The Toronto neighbourhood was taken by surprise as the beloved Ampersand Bakehouse announced its permanent closure. The bakery, which had been a go-to spot for locals for more than seven years, was famous for its unique and delicious treats. Now, in an unexpected turn of events, the owner has decided not just to close the bakery but also to share her secret recipes with the world.
Why Ampersand Bakehouse Closed
Ampersand Bakehouse, located in Danforth East, had been a neighbourhood staple for over half a decade. From its humble beginnings as a farmers’ market stand to a fully-fledged brick-and-mortar bakery, Ampersand was known for its creative twists on classic treats. Under the leadership of local baker Stephanie Kaptein, the bakery offered a range of mouthwatering delights such as pink-champagne vanilla cupcakes and peanut-butter Oreo Rice Krispies squares.
However, in December 2025, Stephanie decided to close the bakery permanently. In a personal blog post titled “Why I Closed Ampersand Bakehouse,” she provided insight into the reasons behind her decision. “This decision didn’t come easily. The bakery has been such a big part of my life and so many celebrations in our neighbourhood,” she wrote.
The Future of Ampersand Bakehouse
Stephanie further explained that her true passion lies in the creative aspects of baking, such as recipe development, cake decorating, and styling for photoshoots. Over the years, she realized that the operational side of running a business was hampering her creativity. “Closing the physical bakery isn’t the end of my baking journey. It’s a shift into something that feels more aligned with where I am now. I want to spend more time creating, writing, and sharing recipes that inspire other people to bake at home,” she shared in her post.
Sharing Ampersand’s Secret Recipes
While the physical closure of Ampersand Bakehouse is indeed a loss for Toronto’s locals, they have something to look forward to. Stephanie plans to launch a digital recipe collection, featuring both Ampersand favourites and new creations. These recipes will be shared with subscribers of her email list, allowing fans to recreate the bakery’s famous treats at home.
Though it’s a bittersweet moment to bid farewell to a neighbourhood favourite, Stephanie’s decision to share her secret recipes provides a silver lining. As she concludes in her post, “Thank you for every visit, every cake order, every conversation, and every bit of love you’ve shown the bakery over the years. You made Ampersand Bakehouse so much more than a business. You made it a community.”
While Ampersand Bakehouse may be no more, its legacy will live on through the recipes Stephanie shares, keeping the spirit of the bakery alive in the homes of its customers. Ampersand Bakehouse was formerly located at 1808 Danforth Ave.
