Spring Baking Championship Season 10 episode 7: Petit fours and pull-apart wreaths

While the classic saying about April Showers might be front of mind, Spring Baking Championship Season 10 episode 7 is blooming with florals designs. The perfect petit fours and blossoming pull-apart wreaths delighted the Food Network judges with stunning decor and delicious flavors.

Spring Baking Championship Season 10 has narrowed the field as the finale quickly approaches. Even though a fan favorite baked her last cake in the previous episode, the six remaining bakers impressed the judges with impeccable flavors and stunning designs. At this point in the Food Network competition, no one can afford a mis-step.

Spring Baking Championship Season 10 episode 7 focuses on “April Showers.” While the bakers did not have to make it rain on their cakes, the challenges seemed to focus on pretty petals. Flowers bloomed everywhere.

The Pre-heat focused on petit fours. While the tiny bites always impress at a tea party, this challenge seemed to stump the bakers. For some bakers, they missed the memo on both the “small” and the “pretty.”

For example, Steven had a great flavor with his almond cake and tarragon with cassis filling. Unfortunately, his cakes were huge. These dessert definitely missed the “petit” part of the challenge.

Many of the bakers faltered on the appearance. From Kate not glazing the sides of her petit fours to Robert forgetting to put a stabilizer in his glaze, the little errors were disconcerting. At this point in the competition, the small errors can send a baker home.

Although not necessarily a surprise, Alex won the Spring Baking Championship Season 10 episode 7 Pre-heat. The judges praised his chocolate flourless cake and a heavenly mousse. It was rich but not too cocoa forward. In addition, his chocolate glaze had a lovely shine and the floral petal was pretty. His petit fours stood out in a great way.

For winning the Pre-heat, Alex’s advantage was a special decorating basket for the Main Heat. It had all types of floral molds and decorating tips. His fellow competitors would have liked to have these tools to make the decorating portion of the next challenge much easier.

The Main Heat of Spring Baking Championship Season 10 episode 7 had the bakers make maypole, floral pull-apart wreaths. This challenge might have looked simple, but it is was not easy. While the theme was to make a maypole concept, the “pole” requirement in the center of the wreath seemed to be an afterthought. In some ways, this idea could have been removed.

Additionally, there was no twist in this Main Heat challenge. Although the bakers were happy that no flavor or decorative element twist had them blowing in the wind, the reality is that twists are vital to the competition. Those extra elements prove whether the bakers can adapt to whatever is thrown their way.

While Alex received the Main Heat advantage, he did not use any of the molds or decorative items in his basket. Whether this choice was a mind game or just his preference, his wreath did not need the help. His floral design was stunning.

Overall, the judges said that his wreath looked like a crown. More importantly, the classic sponge was light and airy. It was clear that he would be moving into the next round.

The biggest surprise of the Main Heat was Kate’s wreath. Although she had a do-over moment with her flowers, it was her biscuit that earned high praise from the judges. It was clear that she had the best biscuit.

Described as tender and crispy, the white sugar helped to add another textural element. The blackberry compote added to the overall flavor story. It was clear that she was the winner.

The other top baker was Robert. His Southern biscuit with peaches was a delight. With the addition of a bourbon Chantilly, the flavor combination was a huge hit. The colorful décor fit the theme. It was good to see Robert surge to the top. Could this moment help push him to the finale?

Unfortunately, the two bottom bakers had mistakes that should not happen at this point in the competition. For example, Nickey might have found a way to pipe buttercream flowers for the first time, but her maypole was leaning. More importantly, the texture of her pound cake was not right. Whether it needed more butter or something else, the cake was a little tough.

Rochelle took inspiration from a pina colada for her flavors. While the addition of the maraschino cherry hinted at the flavor, it did not help her décor. It was more of a distraction.

More importantly, the judges felt that her cakes were more lime than pineapple. The zesty citrus overtook the tropical pineapple. Even though her sponge was light and airy, the flavor was off.

After having a mis-step in the Pre-heat and missing the mark in the Main Heat, Rochelle was eliminated on Spring Baking Championship Season 10 episode 7.  

With just five bakers remaining, there is no room for errors. Which baker could race to the front of the pack in the Derby Day celebrations? Be sure to watch new episodes every Monday night at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Food Network. Episodes can be streamed the next day on MAX.