With winter fading and warmer temperatures appearing, Spring Baking Championship Season 11 episode 1 brought a burst of blooms and sweetness to the Food Network kitchen. For this group of bakers, they are up to the challenge and will prove that anything is possible.
For the first time in Spring Baking Championship, there are 13 bakers in the competition. While this baker’s dozen has a lot of talent, only one person will earn the coveted title.
In Season 11, the theme is Little Shop of Spring Magic. Although no one sung “Suddenly Seymor,” the first challenge was blooming with flowers. Luckily, these pretty petals were not as precarious as Audrey’s blossom.
The first Pre-Heat challenge of the season required the bakers to answer, “If I was a spring flower, what would I be?” The bakers had to pick a flower and incorporate that bloom into their dessert. Both the flower and the dessert needed to give a glimpse into who they are. It is not as simple as bakers on a plate, but it had to make a good first impression.
Some bakers shined with their unique desserts and others need to master their time management. From missing elements to lacking finesse, the bottom desserts were clear. Luckily, elimination was off the table in this first bake.
The top desserts were clear. Kari’s lotus blossom was quite unique. From the strawberry water to the basil oil drops, the presentation was a wow factor. That fascinating presentation wowed the judges. The key is to keep the momentum moving forward.
Earning the first Pre-Heat win of Spring Baking Championship Season 11 was Priya. Her cherry blossom interpretation of a magical springtime forest was divine. The cherry mouse flavors were on point and her décor matched the scrumptious taste.
For winning the Pre-Heat, Priya received the “gift” of five extra minutes in the Main Heat. The Pre-Heat prize will vary by challenge. From a special ingredient to immunity, the “prize” will be revealed with the winner’s announcement.
In the Spring Baking Championship Season 11 episode 1 Main Heat, the bakers had to create a “buzz worthy” honey pie with a 3D décor element. This challenge tested both their pie making skills and their ability to balance flavor. Highlighting the honey without the flavor becoming cloying required a deft hand.
Overall, the desserts were good. The bakers did not have any huge fails, like soggy bottoms or jiggly centers. Still, two bakers created un-bee-lievable pies that were worthy of the highest praise.
After a mis-step in the Pre-Heat, Julian proved he deserves top billing in this Food Network competition. He streamlined his décor into a concept that he could manage. More importantly, his flavor was on point.
While his pie was delightful, it could not beat Kari’s honey pie. The combination of chocolate and honey was sublime. Her crust was perfect and the décor was visually stunning. She won the first Main Heat Challenge.
Looking at the top bakers, Kari and Priya appear to be early favorites. Other bakers could emerge from the group, but these two are early contenders.
Unfortunately, the two bottom bakers were Kareem and Jamie. Kareem’s pie was a miss all around. The coffee flavor overpowered the honey. It was imbalanced. Additionally, the décor was messy.
Jamie’s pie did not have a good concept. Her flowers were clumpy, the crust was not baked well, and the strawberry flavor overpowered everything. It was a miss all around.
In a twist that no one saw coming, neither baker was eliminated. Lauren decided to leave the competition. Therefore, neither of the two bottom bakers were sent home.
Can the bottom bakers right their course and rise to the occasion? Watch new episodes of Spring Baking Championship every Monday night at 8 p.m. on Food Network. Episodes can be streamed the next day on MAX.