Apple Dessert Bake-Off

Apple Dessert Bake-Off Is Back for a Third Season!

And we can’t wait! The first two seasons have been so much fun for bakers, judges, support staff, and everyone who joined us.

This year, it’s all happening on October 10. And, of course, we’ve fiddled with the format just a little!

How to Enter

• To enter, email applebakeoff@gmail.com by 6 p.m. on Friday, October 9. Tell us whether you’re competing as a Professional or Home Baker and what you’ll be making. Our emailed reply confirms that you’re in.
• Drop off your entry at the Market between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. on October 10. Look for our banner in Riley Park, north of the Pavilion and near Grand River, in the same location as the last two years. Tables will be available for your entries.
• We will have some display dishes and serving utensils available, or you may bring your own. You can take your dishes home after the Bake-Off.
• We’d love for you to personalize your entry by emailing an anecdote when you register. Is it your grandma’s recipe or a family favorite? Maybe it’s the first time you’ve made it! Feel free to include a photo or two, old or new, or other artwork. If you’re sharing a hand-me-down recipe, please do not bring the original. Take a photo and attach it to your email. Sharing a story or artwork is optional and will not affect judging results.
• ALCOHOL CANNOT BE USED IN ANY ENTRY.

On Bake-Off Day: October 10

• 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.: Arrive at the park with your entry at the location described above. You are not required to stay, but we ask that you return for the awards ceremony. If you cannot attend, we will notify you by email if you win.
• 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.: Judging takes place.
• After judging is complete, head judge Monica Ingles, owner of Kitchen Creations in Farmington and Sorella’s Cake Studio in Livonia, will talk to the bakers about their entries.
• Around 11:15 a.m.: Winners will be announced and ribbons awarded. We expect to wrap up between 11:30 and 11:45 a.m., depending on the number of entries.

More Information

• Previous winners are welcome to compete again, but must enter with new recipes.
• First-, second-, and third-place ribbons will be awarded in each division. Other ribbons will be awarded at the judges’ discretion. All other bakers will receive a participation ribbon.
• Since overall appearance is one of the judging criteria, please bring uncut pies or other desserts, or multiple pieces of baked goods such as cookies. You are welcome to bring two complete desserts: one for presentation and one for the judges to taste. A second dessert is not required.
• Judging criteria: Taste, Appearance, Use of Apples, and Creativity.
• Our emcee will again be Farmington Mayor Joe LaRussa, who appreciates apples in all formats.

If you cannot be present during the awards ceremony, your dishes and/or ribbons will be held at Kitchen Creations.

Questions? Email us at applebakeoff@gmail.com.

Thank you to our sponsor, Kitchen Creations of downtown Farmington, for ideas and support.