Buddy vs Duff Holiday winner created the ultimate winter wonderland
![Geof Manthorne and Host Duff Goldman design tools to be featured in Santa's Workshop, as seen on Buddy vs Duff, Season 4. Photo provided by Food Network Geof Manthorne and Host Duff Goldman design tools to be featured in Santa's Workshop, as seen on Buddy vs Duff, Season 4. Photo provided by Food Network](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/fa67c0a8f203cd7809adc1bc868e436b8f0310f3eedd3dd82b3c7754b729fe93.jpg)
Food Network unwrapped another seasonal gift for its viewers. While the holiday programming is plentiful, seeing Buddy Valastro and Duff Goldman bring their whimsical holiday scenes to life was a treat. But, only one could be crowned the Holiday King of Cakes. Which team was the Buddy vs Duff Holiday winner?
Throughout each season of Buddy vs Duff, the ability to agree to disagree on the final outcome seems to be one of the reasons that keeps people watching. While some people love Buddy’s gigantic, over the top displays, others prefer Duff’s intricate details and subtly. What people can agree on is that this food art is quite impressive.
For the Buddy vs Duff Holiday winner, the outcome wasn’t about bragging rights, Truthfully, everyone was a winner. Food Network donated to both Buddy’s and Duff’s charities for this event. The winning team got a larger donation.
Let's see how #TeamBuddy's final holiday cake is coming together! #BuddyVsDuff pic.twitter.com/O3TtsWcejT
— Food Network (@FoodNetwork) December 20, 2021
Was it a joy or wonder that earned the Buddy vs Duff Holiday winner praise?
The theme for the Buddy vs Duff Holiday finale was winter wonderland. Even though the two teams were on different coasts, the displays were quite similar. Polar bears, penguins and animal friends filled the scene. Although the animals were similar, the approach was quite different.
Team Duff excels when it goes realistic, like it did in this scene. The polar bears were sublime. The bears look as if they had just emerged from the water. From the painting to the texture, it look as if it could come from a nature museum.
But, it had moments of fun, too. The little seals peeping out from under the arch with their big eyes were adorable.
I mean, how adorable are these?!?! @FoodNetwork @discoveryplus #buddyvsduff #teamduff pic.twitter.com/xZcadMLcMG
— Sonny Lee Robinson (@SonnyRobinson) December 20, 2021
And, Team Duff took a huge risk by putting an ice sculpture on the display. Water (or ice) and cake are not good bedfellows. The ice penguin with the other penguins brought that sense of whimsy.
On the other hand, Team Buddy brought more of a stylized winter wonderland. The more cartoon like characters seemed to come from a favorite children’s holiday story.
From the gigantic walrus overseeing the scene to the fish strategically placed in the polar bear’s mouth, it was about fun. Everyone couldn’t help but smile when looking at the display.
What gave the Buddy vs Duff Holiday winner the edge with the judges?
Going into the finale, Team Duff had a one point lead and everyone knew that the finale would determine the winner. Although some people disagreed with the outcome of previous challenges, this finale should have everyone in agreement.
The judges’ comments seem to take into consideration the impact of the display. While Team Buddy brought joy, there were a few missteps. The polar bear popping up was cute, but it wasn’t the perfect visual from all angles. There were wow factors, but it didn’t leave you wanting more.
On the other hand, Team Duff captured that sense of wonder. The exacting detail had that wow factor. From how did they do that to is it real, it kept everyone coming back to look and look again.
In a first, the Buddy vs Duff Holiday winner earned a perfect score from the judges and walked away with the victory. Congratulations to Team Duff. That winter wonderland was one for the Food Network record books.
While the holiday spirit is overflowing, is there another present waiting under the tree for Food Network fans. Could Buddy vs Duff be on the horizon for 2022?
What was your favorite display from Buddy vs Duff Holiday season? Do you think that this Food Network show should have another season?