The Great British Bake Off Series 15, Episode 7 Recap

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Whose tiramisu got them through?

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Another week, another episode of The Great British Bake Off. Just six bakers remain in the tent, and this week’s theme is a sugary favourite: Dessert Week. Here’s everything you might have missed in episode 7 of Bake Off series 15.

Getting ahead of yourself? Find our recap of episode six here, episode five here, episode four here, episode three here, episode two here and episode one here.

What Happened In The Great British Bake Off Series 15, Episode 7?

Gill, Sumayah, Dylan, Illiyin, Christiaan, Georgie and Nelly.

What Was The Theme This Week?

It was a super sweet week in the tent, as the bakers took on Dessert Week.

‘It’s Dessert Week and the bakers tackle exquisitely filled meringue nests, steamed suet puddings and a beloved Italian dessert,’ summarises Channel 4. ‘Whose tiramisu will get them through?’

Signature Bake: Filled Meringue Nests

GBBO kicked off Dessert Week with a new Signature Bake: a set of eight meringue nests. The bakers had free reign when it came to the style of meringue, but they needed to have at least two fillings – ‘like a good jacket potato,’ according to Alison.

Here’s how they got on:

Christiaan, ‘Smell The Roses’ Meringue Nests: ‘They look absolutely exquisite,’ Prue said. ‘I’m so impressed with the way you’ve managed to get that piping.’ Although both judges noted that the flavours didn’t quite work, with too much rose going on.
Illiyin, Piña Colada Meringue Nests: While Paul was disappointed in the look of Illyin’s cracked meringue nests, both of the judges were impressed with the flavour – ‘it is just like having a Piña Colada… I’m amazed how much coconut you got into the meringue.’
Gill, ‘Just Peachy’ Meringue Nests: Paul and Prue both enjoyed the look of Gill’s ‘clean’ meringues, but weren’t so convinced by her ‘punchy’ and ‘artificial’ flavours.
Georgie, ‘Aunty Meryl’s’ Plum Meringue Nests: Georgie was praised for the colour of her meringue nests (despite the slight tilt some had taken on in the oven), as well as her ‘nice original flavours.’
Sumayah, ‘Pomegranate & Plenty More’ Meringue Nests: ‘They look incredible,’ Paul said. ‘It’s like Art Nouveau.’ Sumayah’s blend of flavours felt a little ‘lost’ for Paul, with more savoury than sweet notes. Prue, however, loved the balance of sweet and savoury.
Dylan, ‘Coconut Illusion’ Meringue Nests: The judges were wowed by Dylan’s powers of illusion, and the baker secured himself another Hollywood handshake for his balance of unique textures and flavours.

Technical Challenge: Spotted Dick

We’re with Prue again this week, who set asked the bakers to make spotted dick for the Technical Challenge. This (unfortunately named) British classic is comprised of a moist, steamed suet sponge studded with currants – and, to up the ante, Prue asked for an accompanying creme anglaise. ‘There is a common pitfall to this technique,’ she warned the bakers. ‘Don’t fall into the trap.’

‘My main memory of steamed puddings comes from school dinners,’ Prue later tells Paul. ‘We thought spotted dick was hilarious, of course. And done well, it’s delicious.’ The judges were looking for a ‘perfectly steamed sponge with a nice golden syrup’ as well as a ‘silky custard’.

And the pitfall Prue mentioned earlier? ‘When we’ve had puddings before, the bakers tend not to steam it for long enough… It needs to steam for an hour and a half, otherwise it won’t be properly baked in the middle.’

Let’s see how the bakers fared…

Dylan
Georgie
Christiaan
Gill
Illiyin
Sumayah

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Showstopper: Tiramisu

This week’s Showstopper took the bakers to Italy, with a tiramisu-themed challenge. The guideline provided by the judges asked the bakers to include the ‘three classics’ – coffee, mascarpone and ladies fingers – but otherwise they could add any additional fillings and flavours they liked.

‘We’re asking the bakers to personalise their tiramisu,’ said Prue. ‘But anything they add should really go well with the classic flavours – things like chocolate, ginger, hazelnut, things that would naturally go with coffee.’

‘Coffee is going to be a king in this,’ added Paul. ‘We want to taste the coffee, but we don’t want something that’s too strong and overpowers the whole thing… But it’s a Showstopper. I want something highly decorated. You can add chocolate curls, shapes or shards. We want to see tiramisu, taken to a whole new level.’

Sounds like a tall order – let’s hope the bakers fared well:

Christiaan, ‘Memphis Milano’ Tiramisu: Another ‘beautifully executed’ Showstopper from Christiaan – but how did he get on with his flavours? While dubbed ‘unusual’, both judges were pleasantly surprised by the baker’s blend of flavours. ‘Delicious,’ said Prue.
Illiyin, ‘Jewellery Box’ Tiramisu: ‘A great looking cake,’ commends Paul. And the praise didn’t end there – both judges praised the flavour and bake of Illiyin’s tiramisu, noting that the coffee level was ‘perfect’.
Gill, ‘Coconut Latte Charlotte Risse’ Tiramisu: The judges loved the look of Gill’s ‘elegant’ tiramisu creation, noting it looked like it could sit in a patisserie window. ‘That’s delicious,’ Paul commented on the flavour, with Prue noting that the coffee was ‘wonderful’.
Georgie, ‘Old Italian’ Tiramisu: Georgie’s Showstopper was praised for its pretty and colourful design, as well as its ‘lovely’, thick layers. Despite its thickness, Paul noted how delicate the tiramisu was, commending her classic flavours – ‘I’m a big fan.’ Prue also said hat Georgie had successfully ‘cracked’ the challenge.
Sumayah, ‘Batik Mousse Cake’ Tiramisu: While praised for her ‘beautifully printed’ sponge and vibrant colours, Paul did point out an uneven break in Sumayah’s Showstopper. As for the flavour, it was dubbed a ‘work in progress’, with overly strong flavour combinations.
Dylan, ‘Concrete Box’ Tiramisu: The judges loved Dylan’s ‘neat as a pin’ tiramisu box, and were impressed with the overall look of his Showstopper – both by the sleek outer appearance and the defined layers inside. The baker was also praised for his ‘beautiful’, classic flavour, which they noted had a ‘luxurious’, caramelly kick.

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Who Got Star Baker?

To no one’s surprise, Dylan bagged Star Baker this week. With a Hollywood handshake, first place in the Technical and a highly praised Showstopper under his belt, the young baker was well on track to receive the title.

Who Went Home?

And sadly, we said goodbye to Sumayah. The former Star Baker didn’t have the best week, and with all the remaining bakers being on top of their game, the competition was tough.

‘I feel like it wasn’t one specific event that let me down, it was kind of like a series of mistakes here and there,’ she said. ‘I’ve learnt to be more confident in myself and my ideas… You learn a lot from everyone, and I feel like I’m going to take a piece of everyone away with me.’

What’s Happening Next Week?

It’s the quarter final next week, and the bakers will be taking on a nostalgic, 70s-themed set of challenges. Expect ‘a stat-choux Signature, a sticky Technical and a towering, tiered Showstopper.’