Ep 18. Gingerbread Cakes

Bake It Like Buddy is a reality TV series that follows the talented pastry chef Buddy Valastro as he takes on an array of baking challenges. In every episode, Buddy and his team of expert bakers help amateur bakers master the art of baking various delectable treats. Season 1 Episode 18 focuses on the creation of gingerbread cakes.

The episode presents the gingerbread cake challenge to three amateur bakers. Buddy helps them to perfect their techniques in creating a cake with the perfect texture, flavor, and design. First, Buddy introduces the viewers to the basic ingredient that gives the cake its distinctive flavor - molasses. He explains that just like honey, molasses is a byproduct of converting sugar cane into sugar. Molasses has a thick and sticky consistency and has a very strong flavor. Buddy shares a personal secret; he adds a touch of bourbon to the cake batter to give it some extra flavor.

Next, Buddy and his team share their unique twist to the classic gingerbread cake recipe by adding a crunchy pecan topping. He demonstrates how to mix the ingredients to form a dough before rolling it out flat and cutting it into circular shapes. The bakers are amazed at how simple the process is. Then Buddy shows them how to make a layer of white icing to sandwich between the cake layers. Lastly, he decorates the cake with a chocolate drizzle, creating a visually appealing masterpiece.

As the bakers commence the competition, Buddy observes them and offers advice where needed. One baker, Sarah, states she has never tasted gingerbread before, which surprises Buddy. This prompts him to delve deeper into what gingerbread is made of. He goes on to explain the ingredients and how to create the gingerbread flavor, and Sarah is eager to try it out.

The bakers start baking, but it’s not as easy as they thought. One of them, Mark, struggles with getting the right texture for his cake batter. Buddy steps in to help by suggesting adding more molasses to the batter. Mark follows the advice and is happy with the outcome. Meanwhile, Sarah becomes visibly nervous and finds it hard to keep an eye on the time. Buddy advises her to remain calm and focus on executing the steps she learned in the tutorial.

With a few minutes to go, the bakers must add their final touches to the cakes. One of the contestants, Jake, struggles with decorating, and his cake looks unappealing. Buddy advises him to add some more icing to cover the imperfections before applying the drizzle. Jake follows Buddy’s instructions and is pleased with the results.

As the cakes are presented to Buddy, he examines and tastes them to determine the winner. After much deliberation and judging, Buddy announces that Sarah is the winner of the gingerbread cake challenge. Her gingerbread cake is moist, fragrant, and stands out as the perfect example of the gingerbread cake.

Throughout the episode, viewers learn the essential skills for creating their version of gingerbread cakes, from creating the perfect texture and taste to decorating the cakes with style. Buddy’s expert and friendly guidance makes the entire process appear more comfortable than it is, inspiring viewers to try their own take on the recipe.