Ep 7. Derby Dolls

In season 5 episode 7 of Cupcake Wars, titled "Derby Dolls," four bakers compete to create the winning cupcakes for a derby-themed party celebrating the Los Angeles Derby Dolls roller derby team. The bakers must impress the judges - Derby Dolls players - with their cupcakes' appearance, taste, and creativity. The winner will receive $10,000 and the opportunity to showcase their cupcakes at an upcoming event for the Derby Dolls.

The bakers begin by meeting the challenge of creating a "sweet & salty" cupcake using savory items like pretzels and bacon, as well as sweet ingredients such as caramel and chocolate. Each baker brings their unique approach to the challenge, with some opting for more unusual ingredients like popcorn and others making simpler, classic cupcakes with a twist.

The bakers then move on to the Derby Dolls-themed challenge, where they must create cupcakes inspired by the team's roller derby personas. The contestants must research and develop a concept that captures the spirit of each player's derby character, such as "The Avalanche" or "The Block Ness Monster." The bakers have to create a variety of cupcakes to impress the judges, and the final cupcakes must also reflect the team's iconic color palette of black, red, and white.

As the competition heats up, tensions flare among the contestants, who are all eager to win the top prize and showcase their baking skills. The judges - who are all Derby Dolls players - take their duties very seriously, sampling each cupcake and offering detailed feedback on appearance, taste, and overall creativity. The bakers receive both praise and criticism for their work, and must take this into account as they prepare their final cupcakes.

In the final round, the contestants must create a display of themed cupcakes that represent the Derby Dolls team as a whole. This is their chance to showcase their ideas, flavors, and decorating skills, and to impress both the judges and the spectators. The bakers pull out all the stops, using edible glitter, custom toppers, and even roller skate decorations to bring their cupcakes to life.

At the end of the competition, the judges announce the winner, who receives the cash prize and the chance to showcase their cupcakes at the Derby Dolls event. The competition may be fierce, but the spirit of friendship and creativity among the bakers shines through as they come together to celebrate the Los Angeles Derby Dolls.