Ep 7. The Sound of Music

In Cake Wars season 1 episode 7, titled "The Sound of Music," six talented bakers are faced with the challenge of creating extraordinary cakes inspired by the iconic musical. Host Jonathan Bennett welcomes the contestants, who come from various backgrounds and have different specialties in baking.

The competitors are first introduced to the judges: pastry chef Waylynn Lucas, food critic Jason Smith, and guest judge Elizabeth Moss, a Tony-nominated actress known for her roles in productions of The Heidi Chronicles and The Handmaid's Tale. Moss is a huge fan of The Sound of Music and is excited to see how the bakers bring elements of the beloved musical to their cakes.

The bakers are given two hours to create their cakes, which must showcase their baking skills and capture the essence of the musical. They are also allowed to use other edible materials, such as fondant, gum paste, and sugar flowers.

As the competition begins, it quickly becomes apparent that the bakers have very different approaches to the challenge. Some focus on the visual elements, creating elaborate cakes with intricate details and clever accents. Others prioritize flavor and texture, experimenting with different cake recipes and flavor combinations.

One baker, for example, decides to create a cake that represents the famous scene where the Von Trapp children sing "Do-Re-Mi." She makes a cake that resembles a giant sheet of music, complete with notes and vibrant colors. Another baker chooses to focus on Maria's iconic blue dress, crafting a cake with layers of blue velvet cake and frosting.

As the clock ticks down, the bakers face various obstacles and setbacks. Some struggle with the technical aspects of their cakes, while others find it difficult to balance the flavors and textures. One baker accidentally drops a crucial component of her cake, forcing her to improvise on the spot.

The judges closely evaluate each cake, taking note of the creativity, execution, and overall presentation. They also taste each cake to assess the flavor and texture. Waylynn, Jason, and Elizabeth offer constructive criticism and praise, and they are impressed by the high level of baking skill on display.

In the end, one baker is crowned the winner of "The Sound of Music" challenge, earning the admiration of the judges and the respect of her fellow contestants. The episode concludes with a preview of the next challenge, which promises to be equally exciting and challenging.

Overall, the episode is a fun and engaging showcase of the bakers' talents, as well as a celebration of the enduring popularity of The Sound of Music. The bakers' cakes are beautiful, imaginative, and delicious, and the judges offer thoughtful feedback that helps them hone their skills and improve their craft. Fans of baking competitions, musicals, and inventive desserts are sure to enjoy this episode of Cake Wars.