Spring Baking Championship Season 9 episode 8: Mash-ups, cheesecakes, and perfect pairings

While the bakers might be dreaming of making the semi-finals in this baking competition, Spring Baking Championship Season 9 episode 8 requires the fabulous five to find that winning dessert match. Whether it is love at first sight, an unexpected pairing, or the global flavors that bring some excitement to the plate, this Food Network show is ready to crown a winner. Unfortunately, one baker got a one-way ticket home sooner than they wanted.

Looking at the five remaining bakers, it is interesting that Molly is the only female baker left in the competition. Although Molly had both highs and lows in the previous episode, she has found ways to make it through to the next round.

The other male bakers, except for Josh, have had impressive wins. Even though there have been mis-steps, the errors have not been horrible. Giving predictions on who could eventually earn the title is not easy.

For the pre-heat round, the bakers had to create dessert mash-ups. While the idea was based on a blind date scenario or swiping right on that dessert match, the combinations actually sound like dessert options that many people would love to order. From apple pie churros to bananas fosters cannoli, these desserts could inspire the next food trend.

Overall, all the dessert mash-ups were good. While Molly’s dessert had technical issues, the flavor was on point. The dessert looked more like fried chicken with gravy. In some ways, a coconut macaroon Boston Cream Pie was not an easy dessert mash-up.

The other dishes were good. Who wouldn’t want to try Luke’s blondie tiramisu? Even if that heart shape was not perfect, it caused a few hearts to go aflutter with that first bite.

In a surprise twist, Josh finally won a challenge. His red velvet eclairs were visually stunning. From the vibrant red color to the flavors, it was clearly the best dessert of the bunch. It had a contrast of textures and was delicious. Maybe he should put this dessert on his holiday menu.

For winning the Spring Baking Championship Season 9 episode 8 pre-heat, Josh was able to pick his flavor, i.e. country, for the main heat. This challenge had the bakers incorporate select flavors from particular countries into a cheesecake. While a cheesecake might be a classic dish that many home bakers make, it is not as common in Food Network baking competitions. The final five needed to produce something more than a graham cracker crust with a classic filling.

Overall, the flavor combinations could inspire home bakers to think a little out of the box when it comes to their cheesecake recipes. Although Molly’s black sesame and matcha flavor combinations might be a little bold, some of the other options were quite lovely.

One of the most visually impressive cheesecakes was Christian’s Italian inspired dessert. The blood orange compote struck the right flavor and left out the potential bitterness. While the olive oil flavors might have been subtle, the dessert’s design was stunning. It captured the theme with a modern approach.

Luke made a visually stunning cheesecake that captured the Indian theme. With vibrant décor inspired by Holi, the cardamon flavors were subtle yet added depth of flavor. The mango compote was zesty and bright. Overall, it was a successful and creative approach.

While Christian and Luke were top bakers, Luke won the main heat challenge of Spring Baking Championship Season 9 episode 8. In addition, Molly moved onto the next round. Her pretty décor of cherry blossoms paired well with the Japanese flavors of black sesame and matcha.

Unfortunately, Clement and Josh were the two bottom bakers. Clement had a technical issue with his cheesecake. It seemed like the middle never set. That situation caused problems with his décor. But, his Brazilian flavors were nice.

Josh chose Mexican flavors and his cheesecake was nice. From the gum paste hibiscus flavor to the even layers, it was good, but the judges wanted more. He did have a big misstep with the poutine layer, which had an unpleasant texture after it was baked. The judges’ biggest criticism was that Josh should have taken a bigger risk.

Even though he won the pre-heat, the judges sent Josh home on Spring Baking Championship Season 9 episode 8. This decision might not be well-received. Clement had technical issues with his cheesecake and the texture was definitely off. While Josh’s cheesecake might have needed a little extra, it did not have the same technical issue. But, Clement has been a favorite throughout the competition, and it would be hard to see him eliminated before the semi-finals.

Could it be an all male baker Spring Baking Championship finale? Be sure to watch the next episode of Spring Baking Championship on Food Network Monday night at 8 p.m. or stream episodes on discovery+.