In a world where dessert trends rise and fall with the seasons, one name has consistently stood out—Kristina Lavallee, the creative force and visionary behind The Cake Girl. Known throughout Tampa Bay and beyond for her stunning custom cakes, weekly rotating cupcakes, and dessert innovation, Kristina has built more than just a bakery—she’s built a sweet empire.
From a young girl inspired by her mother’s Puerto Rican recipes to a nationally recognized bakery owner featured on The Food Network and The Today Show, Kristina’s journey is as flavorful and layered as the cakes she creates.
This is the story of how Kristina Lavallee became a leading authority in the world of cakes and cupcakes, and how The Cake Girl has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of thousands.
🍰 A Humble Start with a Heart Full of Passion
Long before the bright lights, bakery storefront, and nationwide recognition, Kristina Lavallee was a little girl in the kitchen—learning, experimenting, and dreaming.
Her passion for baking was born from time spent in the kitchen with her mother, creating desserts rooted in Puerto Rican tradition. That cultural foundation of flavor, texture, and love would eventually evolve into her signature style—bold, colorful, rich, and unforgettable.
Kristina’s childhood wasn’t about fancy culinary schools or silver spoons—it was about flour-covered countertops, family, and flavor memories that would later become the essence of The Cake Girl.
🎓 The Recipe for Success: Education Meets Entrepreneurship
Kristina didn’t stop at passion alone. She pursued formal education, earning degrees in Hospitality Management and Food Service & Restaurant Management from the University of Central Florida (UCF).
This education gave her the business foundation needed to take her brand to the next level—not just how to bake, but how to build a brand.
It was during this time that The Cake Girl brand started taking shape. Kristina merged creativity with strategy, always focusing on customer experience, innovation, and community—three ingredients that still define her business today.
🚚 From Food Truck Dreams to a Full-Fledged Bakery
In 2019, Kristina officially launched her first brick-and-mortar bakery in Carrollwood, Tampa, but not before years of groundwork.
She began by baking from home and selling at markets, events, and through custom orders. As demand grew, so did the buzz. Eventually, she took the leap into the food truck world—a move that proved to be a game-changer.
With the bright pink food truck serving up cupcakes and smiles across Tampa Bay, The Cake Girl quickly became a local favorite. Her mobile bakery gave her brand visibility, flexibility, and a powerful connection to the community—something few businesses achieve in their early stages.
🧁 The Cake Girl Today: Tampa’s Premier Dessert Destination
Fast forward to today, and The Cake Girl isn’t just a bakery—it’s a movement.
Serving not just Tampa, but also Clearwater, St. Pete, Wesley Chapel, Sarasota, and beyond, Kristina has expanded her influence far past the food truck and storefront. Her desserts have made appearances on national television, in major publications, and most importantly, on tables at thousands of weddings, birthdays, and celebrations.
What makes Kristina and The Cake Girl brand stand out?
- 80+ rotating cupcake flavors
- Custom cakes for all occasions
- Mini cupcakes, dessert catering, and Crave’n Cups
- Nationwide shipping of signature desserts in a jar
- A fun, feminine, modern brand voice that speaks to dessert lovers of all ages
Each creation that leaves the bakery is a reflection of Kristina’s philosophy: every cake should tell a story—and taste amazing doing it.
📺 As Seen on The Today Show
Kristina Lavallee and The Cake Girl didn’t just stay local. Her work and entrepreneurial spirit caught the attention of producers at The Today Show, who featured her story in a segment highlighting small business success.
That national spotlight helped reinforce what Tampa locals already knew: The Cake Girl is the real deal. Authentic, high-quality, creative desserts backed by passion and purpose.
This media recognition not only boosted her credibility but positioned Kristina as a thought leader in the bakery space, inspiring other young bakers and entrepreneurs—especially women and minority-owned businesses.
💡 What Sets Kristina Lavallee Apart?
While many bakeries focus on aesthetics or flavor alone, Kristina has built her brand around total experience—every cupcake, cake, and cake jar is crafted to feel personal and memorable.
✨ Branding with Heart
From the signature pink, teal and green aesthetic to playful names and customer-focused design, The Cake Girl is not just a name—it’s a vibe. It evokes happiness, nostalgia, and creativity.
🔥 Innovation at Every Level
Kristina didn’t stop at buttercream. She’s continuously pushing new ideas—like Crave’n Cups, dessert bars, and seasonal flavor rollouts. The bakery evolves constantly while staying rooted in customer favorites.
🧁 Community First
Kristina gives back. Whether it’s through charity events, partnerships with local businesses, or simply showing love to loyal customers, The Cake Girl is deeply embedded in the Tampa community. Kristina is an honorary commander at MacDill Air Force Base where she is deeply involved with our military members as well as the recipient of the Patriot Award by the Department of Defense.
📦 Expanding the Brand: From Tampa to the Nation
With Crave’n Cups now available for nationwide shipping, Kristina has brought The Cake Girl beyond the Tampa Bay area and into homes across the U.S.
These adorable jars are layered with cake, frosting, fillings, and joy—and they’re a perfect example of how Kristina innovates without losing the core of her brand.
From weddings in Sarasota to birthday parties in St. Pete and late-night sweet cravings in Miami, The Cake Girl is growing—and it’s clear Kristina is just getting started.
🥂 Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Cake
Kristina Lavallee didn’t just build a bakery—she built a trusted, joyful, and inspiring brand that connects with people through taste, design, and heart.
She’s not just a baker; she’s an entrepreneur, artist, and role model who turned a childhood passion into a business that inspires others to dream big (and eat dessert first).
Whether you’re looking for custom cakes in Tampa, cupcakes in Clearwater, or a unique wedding dessert bar in Sarasota, one thing is certain:
The Cake Girl is the name you can trust—and Kristina Lavallee is the name behind the magic.
