Halloween Baking Championship Season 9 episode 2: Merry go doom

While the sounds of the carnival might be inviting, Halloween Baking Championship Season 9 episode 2 had another twisted tale to reveal. Sometimes a spin on this Food Network experience could leave the bakers feeling totally off kilter.

Although the first Halloween Baking Championship episode saw one baker, Ryan, win both challenges, the desserts were quite good. Some bakers might want to play the middle, but a line started to appear between the better bakers and the ones who might go home early in the competition.

In Halloween Baking Championship Season 9 episode 2, the Thriller Challenge was tricker than it appeared. The bloody doughnuts had to have blood splatter both in and out of the doughnut. While the bakers prepared to “lacerate” these treats, the plates were definitely a mess, in a good way.

Overall, the doughnuts were successful. Some doughs were dense, and a few doughnuts were over fried. But, the décor fit the brief. The plate splat was in full effect.

The two top bakers in the Thriller Challenge were James and Ryan. With another top placement, Ryan has become a target. His eyeball doughnuts were perfectly fried. In addition, his décor was creepy but still had a touch of refinement.

For James, his doughnut was unique. It was baked then fried. The double cook offered an amazing texture. More importantly, his ginger flavor came through to elevate the overall experience. Even if there was a little controversy regarding his filling amount, the judges could not deny that his bloody doughnuts were tops.

James won the Halloween Baking Championship Season 9 episode 2 Thriller Challenge. For his Killer Challenge advantage, he was able to pick his flavor and no one else could use it. While these advantages should set the bakers up for successes, they need to think strategically.

The Halloween Baking Championship Season 9 episode 2 Killer Challenge required the bakers to create a carousel theme cake with a duality design. One side would have a happy moment and the other side would have a doomed theme. The bakers needed to be careful how they approached the merry go round cake. Spinning in the wrong direction could be their downfall.

In addition, the mid-challenge twist required the bakers to include a cookie cake topper. While this element might not seem too difficult, unlike a required ingredient or flavor, the reality is that this element was both a taste and décor requirement. A bad cookie that looks good will have the bakers spinning toward that doom side.

Since he had the advantage, James picked his exclusive flavor. His choice was ube, which made everyone laugh. The unexpected choice was definitely playing to his strengths versus thinking strategically about the challenge.

In an unfortunate turn of events, Chad had to leave the competition due to illness. Although he stepped away, there was still an elimination in this round. Maybe that scenario means that there will be an episode where no one is sent home.

Looking at the carousel cakes, the offerings were either well done or a miss. Some turned a great tale with the visual and others had a high note with flavors. But, two cakes grabbed the golden ring with both aspects.

Similar to other challenges, both James and Ryne were top bakers. The judges loved Ryan’s simplicity in his décor. Each side was a mirror image, just with the appropriate theme. More importantly, his olive oil cake with strawberry and black pepper was delightful. It was an impressive cake.

James proved his ube choice was a big win. The contrast of textures and flavors with the coconut captured the tropical vibe. In addition, his story was clear.

Similar to episode 1, James won both the Thriller and the Killer in Halloween Baking Championship Season 9 episode 2. Could this scenario be a theme in the new season?

Unfortunately, the two bottom bakers spun in the wrong direction with their cakes. Christa needed more details. Between uneven layers and a messy décor, the cake was a miss. Even though her blackberry compote was tasty, it could not keep her out of the bottom.

The other bottom baker was Phoebe. While her animal cookie décor reminded everyone of the classic cookies that were often part of school lunches, those elements could not save a dense pumpkin spice cake. From too thick maple cream cheese to a cake that was more like a muffin, Phoebe was sent home.

In some ways, Phoebe didn’t lean into the sinister side of Halloween Baking Championship. Her desserts have been more sweet than scary. Maybe the judges didn’t think that she could handle the upcoming gory challenges.

What experience is coming up on Halloween Baking Championship? The challenge could be out of this world.

Halloween Baking Championship airs on Food Network Monday nights at 9 p.m. and can be streamed the next day on MAX.