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Brides & Weddings Magazine is excited to announce the winners of the Second Annual Cake-Off competition. This year’s event, held on September 11, 2024, at the beautiful Briar Patch Bed & Breakfast in Middleburg, Virginia, was a dazzling showcase of talent from the region’s top bakers. The competition brought together cake designers, wedding industry professionals, and dessert lovers to celebrate creativity, flavor, and artistry in wedding cakes.
The event was hosted by Briar Patch Bed & Breakfast, with a delectable lunch provided by Helga’s Caterers. Stunning décor featured centerpieces by Twinbrook Floral Design and linens and tableware from Sammy’s Rental. Attendees were also treated to professional photography by Danielle Towle Photography and videography by Sidebox Media, capturing every delicious moment.
Celebrity Judges:
- Cindie Reinhold, Founder of Brides & Weddings Magazine
- Victoria Wu, Renowned Cake Artist at Cakes by Happy Eatery
- Dana Henry, Social Sales & Client Services Manager, Visit Loudoun
These esteemed judges had the enjoyable but difficult task of tasting and evaluating the cakes presented by some of the region’s most talented bakers. The competition was fierce, with each participant delivering extraordinary cakes that not only tasted divine but also demonstrated remarkable creativity.
2024 Cake-Off Participants:
Award Categories:
Best Flavor and Attendees Choice: Baden’s Bakery
Baden’s Bakery wowed the crowd at the Second Annual Cake-Off with their beautifully crafted Autumn Spice Cake adorned with rich cream cheese frosting. This stunning two-tier creation featured a classic Lambeth design, showcasing intricate pink and white piping that added elegance and charm to the cake. The soft pink frosting complemented the delicate, ornate details, creating a visually captivating centerpiece. The warm, spiced flavors of the cake, combined with the smooth cream cheese frosting, perfectly captured the essence of autumn, making it a standout both in taste and design.
- Most Creative: Angyono Custom Cakes
- Best Presentation: Gala Cake
Best Specialty Cake: Tiered & Petite By Cotton’s Gourmet for their extraordinary creation, a stunning two-tiered masterpiece. The top tier, Chocolate Cassis, featured a rich Valrhona chocolate butter cake infused with crème de cassis liqueur, layered with mocha crème mousseline, fresh blackberries, fresh raspberries, and topped with a 73% Valrhona chocolate ganache, all enveloped in a smooth vanilla bean Italian meringue buttercream. The bottom tier, Lemon Blueberry, was equally impressive, boasting a lemon butter cake studded with blueberries, complemented by cream cheese buttercream, lemon curd, blueberry preserves, and a decadent vanilla bean crème mousseline filling, all wrapped in a 35% Valrhona white chocolate ganache and finished with the same silky vanilla bean Italian meringue buttercream. This cake wowed the judges with its bold flavors, perfect texture, and flawless execution, earning its well-deserved title.
Honorable mention was awarded to Simply Desserts for a cake that stood out for its exceptional filling, which was a hit. Their two-tiered cake featured a rich, dark chocolate cake filled with delicate Earl Grey pastry cream and raspberry jam encased in a sleek black chocolate ganache exterior. The cake’s design was a stunning blend of modern gothic style and elegance, with a gold styrofoam separator adding a dramatic touch. The stone-textured fondant, standing tall on each tier, brought a sense of height and intrigue, while gold accents painted along the edges and rolled into the fondant added luxurious texture. To complete the look, wine, and burgundy faux flowers provided a striking pop of color, making this cake a standout for its unique blend of textures, colors, and artistic flair. This year’s Cake-Off celebrated the passion, skill, and innovation of the wedding cake industry and provided a platform for both established and emerging cake designers to shine.
“We are thrilled with the success of the Second Annual Cake-Off,” said Rebecca Barnes, Publisher of Brides & Weddings Magazine and sponsor of the Women’s Wedding Network. “The bakers truly amazed us with their talent, and we are so proud to recognize the winners and all participants for making this event an unforgettable experience.”
Brides & Weddings Magazine extends heartfelt thanks to the celebrity judges, event sponsors, and the entire wedding community for their support. Special recognition goes to Helga’s Caterers, Twinbrook Floral Design, Sammy’s Rental, Danielle Towle Photography, and Sidebox Media for their contributions to this event’s success.
For more information about the winners, high-resolution images, and media inquiries, please contact Rebecca Barnes at rebecca@bridesandweddings.com.
About Brides & Weddings Magazine:
Brides & Weddings is the go-to resource for wedding planning in Northern Virginia and the surrounding areas. Our mission is to inspire and guide engaged couples through every step of their wedding journey. We connect couples with reputable vendors, showcase the latest trends, and provide resources to help them plan the perfect day. Visit us at bridesandweddings.com.
About Women’s Wedding Network:
The Women’s Wedding Network is a powerful community dedicated to supporting and empowering women (men are welcome!) in the wedding industry. We provide opportunities for networking, education, and collaboration, helping businesses and individuals thrive. Learn more at womensweddingnetwork.com.
About Briar Patch Bed & Breakfast:
Located in the picturesque setting of Middleburg, Virginia, Briar Patch Bed & Breakfast offers an enchanting venue for weddings and events. Surrounded by rolling hills and stunning views, it provides a timeless and romantic backdrop for any occasion.
