wanna go back there! i was pleasantly surprised by what i got when i went there as well.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful cupcake! Definitely something you can't make at home.
ReplyDeleteI would definitely have chosen the salted caramel too. First, because of the chocolate (obviously!) and second, because there's just not enough vegan salted caramel in the world. If you see it, you must have it!
ReplyDeleteInteresting choices! I always stick with a basic cookie or something. Obviously I must broaden my horizons.
ReplyDeleteHmmm, how are these treats sweetened? Everything looks delicious!
ReplyDeleteLooks AMAZING. I like the magical goo within the cupcake - that's more than enough pizzazz for me.
ReplyDeleteAndrea, great idea! I would definitely revisit if in the area.
ReplyDeleteariela, better than exquisite LOOKING cupcakes that taste bland, amirite?
The Shenandoah Vegan, You got that right!
Linda, I've had a few versions of salted caramel ice cream; there definitely needs to be more of it in the world.
foodfeud, you must! I also always over-order, so this was a rare showing of restraint.
BYOL, these are the types of questions I would never think to ask.
Joey, I'm actually not a huge fan of cupcakes in general (plain cake and a glob of icing), but a FILLED cupcake is an entirely different story!