Blake Lively’s Sweet Escape: Serving Smiles and Donuts in Connecticut Amid Legal Turmoil

In a delightful turn of events, actress Blake Lively surprised fans by stepping behind the counter at Rise Doughnuts in Wilton, Connecticut, on March 30. The 37-year-old star, known for her roles in Gossip Girl and A Simple Favor, took to her Instagram Stories to share her joy, posting a photo of a large kitchen mixer with the caption, “Baking with genius food friends and their kitchen mixer the size of a car. This is what my happy place looks like.” ​

During her visit, Lively was in high spirits, engaging warmly with customers and even posing for photos. One patron recounted a moment when a father explained to his son, “Her husband is Deadpool,” referencing Lively’s spouse, actor Ryan Reynolds, and his iconic Marvel role. ​

This charming appearance comes amid Lively’s ongoing legal dispute with her It Ends with Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni. In December 2024, Lively filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Baldoni, producer Jamey Heath, and others, alleging misconduct and a subsequent smear campaign. Baldoni has denied these allegations and countersued for defamation, seeking $400 million in damages. The trial is scheduled for March 2026. ​

Despite the legal challenges, Lively’s passion for baking remains evident. She has previously shared her culinary creations on social media, including a key lime pie recipe and creatively decorated birthday cakes for her children.