Thistle's Summit

Love their gluten free baked goods! Just waiting for some more fluffernutter bars! The Oatmeal Cream Pies are the best! My favorites are the items that really would never need gluten, Did I mention Fluffernutter bars?? They are amazing! They have a super fun retro antique shop upstairs! This place is cute as can be!

I've eaten an unhealthy amount of cheap grocery store-purchased oatmeal creme pies over the years, and now I will never be able to enjoy one again. Thistle's Summit has ruined them for me... in a good way! The Thistle's Summit version is perfect, and I've been craving another one every day. I also tried a pumpkin whoopie pie, which was quite flavorful. The shop is charming and friendly, as well. I'm not vegan and have been pretty underwhelmed when trying vegan baked goods from other places in the past, but these were wonderful. I will definitely return!

Super delicious baked good and very cute place. Fun vintage shop upstairs too. I tried the cherry oatmeal bar. So tasty.

Some of the best cookies - plant based or not - I’ve ever had. Such complex flavor, great texture, and they are perfectly baked. I’m so impressed and happy I stopped by their booth at the Valley Jct farmer’s market. I’ll definitely stop by the store and keep them in mind for orders.

I'm not vegan, nor am I gluten free, but I've continuously visited Thistle's Summit weekly for the last couple of months. Their Oatmeal Cream Pies have made me a true fan of Thistle's Summit and although I've kept a good stock in my freezer, I find myself always willing to try other items at the shop. The peanut butter and jelly tarts are KILLER and I have also been loving the pumpkin bars.
The shop is so cute and welcoming and weekly quick chats with Marti and Ash are so lovely. You also have to go upstairs and visit their apothecary for their gorgeous selection of candles.
I will say vegan and gluten free baked goods are completely different from what we all normally think of when we want baked goods but they're totally worth a try! I have brought my family and friends visiting Des Moines to Thistle's Summit and they all have been begging me to send them Oatmeal Cream Pies!

Thistle’s Summit is hands down the best bakery in Des Moines. Marti has a beautiful talent for creating amazing baked goods. My first purchase was for my gluten free mama, who spent years eating cookies tasting of cardboard. I did not expect to crave vegan/gluten free oatmeal cream pies, but I can not stop thinking about them.

I tried the chocolate chip cookie and the oatmeal cream pie. Both were fantastic!! I would recommend for a delicious vegan gluten free treat. 5 starts for bakery item quality. The downside to this business is limited hours, limited menu items listed online, and lack of phone and Facebook response. The only way I could contact them was Instagram. If you want to pickup several, you won't know what's available and quantity without contacting on Instagram or showing up in person. I also thought it was quite pricey.

I’ve ordered a bunch of different gluten free items from Thistle’s Summit at Christmas & Easter, (lemon blackberry tart, carrot cake, mint chocolate tart, gingerbread cookies, etc…) But hands down the best is the OCP (oatmeal cream pie). I buy by the dozen because they freeze so well. I have celiac and it’s nice to have good quality dessert options. Very excited for them to have a store front so I don’t have to track down all of the coffee shops that stock them!! Truly a 5 star gluten free bakery!!

Marti is my go-to for a sweet treat. Not only is she a badass human, but her food is also amazing. Her famous Oatmeal Cream Pies will change your life. Thistle's Summit goodies make for the best gifts! From housewarming gifts to catering for events - Marti is top-notch. Ash is pretty rad, too,

The new Thistle’s Summit space is so cute! The shop has a lot of retail goods you can buy like snacks, jams, candles from Queer Candle Co, and a whole upstairs of crystals and magical things. I got a beautiful Moss Agate tower and candle! Of course, the oatmeal cream pie is delicious and I’m excited to try the other baked goods!

Marti was incredibly helpful when I placed my order for a birthday party!
The Oatmeal Cream Pies were SUCH a huge hit we ordered again for another event just weeks later, and my family has now tried -and LOVED- multiple of Martis baked goods (the tahini cookies? To DIE FOR)
Vegan and Gluten Free has never been so heavenly. Truly some of the most delectable dessert you can find in Des Moines.

Get yourself some Thistles Summit ASAP, you won't regret it

BEST gluten free (and vegan) baker around! Marti has worked SO HARD to perfect her oatmeal cream pies and sea salt tahini chocolate chip cookies (to name just 2 of her amazing creations). I have to pace myself when I buy any goodies bc I just want to devour them instantly. Thank goodness they have a new storefront coming to downtown DSM. 🥳

Where do I even begin? perhaps with key words to describe the baked goods at Thistle's Summit: Mindblowingly Delicious. I'll never forget my first OCP (oatmeal cream pie) experience with them at the farmers market. I truly was expecting it to taste like cardboard because, well, they're vegan and gluten free. Imagine the look of shock on my face when I bit in and it was the ,most delicious OCP I ever tasted in my life. Move over Little Debbie, because Thistle's Summit takes the cake.

So what else do they have? A very unique variety of baked goods that give you the feeling of your grandma baking you something- truly like being teleported back to your childhood for all the classics. She also has other great offerings including refreshing beverages, vegan cheese, and a boat load of tasty pantry staples (and unique finds!) Although I do not have any dietary restrictions myself, I think it is wonderful for anyone, but also insanely convenient to grab treats for friends and families with allergies because the entire store is vegan and gluten free.

Be sure to check out their instagram page for what special treats they have for the week- she's always coming up with something new and delicious- like her "stupid stoner snacks" with homemade take 5 bars and dunkaroos (they were all ridiculous.. almost cried eating them lol)

THE BEST vegan and gluten free baker in the Des Moines metro! Every recipe for every baked good is carefully created, with those with special dietary needs in mind. I will continue to sing their praises, as long as they continue to bake awesome and delicious goodies!

Run don't walk to this magical place! Non-vegans, don't be scared--all of the delicious goods are just as delicious as anything you've tasted with eggs or dairy products. In fact, I don't understand it's magic. Everything is 10/10, hands-down one of the best places to get baked goods. Period. They also carry products from other vegan businesses like jam, chocolate, candy, locally-made salads, drinks, and cheese. You won't be disappointed. Owned by queer couple and partners Marti (she/her) and Ash (they/them; she/her), LGBTQIA+ folx will feel at home in this welcoming, inclusive little space of rainbow heaven.

Get the carrot soup!!! I could eat that every day for a LONG time and not tire of it. Green onions, crunchy little seeds and nuts, curry?, I don't know what all they use to make this magic concoction.

All of the baked goods I have tried are delish as well. Breads, brownies, cookies, etc. Jams, spices, chips, dips, and other fantastic options available to purchase, too. All gluten free & vegetarian I think!!! Don't quote me on that.

It is a challenge to find parking sometimes but worth it if you can be patient.

They are open until 2pm daily I believe.
Support small businesses when you can! This one is a gem.

Going to this bakery is a must if you are gluten free in Des Moines! I have loved every product I have tried so far! Can't wait to try more products each weekend. Also nice to have both savory and sweet options!

We have enjoyed many awesome baked goods from Thistle Summit over the past couple of years at the Valley Junction Farmer's Market and at The Slow Down Coffee Co in Highland Park. Can't wait to stop into their retail space soon. Marti is awesome - I love visiting with her, and her baked goods are just so delish.

I am never more excited than when I can get over to TS and grab some goodies for the weekend. I could write an ode to the creme pies, but I think the focaccia, cheese crackers, and the sweet potato miso biscuits deserve praise too. This is my favourite place to bring friends visiting. I love knowing I can grab treats and everyone will be able to enjoy them.

Absolutely fantastic gluten free baked goods. Warms this sad Celiac's heart to be able to enjoy cookies and focaccia again. Loved the apothecary upstairs as well - really reasonable crystal prices! I'll be a regular. 💪