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The 10 Most Insanely Elaborate 'Great British Baking Show' Creations of All Time

Don't even think about skimping on the sugar-work.

November  7, 2018
Photo by Ren Fuller

I have a lot of dreams about Great British Baking Show. Admittedly, some of them take the form of nightmares about Paul Hollywood pinching a piece of my freshly made sourdough boule between his thumb and forefinger while hissing "underbaked." Or of my carefully rolled out laminations melting together in the hot, hot tent, before they can hit the oven and puff. Or of—oh godmy dough overproofing. (Please love me still, Paul. Please.)

But, the vast majority are pleasant ones, like where I'm sampling layers of a chessboard-shaped cake, tearing off a single "flower petal" on an intricately braided wreath bread, or biting the beak off of a meringue flamingo.

And with GBBS' “Collection 6” premiering on Netflix in the U.S. on Nov. 9 (shh, no spoilers in the comments please, U.K.!), I can only imagine what new dream-fodder's to come. In the meantime, here's a look back at 10 of the most insanely elaborate and impressive bakes from earlier seasons:

Martha's Chess-Themed Chocolate & Salted Caramel Dobos Torte, Series 5

I get anxiety just looking at those rooks. Photo by BBC

Paul's "King of the Jungle" Lion Bread Sculpture, Series 6

The king of the (bread sculpture) jungle. Photo by PBS

Beca's Spiced Butternut Squash & Pecan "Cheese" Cake, Series 4

Much less menacing than the mouse I suspect lives underneath my dishwasher. (I hear you squeaking back there!) Photo by BBC

Frances' Rainbow Picnic Pie, Series 4

Because two picnic cases are better than one. Photo by BBC

Steven's BLT Cake, Series 8

My two favorite things, sandwiches and cakes. Photo by Daily Mail

Nancy's Summer Pudding Alaska, Series 5

Meanwhile, here I am, piping a single sloppy rose out of a giant Ziploc. Photo by BBC

Chetna's Almond Liquer Dobos Torte with Chocolate Caramel Buttercream, Series 5

So. Much. Sugar-work. Photo by BBC

Luis' Dragon Biscuit Sculpture, Series 5

Not to brag on Luis' behalf, but all those pieces FIT TOGETHER LIKE A PUZZLE. Photo by BBC

Nadiya's Bubble Gum and Peppermint Religieuse à l’Ancienne, Series 6

A casual three layers of free standing choux pastries, in the shape of a nun. Photo by BBC

Yan's Bowl of Noodles Cake, Series 8

I'll take two. Photo by Daily Mail

And no matter what snack you prepare for the premiere, just remember: You're never too posh to dunk.

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You're never too posh to dunk. #GBBOFinal

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Plus, A Few Of The Baking Projects We're Planning to Tackle As We Watch

Which bakes did I miss? Leave your favorite GBBS creation in the comments!

See what other Food52 readers are saying.

  • HalfPint
    HalfPint
  • Ella Quittner
    Ella Quittner
Ella Quittner

Written by: Ella Quittner

Ella Quittner is a contributing writer and the Absolute Best Tests columnist at Food52. She covers food, travel, wellness, lifestyle, home, novelty snacks, and internet-famous sandwiches. You can follow her on Instagram @equittner, or Twitter at @ellaquittner. She also develops recipes for Food52, and has a soft spot for all pasta, anything spicy, and salty chocolate things.

2 Comments

HalfPint November 7, 2018
I loved Frances' wedding cake showstopper in the finale. It was breath-taking
 
Ella Q. November 9, 2018
Ah, yes! Loved that.
 

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