Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1056902
10 wholelifetimes.com It's the time to indulge in delicious holiday treats. Here in Los Angeles, it's easy to get your sweet fix going a little bit healthier, with vegan and gluten-free options available both to go or to enjoy while dining in. Yummy options abound and here's a selection to enjoy or maybe even leave out for Santa — that is, if you can resist eating them first! fōnuts At fōnuts in West Hollywood, you'll find the perfect holiday morning delight! Chef Nancy Truman's classic donuts include a wide range of gluten-free and vegan selections. Try the vegan coconut chocolate or raspberry vanilla – they're both as pretty to look at as they are delicious to taste. West Hollywood | fonuts.com Beaming In Santa Monica and throughout the city, you'll find a wide range of scrumptious choices at Beaming "organic superfood café." From Banana Chocolate Chip Bread to a vegan and gluten-free gelato cookie sandwich, there's something to suit every sweet tooth in town. Chocolate avocado mousse is a smooth and creamy delight; the Cashew Love Brittle, made with dense cacao, is probably something you just won't find to enjoy on a holiday trip to the Midwest. But with a location of Beaming now added at LAX, you could just take a few to go. Santa Monica | LAX Terminal 1 | Century City West Hollywood | livebeaming.com/beaming-cafes Mohawk Bend At Mohawk Bend in Echo Park, it's vegan Happy Camper S'mores all the way. Oh, the chocolate sauce. Oh, the wonderfully uncloying vegan marshmallows. Vegan graham crackers, too. There's nothing better, even around a mellow campfire. And in case you're not a chocolate lover (how can that be?), try their vegan Berry Shortcake with whipped coconut cream and vegan shortbread cookies. Echo Park | mohawk.la Sage There are three outposts of Sage, vegan restaurants with so many great entrees on the menu that you might not find room for dessert. But you'll just have to try. Whether you're at the Pasadena, Culver City, or Echo Park location, there's Kind Kreme vegan ice cream for shakes and ice cream – including soft serve options. Using all organic and pesticide-free ingredients, baked goods change seasonally, and sometimes daily, but there's often a chocolate brownie or a lemon square on the menu. Culver City | Pasadena | Echo Park sageveganbistro.com Rising Hearts Bakery Culver City serves up more bakery goodness at Rising Hearts Bakery, where absolutely everything on the menu is gluten- free, vegan, and – bonus – also kosher. Cupcakes, so many cupcakes. And you just can't miss with the vegan and gluten- free chocolate chunk cookies. There are cakes and pies a-plenty too, perfect for the holiday season. Culver City | risingheartsbakery.com Donut Friend You'll find luscious donut delights on the east side, at Highland Park's Donut Friend. From maple glaze and honey with coconut bacon to their coveted Chocolate from the Crypt – a chocolate cake donut topped with chocolate glaze, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and chocolate shavings – even Homer Simpson would be a convert. Their signature selection is pretty amazing. Highland Park | donutfriend.com Gracias Madre At the upscale vegan Mexican spot Gracias Madre, say hello to the pineapple upside-down cake, made with caramel, almonds, and coconut pineapple ice cream. The peach cobbler is another fine choice, with a sugar crust and vanilla bean ice cream. Then there's our personal favorite, the decadently rich fudge brownie, with salted mezcal caramel, coconut bacon, and coconut cashew whipped cream. West Hollywood | graciasmadreweho.com Vegan Sweets in LA GETTING YOUR JUST DESSERTS eat here now By Genie Davis Bottom Photo: Courtesy of Mohawk Bend; Top Photo: Courtesy of Sage