In the spirit of magical challenges, Spring Baking Championship Season 11 episode 5 turns back the clock. From taking a dip in the fountain of youth to setting the hands on the clock, one baker’s time ran out in this Food Network show.
For the Pre-Heat, a big advantage was on the line. The winner of this Pre-Heat received immunity, which could be used over the next three challenges. Julian, who previously earned immunity, has yet to redeem his advantage.
In the Pre-Heat, the bakers needed to create a modern take on a childhood classic. Basically, the bakers needed to give a spring glow up to a favorite dessert. Some bakers nailed the challenge and others totally missed the mark.
Kari earned high praise from Nancy Fuller. The bourbon infused tres leches cake with some cinnamon was a sophisticated adult dessert. It captured the concept of the challenge beautifully.
Corey’s elevation of a grasshopper pie had Kardea Brown jumping out of her chair. The flavor was impeccable. Combined with the movement and beautiful composition, Corey was clearly the winner. He earned the gift of immunity.
Unfortunately, more than half of the other bakers missed the mark. From sour mango flavors to lazy presentations, some bakers seem to be floundering. At some point, they will need to step up their game or be sent home.
For the Main Heat, the bakers needed to make a top forward clock cake. While all the bakers should be able to deliver a delicious cake, the challenge was the structure. If the cake was not soundly made, it would not stand up to the specific presentation. It was far more difficult than it seemed.
Each of the clock cakes needed to pick a time that has meaning to the baker. Some bakers needed more time to perfect these cakes. The divide between the top and the bottom cakes was quite clear.
The top cakes were from Raveena and Lisa. Lisa’s cake had a lovely interpretation of a tree clock. Her lavender pear filling impressed Nancy Fuller.
Raveena created a chocolate peanut butter cake that was described as naughty and rich. The delicate vintage clock had thoughtful embellishments. Her combination of flavor and décor earned her the Main Heat win.
In this challenge, Jullian redeemed his immunity advantage. Since he was under a time crunch, he chose to be safe. But, the judges thought his decision was a mistake. His chocolate cake would have earned him a spot in the next challenge.
The two bottom bakers were Paul and Kareem. Paul’s steampunk cake was a mess. Although the judges did not see that he had a piece of cardboard in the cake, the decoration was a melted mess. His sponge was too soft and he needed to remove the fruit seeds from his filling.
Kareem’s digital clock cake did not resemble his particular clock. It might have had digital numbers, but it was not a digital clock.
Additionally, Kareem’s cake was a mess. Since he used freeze dried strawberries, the cake’s texture was quite tough. He did not understand how that ingredient would impact the final result.
After too many times in the bottom, it was time for Kareem to be sent home. Paul was lucky that he was safe, since it is clear that he does not decorate cake well.
Can these bakers spring forward and impress the judges in the next challenges? Be sure to watch new episodes of Spring Baking Championship every Monday night at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Food Network. Episodes can be streamed the next day on MAX.