In the heart of the British baking culture, the Great British Bake Off (GBBO), now known as "The Great British Baking Show" in the US, stands as an iconic platform where contestants showcase their baking prowess. Season 5 of this beloved show, which aired in 2014, was not just a delight for those who tuned in, but it also presented some memorable and extraordinary iconic cakes that have continued to inspire and captivate baking enthusiasts around the world. Let's dive into five of these standout creations that left a lasting impression.
The Quagmire Family Cake
One of the most imaginative bakes from Season 5 was Nancy Birtwhistle’s Quagmire Family Cake. This cake was inspired by the fictional family from Roald Dahl’s ‘The Great Automatic Grammatizator.’ The intricate detailing on this cake brought the quirky family members to life with sugarpaste figures that were both comical and enchanting. Nancy’s cake:
- Featured a multi-tiered structure to represent different family members.
- Had detailed sugarpaste figures of the mother, father, and children.
- Integrated various texture paints to mimic the characters’ clothing and features.
💡 Note: Accurate representation through sugarpaste requires patience and fine details work.
Caramel and Chocolate Praline Cake
This delightful creation was a showstopper from contestant Ian Cumming. Known for its technical skill, this cake combined:
- A dense caramel cake with layers of dark chocolate ganache.
- A homemade praline, adding a sophisticated crunch and flavor profile.
- An artful decoration with shards of chocolate, mimicking a modern art piece.
🍫 Note: Making praline at home can be tricky; use caution when caramelizing sugar.
Pig Cake
In true British baking fashion, Christine Wallace created a cake that was as humorous as it was impressive. Her Pig Cake:
- Was a whimsical depiction of a pig in its pen.
- Showcased detailed piping work for the pig’s fur and features.
- Incorporated clever use of food colorings and sugarpaste to add realism to the cake’s design.
The Choux Puff Christmas Tree
Season 5 wasn’t just about cakes; it also introduced viewers to delightful constructions like Enwezor Nzegwu’s Choux Puff Christmas Tree. Although primarily a choux pastry, this creation:
- Combined choux puffs to form the shape of a Christmas tree.
- Was flavored with a hint of cinnamon, adding to the festive aroma.
- Featured a marvelous drizzle of green icing to simulate pine needles.
🌲 Note: Precision is key when assembling multiple choux puffs into a tree structure.
Rainforest Disaster Cake
Perhaps the most memorable, albeit not for its intended success, was Diana Beard’s Rainforest Disaster Cake. This ambitious bake aimed to showcase a rainforest scene:
- The cake was meant to feature edible birds, monkeys, and other jungle flora.
- Unfortunately, the cake collapsed due to technical challenges with the construction.
- The resulting “disaster” cake, however, has become a beloved part of GBBO history, teaching us the importance of structural stability in baking.
In summary, these cakes from Season 5 of the Great British Bake Off were a testament to the creativity and skill of the contestants. Each cake had its own unique charm and story, from Nancy's family tableau to Christine's playful pig, Ian's decadent praline masterpiece, Enwezor's festive tree, and Diana's memorable "disaster." These bakes not only highlight the baking talent on the show but also inspire viewers to push their own culinary boundaries, experiment with new techniques, and embrace the occasional kitchen calamity with humor and grace. Baking is as much about the journey and the experience as it is about the final product, and these iconic cakes from Season 5 of GBBO encapsulate that spirit beautifully.
What are the key ingredients for making a successful sugarpaste figure?
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Key ingredients for making successful sugarpaste figures include high-quality sugarpaste, food colorings for vibrant hues, and a range of tools for shaping and adding detail. Also, ensuring the paste is pliable but not sticky, and keeping your hands clean to avoid marking the figures, is crucial.
Can you recommend alternatives for using praline in cakes?
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Yes, instead of praline, you can use alternatives like toasted nuts, caramelized nuts, or even a simple caramel drizzle for a similar textural contrast and flavor profile.
Why did the Rainforest Disaster Cake fail?
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The Rainforest Disaster Cake collapsed due to structural instability. Cakes like this require a solid base and often internal supports to hold heavy decorations. Without these, the cake couldn’t support its own weight, leading to the infamous collapse.
