Halloween Baking Championship Season 9 winner baked a fun house of terrors

As the Henson and Sons Carnival prepares to re-open, only one baker will earn the Halloween Baking Championship Season 9 winner crown. This Food Network baking competition has pushed the bakers into the dark, deep, cervices of that haunted story. Which baker rose from the deadly depths? The answer was more twisted than viewers assumed.

For the Thriller Challenge, the three bakers had to create a black, flourless dessert which incorporated black ingredients and dead flowers. Basically, the black on black dessert might have appeared to be one note, but that concept was far from the truth. Just like the family tree that it represented, the desserts were full of twists and turns.

James was first to present his dessert to the judges. His black seaweed stacked macaron had an impressive visual. The judges raved over the flowers, vines and purple undertones. While black, the color popped, it invited that first taste.

Unfortunately, the flavor was less successful. As Zac Young said, the seaweed brought the flavor of a goldfish tank. While a little briny note might have been fine, no one wanted to go to those sea-infused depths.

Hollie impressed the judges yet again with both her décor and flavors. The gothic coffin design was classy, restrained yet creepy. More importantly, her use of black pepper in the chewy cookie contrasted the luscious cheesecake. It was the perfect mix of sweet heat.

Ryan gave the judges a bone and they loved it. The black sesame stacked macaron felt like a grown-up peanut butter cup. In addition, the judges swooned over his chocolate roses.

In the end, Hollie won the Thriller Challenge. It was another win on her resume. As an advantage, she was able to pick her Killer Challenge theme and assign the other themes. Whether or not it would be helpful to secure that Halloween Baking Championship Season 9 winner title remains to be seen.

For the Killer Challenge, the bakers had to create a cake-scape based on attraction for the Henson and Sons Carnival re-opening. Hollie picked the fun house. Given her decorating talents, this challenge might be hers to lose.

Ryan had to create the Hall of Lost Souls attraction. The judges liked some of the details but commented that it seemed he lacked enough time. Even though the attraction was moody and broody, the flavors had the judges floating on cloud nine. The lemon chiffon cake was ethereal. Even the fall inspired butternut squash cream cheese filling was a hit.

James had to create a two-headed monster attraction. While his animal was creepy, the cake-scape felt more like a medieval scene than a haunted carnival. Regarding the cake, the rich chocolate ate like pudding. Even though there was a mango filling, the judges wanted more of an bright note to cut through the chocolate.

Lastly, Hollie presented a fun house of horrors. The imagery was creepy, yet no one could turn away. At every surface, there was something else to see. Her cake was very different. The passion fruit cake with sour lemon buttercream was a bold choice. It brought the pucker, even if the cake needed a little extra soak.

Although there have been many twists and turns this season, the Halloween Baking Championship Season 9 winner was Hollie. Many Food Network fans might have predicted this outcome, but her win was well-deserved. She hit the décor and flavor in every challenge.

What is next for the Halloween Baking Championship Season 9 winner? Only time will tell. More importantly, will she stick to her word and get a John tattoo?