Festival of Cake

Bake-Off Competition

Join us for an unforgettable celebration of baking excellence at the Festival of Cake Bake-Off Competition. Whether you are a professional pastry chef, an enthusiastic home baker, or a budding junior baker, this competition is the perfect platform to showcase your skills and creativity.

Why Participate?

  • Showcase Your Skills: Whether you're a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic amateur, this is your chance to shine! Display your baking prowess and artistic flair in front of a panel of esteemed judges and an audience of cake lovers.
  • Win Exciting Prizes: Compete for fabulous prizes, including baking supplies, gift cards, and the coveted title of Festival of Cake Bake Off Champion!
  • Network with Professionals: Meet and connect with top pastry chefs and industry experts.
  • Learn and Grow: Participate in workshops and masterclasses to enhance your skills.
  • Enjoy the Experience: Celebrate your passion for baking in a fun and supportive environment and gain new ideas for your own baking adventures.

When Is It?

  • Friday 28 November 2025 – Professional Bake-off
  • Saturday 29 November 2025 – Amateur Bake-off
  • Sunday 30 November 2025 – Junior Bake-off

Who Can Enter?


Professional Category:
Open to individuals aged twenty-one (21) or older who:

  • Have at least one (1) year of documented professional baking or culinary experience; or
  • Have received formal baking or culinary education; or
  • Receive payment for their services in the field of baking or cooking.

Amateur Category:
Open to individuals aged eighteen (18) or older who:

  • Do not receive any form of compensation for baking or cooking services; and Have not received any formal baking or culinary training.

Junior Category:
Open to individuals aged ten (10) to seventeen (17), regardless of experience, who have an interest in baking.


*Participants who provide false or misleading information regarding their eligibility or category classification may be disqualified at the sole discretion of the Organiser.*

our Judges

Anna Olson

Canada’s beloved baking expert and accomplished chef, is a globally recognised television personality and author known for her practical, inspiring approach to cooking and baking.

Claire Clark MBE

Claire Clark MBE is regarded as one of the top three pastry chefs in the world. Claire was a judge in the first series of the BBC's Bake Off: Crème de la Crème.

Karim Bourgi

Karim Bourgi is the co-founder of KAYU, CALLA, OPPA, and PIKADO, and a celebrated Dubai pastry chef. A Le Cordon Bleu Paris graduate, he’s recognized for his creative desserts and, in 2023, won MENA's Best Pastry Chef award from The World's 50 Best.He also serves as a global ambassador for Elle & Vire.

Professional

Best Wedding Cake

Theme: Winter Sun

Requirements:

  • Minimum 3 tiers
  • Maximum base: 20" x 20"
  • Handmade flowers only (no commercial flowers)
  • Must use 4+ decorating techniques
  • May include dummies but must be translatable to real cake

Best Sculpted Cake

Theme: Competitor's Choice

Requirements:

  • Minimum height: 12" (excluding base)
  • Maximum base: 20" x 20"
  • Must be at least 75% real cake
  • Must provide 6 in-process photos
  • Fully edible decorations required

Best Novelty/Special Occasion Cake

Theme: Take Me to Dubai

Requirements:

  • Minimum 2 tiers
  • Handmade flowers only
  • Must include at least 2 decorating techniques
  • Fully edible materials only
  • Maximum base: 20" x 20"

Amateur

Best Novelty/Special Occasion Cake

Theme: Take Me to Dubai

Requirements:

  • Minimum 2 tiers
  • Handmade flowers only
  • Must include at least 2 decorating techniques
  • Fully edible materials only
  • Maximum base: 20" x 20"

Best Single Layer Fondant Cake

Requirements:

  • Real cake (8", 9", 10" round/square or 9" x 13")
  • No fondant or royal icing as base icing
  • Only leaf, star, and round tips allowed
  • One-quarter of the top must remain visible
  • Bottom border required

Best Chocolate Cake

Requirements:

  • One whole cake (minimum 8" round or equivalent loaf)
  • Must use chocolate in sponge and frosting (if applicable)
  • All elements must be edible
  • Must be presented on a sturdy board or platter

Best Themed/Character Cupcakes

Requirements:

  • 3–6 regular-size cupcakes
  • Must follow a central theme (e.g. animals, flowers, characters)
  • Fondant or royal icing only for decoration
  • Must be fully edible

Best Cookies

Requirements:

  • 6 homemade cookies
  • No commercial mixes
  • Must be displayed on a plate or tray
  • Must include flavour label

Best Plant-Based/Vegan Cake

Requirements:

  • 1 whole cake or loaf
  • Must contain no animal-derived products
  • Must clearly label ingredients

Best Gluten-Free Cookies

Requirements:

  • 6 homemade cookies made with gluten-free ingredients
  • Must clearly label all ingredients
  • Should be prepared in a gluten-free environment where possible
  • Must be displayed on a plate or tray with flavour label

Junior

Best Novelty/Special Occasion Cake

Theme: Take Me to Dubai

Requirements:

  • Minimum 1 tier
  • Handmade flowers only
  • Must include at least 2 decorating techniques
  • Fully edible materials only
  • Maximum base: 20" x 20"

Best Single Layer Fondant Cake

Requirements:

  • Real cake (8", 9", 10" round/square or 9" x 13")
  • No fondant or royal icing as base icing
  • Only leaf, star, and round tips allowed
  • One-quarter of the top must remain visible
  • Bottom border required

Best Chocolate Cake

Requirements:

  • One whole cake (minimum 8" round or equivalent loaf)
  • Must use chocolate in sponge and frosting (if applicable)
  • All elements must be edible
  • Must be presented on a sturdy board or platter

Best Themed/Character Cupcakes

Requirements:

  • 3–6 regular-size cupcakes
  • Must follow a central theme (e.g. animals, flowers, characters)
  • Fondant or royal icing only for decoration
  • Must be fully edible

Best Cookies

Requirements:

  • 6 homemade cookies
  • No commercial mixes
  • Must be displayed on a plate or tray
  • Must include flavour label

Best Brownies

Requirements:

  • 6 homemade brownies
  • Must be cut into individual servings
  • Must be displayed on a plate or tray