Walking into The Littlest Bake Shop in Tavares feels like stepping into a land of sunshine and rainbows. 

The bright, cheerful decor instantly lifts your spirits and the walls radiate a vibrant, fun energy that makes you feel like you’ve entered a magical little haven in the middle of the town. 

There’s fun photo op spots inside and cute decorations all around. It also happened to be my son’s birthday, so it was the perfect place to explore with Style friends Nicole, Roxanne and Gina. 

Owner Samantha Priano told me how she started baking for family and friends, and how it grew into something much larger. 

“I grew up listening to Dolly Parton baking,” Samantha says. “My mother would buy me baking supplies. My grandmother and I would always bake together. My aunt would make me brownies named after me. Baking has been a part of my life since I can remember.”

Baking has always been a passion for Samantha—an art form that combines simple ingredients to create something extraordinary. Growing up in Florida and spending summers in Minnesota, she decided to put down roots in Tavares.

The Littlest Bake Shop isn’t just about sweets; it’s about spreading love, light and happiness.

“Our mission is to create magic and happiness in a world that can be chaotic at times,” Samantha says.

There’s also a wishing well next to the bakery. Coins tossed into the well are donated to animal rescue.

I was not prepared for how many different food options there were. I expected cupcakes and ice cream, but the menu had so many yummy things it was hard to choose.

The shop is known for its banana flips (banana cake filled with banana cream), chocolate chip cookies, and brownies, but what caught my eye was the dessert flight—a little bit of everything for those who, like me, can’t decide on just one treat.

They have cupcakes and cake cups, chocolate dipped apple wedges with cheesecake dip, cake pops, gourmet cookies, banana splits and a brownie sundae. If you’re feeling particularly fancy, they offer a 24-karat gold ice cream waffle cone, or a unicorn sugar cone.

There’s also ice cream nachos and the happy un-birthday sundae topped with the ultimate four scoops of ice cream, whipped cream, sundae sauce, sprinkles, chocolate chip cookie, flaming chocolate duck and a fire sparkler. Go big or go home, right?

And their specialty drinks are fabulous. I had the pink mocktail made with dragon fruit, pink lemonade, Sprite, and a magical bubble on top.

Samantha says she intends to add cake decorating classes and more opportunities to bring smiles to everyone who visits.

“Our goal is to celebrate gratitude and foster connections, reminding you of the beauty that surrounds us,” Samatha says. “When you visit us, we hope you leave feeling inspired and uplifted, knowing that you can overcome any challenge. Remember, it’s never too late to change your path—let your dreams be your wings.”

Photos: Cindy Peterson and Nicole Hamel