With the finale within their grasp, Spring Baking Championship Season 11 episode 10 had the bakers bring a piece of their personality to the table. Which of the four remaining bakers fell short of the ultimate Food Network prize?
Throughout Spring Baking Championship, the bakers have seen highs and lows. While it is a guarantee that a woman baker will earn the title, the reality is that each of these bakers have impressed and disappointed the judges. They all will have to stay focused to win the title.
Additionally, the Spring Baking Championship Season 11 challenges have delivered on the magic theme. From glow in the dark cakes to delightful macarons, the bakers have had to show their range. No one can be a specialist in this competition.
In the first challenge, the bakers had to make a statement Fraiser cake. The two top bakers would earn their spots in the finale. The other two bakers would have to enter a bake-off for the remaining spot.
For those unfamiliar, the French cake is made with strawberries, almond sponge, and pastry cream. The bakers needed to bring a touch of their personality to the dessert. At this point, all the bakers should be able to execute this dessert, but the judges want to see more.
Finding her way, Priya soared to a win in this challenge. While she had a strong start to the season, there have been a few missteps in the middle of the competition. In a handful of challenges, she almost went home. But, this fraiser cake earned her the win and the first spot in the finale.
Joining her in the finale was Lisa. Again, Lisa found her way to fight through the stumbles. Even in the previous episode where ice cream melted and she almost gave up, she has found a way to succeed. Maybe that sentiment is the real magic of the season.
Unfortunately, Mary-Frances and Raveena faced the bake-off. For this challenge, the bakers were serving the judges a piece of themselves. The challenge was to create a Spring dessert that was personally meaningful.
Given that the two dessert were quite different, it is hard to compare. Of course, the judges are well-versed in the food recipes and complexities, but this scenario is as much about storytelling as it is about execution.
Mary-Frances has been the baker who has listened to the judges’ feedback and adapted. From pulling back on the acidic notes in her desserts to elevating the visuals, she has been the baker who has risen to the occasion.
Her dessert was a pavlova with a yuzu curd. The choice to focus on such a bold, citrus note was curious. In a way, it was a play to show the judges that she knew how to balance flavors. Additionally, making a pavlova is never easy.
Raveena has impressed and also has faltered. The one consistent factor with her food is the use of bold flavors, particularly spices. When those warm spices weave their way into traditional desserts, it can be the ultimate comfort food.
For her dessert, Raveena made cardamom spice cakes. This dessert resonated with her and brought back family memories. She spoke about what it means to see someone like herself represented in the competition.
Did Mary-Francese or Raveena make the Spring Baking Championship finale? No one knows. The episode ended without the reveal.
Want to see which three bakers compete for the Spring Baling Championship Season 11 title? Be sure to watch the episode Monday, May 19 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Food Network. Episodes can be streamed the next day on MAX.