Washington, D.C. - May 30, 2008

Fake and Bake

Vegan Treats

When it comes to reinventing classics, the waterless shower was a real stinker and the hands-free umbrella was a reach.

Dairy-free cheesecake, however, can taste better than the real thing.

Try it for yourself with Vegan Treats, a Bethlehem, Pennsylvania-based bakery that now delivers rich, creamy, dairy- and egg-free confections to the Washington area.

Start with Death by Chocolate cake (covered in chocolate “razors”); move on to the mountainous brownie chunk cheesecake. Or go for wicked peanut butter mousse bombs, fudgy brownies, or strawberry shortcakes with heaps of whipped (can’t-believe-it’s-not) cream.

Pinch yourself? Maybe.

Just don’t have a cow.

Available at Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th Street NW, between U and V Streets (202-387-7638); Java Green, 1020 19th Street NW, between K and L Streets (202-775-8899). Vegan Treats (610-861-7660 or vegantreats.com).