The holidays can be difficult to navigate when you have an allergy. This year, instead of skipping out on holiday desserts, pick up gluten-free and other allergy-friendly treats from these Northern Virginia bakeries.
Creme de la Crop
Skip the traditional Thanksgiving pie and go with an ice cream pie instead. Made without dairy, gluten, or soy, it’s be hard to choose from the Pumpkin Meringue, Chocolate Butter Pecan, and Caramel Apple options. Thanksgiving orders need to be submitted by Sunday, November 23, at 5 p.m. 273 Sunset Park Dr., Herndon
The Difference Baker
You’ll find nothing but fresh-baked, allergy-friendly goods when you visit The Difference Baker. All of its treats are packed with flavor and are free of gluten, peanut, tree nuts, soy, fish, sesame, and crustaceans. The bakery has expanded at George Mason University’s Rogers Hall, sharing space with the campus convenience store. 20937 Ashburn Rd., Ste. 130, Ashburn; 4400 Aquia Creek Ln., Fairfax
The Happy Tart
This spring, the Falls Church bakery welcomed new owners, Kerrigan and Paul – and you can still find a menu full of gluten-free dishes. Whether you have a sweet tooth or a hankering for something savory, you can satisfy your cravings with your choice of macarons, eclairs, quiches, or crepes. 410 S. Maple Ave., Ste. 110, Falls Church
Honey and Ivy Gluten Free
Honey and Ivy opened in 2023 after owner Emily Hamby realized the lack of gluten-free restaurants and bakeries located in Northern Virginia. The 100 percent gluten-free bakery has since become a go-to for birthday cakes, holiday treats, and even savory dishes. 9105 Center St., Manassas
Kickshaws Gluten-Free Bakery
The menu at this Fredericksburg bakery is completely gluten-free and vegan. All of the sweets here are free of the top nine allergies, making it safe for any dessert lovers. Kickshaws serves everything from gluten-free bread and breakfast sandwiches to cinnamon rolls and lattes. 1511 Central Park Blvd., Fredericksburg
Out of the Bubble Bakery
The idea for Out of the Bubble Bakery all started when owner TaMeisha wanted to create a cake for her twins’ first birthday that was safe for anyone at the party with allergies. Since diving into allergy-free baking, the Springfield bakery has been serving up worry-free desserts to the NoVA community for over a decade. 6263-A Rolling Rd., Springfield
Rise Bakery
Find gluten-free pastries like croissants, doughnuts, and cupcakes at Rise Bakery. Owner Mike Koritko’s bakery was the first 100 percent gluten-free bakery in Washington, DC, when it opened in 2014. Since then, Koritko opened a second location in Sterling in 2021. The bakery’s Sterling storefront is carryout only. You can also find the bakery’s treats at local coffee shops and restaurants around the DMV. 201 Davis Dr., Ste. K, Sterling
Feature image of The Difference Baker courtesy George Mason University
