The little shop that started it all!

Thinking back, my cupcake love definitely started about 5 years ago, when I walked through the doors of this place:

Located at 271 King Street West in Kitchener, Ontario, about 30 minutes from my hometown, is The Cake Box.  I was inspired as soon as I stepped inside of this cute bakery and coffee shop.  The decor is simple and sweet, with some of their most creative and fun cake designs on display.  

The Cake Box offers 10-12 cupcake flavours each day, and also takes orders for special occasions.  I don't even remember what kind of cupcake I purchased my first time there, but I remember loving it!  The Cake Box is the kind of place that you want to sit and visit with a good friend over a cupcake and your coffee of choice.  I love their espresso, and my most favourite part about this shop is their Sprinkle Bar.  Before enjoying your cupcake, you can customize it with your own extra sprinkles!

Here are a few of their creations (photos are from their website)

Another really fun part of The Cake Box is its open concept.  You can grab a seat at the bar and watch the bakers work their magic right in front of your eyes!  The Cake Box is the only place I have seen this feature, and I really loved watching the employees decorate cakes and cupcakes.

I was thrilled over Christmas break to discover The Cake Box has a second location, in St. Jacobs, a cute mennonite town that my dad, sister and I visit every Christmas Eve.  I enjoyed a lemon cupcake with lemon buttercream icing, and it was fantastic!  Here's a peak at the inside of The Cake Box 2 in St. Jacobs:

If you are in the area, I highly recommend both of these locations.  Bring a friend, settle into one of their comfy chairs with a latte and a cupcake, and enjoy the shop that started all the cupcake love for me.  

Maybe you will fall in love too!