Babycakes, a vegan bakery on the Lower East Side, proudly abstains from wheat, gluten, dairy, casein, and eggs (and cooks with agave nectar in lieu of sugar). And yet the confectioners still manage to create seriously scrumptious treats, from macaroons to the classic cupcake. The icing, especially, is something to write home about: It's impossibly smooth - reminiscent more of mom's homemade than coldly crunchy bakery-made sludge. More good news? They're spreading the love with a soon-to-open West Hollywood location.

Babycakes, 248 Broome Street, btwn Orchard and Ludlow Streets, New York City; 212-677-5047.