Baking cakes and cookies without the help of butter, cream, and eggs is no simple task. But the fine folks over at the new Make, Believe Bakery in Cap Hill are certainly up to the challenge. The shop is the brainchild of Daniel Landes, the owner of City O’City, as well as the former owner of WaterCourse Foods.

As such, the pastry shelves are lined with treats that rival their diary- and egg-laden counterparts. You’ll find a full spread, from French macarons to cupcakes to Key lime pie to loaves of sandwich bread. Even better, about half of all of the offerings are gluten free, too.

The best way to experience the tiny bakery is to sample a variety. Selections change daily, but we’re partial to the Scout cookies (thick, chewy discs of coconut, walnuts, and sweet potato drizzled with chocolate), the tender sweet potato cinnamon rolls, and the moist “Ho Ho” cupcakes. The vegan French macarons—which come in elegant flavors like raspberry rose and blueberry lavender—have a particularly impressive texture for being egg white-free thanks to aguafaba, otherwise known as chickpea water. And while many vegan baked goods suffer from a sugar overload or dryness, the shop’s crafty baking techniques ensure that the treats in the case are balanced and with a tender crumb.

Be warned, however: You will have to take your sweets to go as there’s no seating in this tiny spot.

Bonus: While you’re there, be sure to visit Queen City General Store next door. This stylish, vaguely Western store stocks hipster essentials like succulents, jewelry, crystals, and vintage clothes.

214 E. 13th St., 303-318-9843

Callie Sumlin
Callie Sumlin
Callie Sumlin is a writer living in Westminster, and has been covering food and sustainability in the Centennial State for more than five years.