When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Or, if you’re Kyra Bussanich, make cupcakes. Bussanich, founder of Kyra’s Bake Shop and author of Sweet Cravings: 50 Seductive Desserts for a Gluten-Free Lifestyle, was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder at the age of 20 that left her unable to eat many of her favorite foods. Disappointed with her gluten-free pastry options, Bussanich took matters into her own hands: she attended Le Cordon Bleu's patisserie program and opened her own gluten-free bakery.

Now, Kyra’s Bake Shop is a three-time winner of the Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars,” and the Lake Oswego-based bakery was the only gluten-free operation in each competition, winning with flavors like Spicy Peach Bellini and Key Lime Pie. Now, Bussanich is embarking on a new challenge—opening a full cafe and bakery in downtown Lake Oswego.

Slated to open in early to mid October, the 3200-square-foot spot is a massive upgrade from the bake shop's current incarnation. "My current spot is 750 square feet (including bathroom, kitchen, and office) so there was obviously no room to include seating," shares Bussanich. "If people are coming from Portland—or traveling from even farther away—they should be have more than a park bench on the sidewalk. With the expansion, I want people to linger, and not just grab their pastries and go."

Along with more space, the new location will offer a fresh look—with a rebranded gold logo, apricot and boysenberry-hued walls, and windows peeking into the bakery's kitchen and cake decorating station (perfect for curious kids of all ages). Outside, a full patio with twenty seats, glider chairs, and an awning complete with skylights will host hungry families year-round. 

Another upgrade? A full menu of sandwiches, panini, savory tarts and quiches, antipasto platters, soups, and salads in addition to her usual line-up of cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, crumble bars, ice cream sandwiches, mini-pies, and Paleo chocolate chip cookies. On the liquid side of things, those lingering guests can settle in with full espresso service (with housemade syrups), kombucha, hot autumn cocktails, mimosas, gluten-free beer from Ground Breaker, Two Towns cider, and local wine. 

Stay tuned for photos of the new space and menu right here on Eat Beat.

Kyra's Bake Shop
599 A Avenue in Lake Oswego