Ep 5. Roaring '20s

Big Time Bake is a cooking competition show where contestants are challenged to create extravagant themed desserts under a tight time constraint. In season 1 episode 5, titled "Roaring '20s," the contestants are taken back in time to the era of flappers and prohibition.

The episode begins with the contestants entering the kitchen to find it transformed into a speakeasy, complete with vintage decor and a jazz band. Host Buddy Valastro and judges Thiago Silva and Harry Eastwood explain the challenge: each contestant must create a dessert inspired by the glamour and decadence of the 1920s.

The bakers scramble to brainstorm ideas and gather ingredients as the clock ticks down. One contestant, Lindsey, decides to make a trio of miniature cakes, each flavored with a different type of alcohol popular during prohibition. Another, James, opts for a whimsical take on the classic cocktail, the Bee's Knees, with a honey-flavored cake and lemon curd filling.

As the bakers work, they encounter a series of obstacles. One struggles to get their frosting to set, while another realizes they forgot a crucial ingredient and must scramble to come up with a substitute. Some contestants choose to incorporate traditional 1920s ingredients like figs, pomegranates, and grapefruits, while others focus on the era's fashion and design motifs.

The judges circulate around the kitchen, offering feedback and advice. At one point, Thiago warns a contestant that their cake may be too dry and suggests adding a simple syrup to moisten it up. Harry admires a particularly elaborate fondant decoration on one cake but cautions the baker against letting it overshadow the flavor of the dessert itself.

As the final minutes approach, the pressure intensifies. Some contestants are frantically piping frosting, while others are slicing fruit or assembling decorative touches. With seconds to go, the bakers present their creations on a towering display table, each one a work of edible art.

The judges taste each dessert, evaluating the flavor, texture, and overall presentation. Thiago remarks on the complexity of Lindsey's trio of miniature cakes, noting that each one tasted distinct and balanced. Harry appreciates James's whimsical approach, praising the harmony of flavors in his Bee's Knees dessert.

In the end, the judges must make a difficult decision and send one contestant home. The remaining bakers breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that they've made it one step closer to the grand prize.

Overall, "Roaring '20s" is a thrilling episode that showcases the creativity and skill of the Big Time Bake contestants. With its colorful vintage setting and glamorous desserts, it's sure to be a fan favorite.