Indulgence For Everyone. Gluten, Vegan, & Dairy-Free Desserts

At Hot Cakes, we believe dessert is a universal language. That’s why we’ve meticulously crafted our recipes to ensure those with dietary restrictions never have to miss out on the magic of a molten cake. We don’t use "alternative" ingredients; we use real food.

Our commitment starts with the ingredients that anchor our kitchen: from the organic, certified humane Wilcox Family Farm eggs used in our classic recipes to the ethically sourced, bean-to-bar K’UL Chocolate that serves as the foundation for every molten cake we bake. We bridge the gap between dedicated land stewards and your dessert plate by partnering with Pacific Northwest makers who share our obsession with quality. Whether you’re here for a plant-based treat or a gluten-free indulgence, we’ve saved you a seat at the table—because the best desserts are the ones everyone can enjoy together.

Creme bréleé with blackberries on a wooden board

Gluten Free Desserts

The Magic of the Molten Cake—Cozy, gooey, and 100% gluten-free. We believe a gluten-free lifestyle shouldn't mean missing out on our signature experience. Many of our molten cakes can be prepared gluten-free simply by omitting specific toppings (like graham crumble or other garnishes). From our year-round staples to a rotating selection of seasonal treats and artisan pastries, we’ve ensured that gluten-free options are always on the menu. 

Our Gluten-Free Partners

To round out your experience, we are proud to partner with our friends at Ghostfish Brewing. As leaders in the gluten-free craft beer movement, their brews are the perfect pairing for our rich, chocolatey desserts.

A Note on our Kitchen & Celiac Safety

We strive to be as inclusive as possible, and we are proud to serve many customers in our community who manage Celiac disease. However, we are not a certified gluten-free facility. While we take great care to avoid cross-contact, our gluten-free items are prepared in the same kitchen and baked in the same ovens as our traditional desserts. We understand that Celiac disease affects everyone differently. We encourage you to check in with our team regarding your specific sensitivity so we can help you make the safest choice for your needs.

A dairy free dessert of two cookies & an ice cream scoop with a crumbly topping and vegan caramel sauce

Indulgent, Creamy, and Completely Dairy-Free

All the richness, none of the dairy. Our secret to dairy-free decadence is simple: our signature molten cake batter was intentionally crafted to be dairy-free from the very beginning. By focusing on high-quality, organic fats and bean-to-bar chocolate, we’ve ensured that the "Hot Cakes" experience is naturally inclusive. Many of our signature components, including our Dark Chocolate Sauce (found in our mochas and S’mores Molten Cake) and our Vegan Caramel Sauce, are also naturally dairy-free and made with the same organic standards as our classic recipes.

Customized for You

We believe in the power of the "swap." Most of our molten cakes, including our flagship Dark Decadence, can be modified to be dairy-free. By substituting our premium dairy-free ice cream and omitting specific toppings—like our house-made cacao nib toffee—we can transform our most iconic treats into your perfect dairy-free dessert.

  • Milk Alternatives: Enjoy your favorite lattes or boozy shakes with Oat or Almond milk options.
  • Artisan Ingredients: We utilize premium plant-based ingredients, like Violife cream, in many of our seasonal specialty desserts to ensure a rich, authentic texture.

Pro Tip: Look for the (DF) icon or "Can be made DF” verbiage on our menu. Our team is always happy to help you navigate our offerings to find the perfect dairy-free match! 

Vegan Gooey Brownie Molten Cake with vegan ice cream and toppings on a wooden board

Purely Plant-Based, Entirely Decadent Vegan Options

We believe that vegan desserts should be just as gooey, rich, and satisfying as their traditional counterparts. Our Vegan Gooey Brownie is our signature fully plant-based molten cake—a deep, dark chocolate experience that has become a cult favorite in its own right. Beyond the cake, you’ll always find "The Other Chocolate Chip Cookie" on our permanent menu, alongside a rotating selection of seasonal vegan desserts, milkshakes and pastries.

The Hot Cakes x Lopez Island Creamery Partnership

We didn't want to settle for "off-the-shelf" vegan ice cream, so we developed our own proprietary vegan recipe. We are proud to partner with Lopez Island Creamery, who churns this custom recipe specifically for us. It’s the perfect, creamy companion to our molten cakes and shakes, ensuring every scoop meets our high standards for both texture and flavor.

Beyond the Sweets: Vegan Savory Options

At Hot Cakes, you can also stay for dinner and dessert! We are proud to offer house-made vegan savory options that are just as comforting as our sweets:

  • Vegan Tomato Soup: A cozy, scratch-made classic.
  • Vegan Grilled Cheese: Perfectly melted house-made cashew cheese toasted to order.

Pro Tip: While some of our treats are naturally plant-based, our menu changes with the seasons! Look for the (V) icon on our menu boards to discover our latest vegan creations.