Join the Ultimate Amateur Bake-Off! Are you passionate about baking? Do you love whipping up delicious treats but don't have professional experience? This is your moment! Our Amateur Bake Off Competition is open to home bakers, baking enthusiasts, and anyone without formal training.
Amateur Bake Off Competition
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Cost of Entry: To secure your entry into the Festival of Cake Bake Off the entrance fee for Amateur is $28
Special Occasion/Novelty Cake Requirements
THEME: TAKE ME TO DUBAI
About
This competition invites bakers to create a cake inspired by the vibrant and diverse city of Dubai. Whether it's the stunning skyline, the rich cultural heritage, or the luxurious lifestyle, let your cake reflect what makes Dubai special to you. From modern designs to traditional elements, capture the essence of a trip to Dubai in your creation. Let your imagination transport us to this iconic city!
Requirements
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The theme will be “Take Me to Dubai”.
- Can be anything that makes you think about a trip to Dubai.
- Vintage or modern.
- Based on any experience you would like.
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Entry must not exceed a base measuring 20”x20”. No element of the design may exceed 20”x20”.
- Must be a minimum of 2 tiers (Single tier for Junior only).
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If using flowers, they must be handmade; commercial/premade flowers are not permitted.
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Floral wires should not be inserted directly into the cake; use straws or picks.
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May be made with cake dummies but must be a design that can be easily translated into cake.
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Must be covered with edible materials.
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Toppers or anything added to the outside of the cake must be handcrafted and made of edible material.
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If applicable, the underside of all exposed dummies must be covered.
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Use of non-toxic items (luster dust, disco dust, etc.) IS permitted.
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A minimum of 2 different techniques must be used to decorate the cake; more are encouraged.
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Competitors will complete an entry form to be displayed with their cake; form will have:
- Identification number
- Category
- Classification
- Description of cake and inspiration (list of techniques used)
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Judges’ decisions are final.
Cookies
Judging
Scored on a 100-point system.
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be chosen in each category and classification.
- Gold Award will be awarded to all entries that score 90-100 points.
- Silver Award will be awarded to all entries that score 80-89 points.
- Bronze Award will be awarded to all entries that score 70-79 points.
- The People’s Choice Award will be voted on by attendees.
Judging Criteria
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General Appearance - 40
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Crumb (texture) - 30
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Flavor - 30
Requirements
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Requirements – 6 Cookies
Brownies
Judging
Scored on a 100-point system.
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1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be chosen in each category and classification.
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Gold Award will be awarded to all entries that score 90-100 points.
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Silver Award will be awarded to all entries that score 80-89 points.
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Bronze Award will be awarded to all entries that score 70-79 points.
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The People’s Choice Award will be voted on by attendees.
Judging Criteria
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General Appearance - 40
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Crumb (texture) - 30
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Flavor - 30
Requirements
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Requirements – 6 Brownies
Banana Bread
Judging
Scored on a 100-point system.
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be chosen in each category and classification.
- Gold Award will be awarded to all entries that score 90-100 points.
- Silver Award will be awarded to all entries that score 80-89 points.
- Bronze Award will be awarded to all entries that score 70-79 points.
- The People’s Choice Award will be voted on by attendees.
Judging Criteria
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General Appearance - 30
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Texture - 25
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Crumb - 10
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Flavour - 35
Requirements
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Requirements – 1 Whole Loaf
Date Cake
Judging
Scored on a 100-point system.
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be chosen in each category and classification.
- Gold Award will be awarded to all entries that score 90-100 points.
- Silver Award will be awarded to all entries that score 80-89 points.
- Bronze Award will be awarded to all entries that score 70-79 points.
- The People’s Choice Award will be voted on by attendees.
Judging Criteria
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General Appearance - 30
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Texture - 25
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Crumb - 10
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Flavour - 35
Requirements
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Requirements – 1 Whole Loaf
Themed/Character Cupcakes
Judging System
- General Appearance - 30
- Creativity and originality - 15
- Technical ability - 15
- Texture - 15
- Flavour - 25
Requirements
- Decorate a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 regular-size (2 ¾ inches) cupcakes in liners using frosting and edible materials.
- Fondant and royal icing can be used only for decorations.
- Cupcakes should be of a similar design or theme (themed cupcakes mean that there is a central idea between all the cupcakes; for example: animal theme, flower theme, Disney characters, cupcakes do not have to be all the same).
- Frosting must cover the cupcake and provide a base for decorations. One-fourth must be visible on at least one cupcake.
- No non-edible materials can be used.
- Cupcakes can be displayed in a 6-cup muffin tin or foil liners on a sturdy paper plate.
Single Layer Fondant Cake
Judging System
- General Appearance - 30
- Creativity and originality - 15
- Technical ability - 15
- Texture - 15
- Flavour - 25
Requirements
- Frost single-layer 8” or 9” or 10”-inch round or square or 9” x 13” rectangle real cake.
- Decorate the real cake using a leaf tip, star tip, and round tip only. (No fondant or royal icing may be used as icing or decorations on the cake.) Only required tip work can be used in Unit 2.
- One-fourth of the top of the cake should be visible to show a smooth base.
- Bottom Bass Border is required.
- Only edible materials may be used. No non-edible material can be used.
- No flowers made on a flower nail or materials other than frosting in decorations.
Vegan Cake
Judging
Scored on a 100-point system.
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be chosen in each category and classification.
- Gold Award will be awarded to all entries that score 90-100 points.
- Silver Award will be awarded to all entries that score 80-89 points.
- Bronze Award will be awarded to all entries that score 70-79 points.
- The People’s Choice Award will be voted on by attendees.
Judging Criteria
- General Appearance - 30
- Texture - 25
- Crumb - 10
- Flavour - 35
Requirements
- Frost single-layer 8” or 9” or 10”- inch round or square or 9” x 13” rectangle real cake.
- Decorate the real cake using a leaf tip, star tip, and round tip only. (No fondant or royal icing may be used as icing or decorations on the cake.) Only required tip work can be used in Unit 2.
- One-fourth of the top of the cake should be visible to show a smooth base.
- Bottom Bass Border is required.
- Only edible materials may be used. No non-edible material can be used.
- No flowers made on a flower nail or materials other than frosting in decorations.
Gluten-Free Cupcakes
Judging
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be chosen in each category and classification.
- Gold Award will be awarded to all entries that score 90-100 points.
- Silver Award will be awarded to all entries that score 80-89 points.
- Bronze Award will be awarded to all entries that score 70-79 points.
- The People’s Choice Award will be voted on by attendees.
Judging Criteria
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General Appearance - 40
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Crumb (texture) - 30
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Flavor - 30
Requirements
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Requirements – 6 Cupcakes
Chocolate Cake
Judging
Scored on a 100-point system.
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be chosen in each category and classification.
- Gold Award will be awarded to all entries that score 90-100 points.
- Silver Award will be awarded to all entries that score 80-89 points.
- Bronze Award will be awarded to all entries that score 70-79 points.
- The People’s Choice Award will be voted on by attendees.
Judging Criteria
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General Appearance - 30
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Texture - 25
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Crumb - 10
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Flavour - 35
Judging System
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Requirements – 1 Cake
How to Enter
Ready to whip up something magical? Here’s how to participate:
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Register: Register by signing up to your selected category by February 1st 2025.
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Submit: Select your category and submit payment.
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Bake: Create your stunning bakes and prepare to wow our judges!
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Deliver your masterpiece: to the competition venue on February 23, 2025.
Join Us
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a delightful event where passion, creativity, and baking come together. Whether you’re competing or cheering from the sidelines, the Festival of Cake Bake-Off promises to be a heartwarming celebration of all things sweet.
Sign up today and let your baking journey begin!
Enter NowCompetition Rules
General Rules
- Registration must be completed and paid for by 1st February 2025, no entries will be accepted after that time.
- All entrants must check in at the registration desk before being escorted to the vendor hall.
- Only 1 entry per person, per category is permitted.
- Absolutely no identifying markings should be on or near the entry. (Names, logos, business cards, etc.).
- Entries must be checked in and set up by 10:00 amp across the following dates/ categories
Professionals- 21st February 2025
Juniors - 22nd February 2025
Amateurs- 23rd February 2025 - Judging will begin promptly at 10:30 am, on the respected dates
- Winners will be announced at 3pm on the respected days.
- Entries are not permitted to leave the vendor hall until 5pm, on the respected days
- Entries must be removed from the display area between 5pm-7pm, on the respected days.
- Any items, cakes, displays, etc. remaining after 7pm, will be disposed of by staff.
- All entries will be photographed and shared on websites and social media; by entering the competition, you are permitting us to share pictures.
- Judges reserve the right to remove or disqualify any entry they feel violates rules or doesn’t meet requirements.
- Judges' decisions are final.
Judging Criteria
All entries will be judged on a 100-point system based on the following criteria:
- Incorporation of Required Elements
- Creativity & Originality
- Neatness of Cake Covering
- Neatness of Decorations
- Difficulty of Technique(s)
- Skill
- Number of Techniques & Mediums
- Use of Colour
- Overall Appearance
Prizes and Awards
- Gold Award: 90-100 points
- Silver Award: 80-89 points
- Bronze Award: 70-79 points
Winners will receive trophies, certificates, and special prizes from our sponsors.
FAQ's
Important Dates
- Registration Deadline:
1 February 2025 - Set Up: Between 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Professionals - 21 February 2025
Juniors - 22 February 2025
Amateurs- 23rd February 2025 - Judging & Awarding: 21-23 February 2025
What happens if my entry gets damaged on route to the competition?
Judges suggest taking pictures of your completed piece before travelling in case of accidents. Judges will use the picture at their discretion when evaluating your entry.
What are some things judges look for in a competition piece?
- Are your boards covered.
- Is there any cake, dummy, wires etc. unintentionally exposed.
- How many techniques have you used (Then use even more!).
- Is your design cohesive.
- Does it meet the rules or requirements.
- Overall appearance.
What if I do not make it in time to bring my piece to the competition?
All entries must be checked in by 10:00 am on the respected days, no one will be permitted to check in after that. Make arrangements with friends and family to help you if you do not think you will make it in time.