Who Left Bake Off Last Night? Series 15 Episode 8 Recap

Another week, another episode of The Great British Bake Off. Just five bakers remain in the tent, and this week’s theme is more offbeat: 1970s Week. Here’s everything you might have missed in episode 8 of Bake Off series 15.

Getting ahead of yourself? Find our recap of episode seven here, 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 8?

Dylan in The Great British Bake Off Series 15 Ep8

What Was The Theme This Week?

A random retro theme for this episode: 1970s Week – unsurprisingly a Bake Off first. But what were the ‘70s known for in the baking world? Kitsch desserts, mainly, making it an apt follow-up to Dessert Week. Or will it prove too similar?

‘It’s a Bake Off first as the bakers get groovy for 1970s Week with towering profiteroles and a retro favourite,’ Channel 4 teases. ‘Whose gateau will steal the show and who’ll make the semi-final?’

Signature Bake: A Decorative Stack Of Profiteroles

Is this the return of the mighty croquembouche of Bake Off series 2? In our dreams. But this profiterole stack did prove a similar challenge for the series 15 batch of bakers. Here’s who baked what.

• Christiaan, I Got Choux Babe: A ‘very attractive’ stack turned out ‘quite boozy’ – but Paul reassured Christiaan he gets away with it thanks to the beautiful flavours.
• Dylan, Sci-Fi: Upon seeing Dylan’s futuristic creation, Paul declared he could picture it in a department store window. And delicious flavours earned Dylan yet another Hollywood handshake.
• Georgie, Tribute to Freddie: The judges loved how this one looked, and said the flavours worked ‘beautifully well’, too.
• Illyin, Ode to the ‘70s Afro: A colourful creation was unfortunately not structurally sound due to overfilled choux buns – but the flavours were ‘beautiful’, ‘absolutely delicious’ and ‘fresh’.
• Gill, ‘70s Christmas Tree: The festive season is well and truly here, but Gill’s Christmas tree sadly lacked a bit of vibrance. A ‘simple but effective’ creation according to Paul, with Prue adding ‘it’s not wildly exciting, but it is really very competent’.

 

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Technical Challenge: Banoffee Pie

Paul set this week’s Technical Challenge, and it was a playful favourite: the Banoffee Pie. But is baking one from scratch as simple as it looks? Find out for yourself by testing out the recipe here.

Developed in the 1970s, the original banoffee pie doesn’t have a biscuit base like many today, and Paul tasked the bakers with crafting one with an authentic pastry crust. With caramel, cream and fresh banana slices, here’s how the bakers fared crafting this classic treat:

1. Georgie
2. Christiaan
3. Dylan
4. Illiyin
5. Gill

Showstopper: 1970s Gateau

For this Showstopper challenge, the judges asked the bakers to craft a 1970s Gateau, beautifully decorated with at least two tiers. ‘Delicious sponges, feather light fillings and intricately piped decoration’ was all on the bill – so how did the bakers do?

• Illyin, Peach Melba ‘70s Gateau: Illiyin’s gateau sadly collapsed in the fridge, but Prue noted it looked like it would have been lovely. ‘It tastes like heaven,’ she added. A shame about the structure.
• Christiaan, Lemon, Hazelnut & Advocaat ‘70s Gateau: ‘70s swirls on Christiaan’s cake earned instant compliments, described as the tent’s most ‘gregarious’ colour palette in history. A boozy cake – too boozy, unfortunately – meant the flavours were overpowered.
• Gill, Geoff’s Cafe ‘70s Gateau: Gill’s shag pile carpet style piping went down a storm – as did her flavours. ‘It took me straight back to the ‘70s,’ Paul says.
• Georgie, Vintage Black Forest ‘70s Gateau: This classic ‘70s creation was described by Paul as ‘hideous… But that’s the whole point!’. Spot on piping and a great taste puts Georgie top of the pile…
• Dylan, Mint Chocolate ‘70s Gateau: The colour and peppermint flavour choice had Paul actually quite fearful to slice into Dylan’s luminous gateau. While the peppermint did overwhelm the chocolate, the sponge was ‘beautifully smooth’ with an ‘elegant flavour’.

Alison and Illiyin in The Great British Bake Off Series 15 Ep8

Who Got Star Baker?

Georgie bagged Star Baker this week, impressing the judges in every challenge and, of course, winning the Technical. A strong stance to enter the Semi-Final…

Who Went Home?

And it was a sad farewell to Illyin who sadly didn’t do enough to earn a place in the semi-final.

What’s Happening Next Week?

It’s the semi final next week, and the bakers will be taking on Patisserie. ‘It’s the semi-final and the bakers show off their patisserie prowess with breakfast pastries and a classic-but-theatrical Technical,’ Channel 4 teases. ‘Who’ll make final-worthy fruit entremets?’

Where To Watch Bake Off Series 15 Episode 8

You can stream Bake Off series 15 episode 8, and all episodes of The Great British Bake Off, at channel4.com

Series 15 episode 9 will air on Tuesday 19 November 2024 at 8pm on Channel 4 and channel4.com