This Weeks Theme
Season 5, episode 6 of Cupcake Wars had Derby Dolls as its theme. The L.A. Derby Dolls are the original quad-skate roller derby league. Unlike most roller derby shows, this one is completely unscripted and real, with real injuries too. There are four teams in the league: Sirens, Tough Cookies, Varsity Brawlers and the Fight Crew.
The judges for this episode were Florian Bellanger of MadMac Macarons and Candace Nelson of Sprinkles Cupcakes. The guest judge for this episode was Rebecca Ninburg who is known as Demolicious. She was the co-founder of Derby Dolls in 2003 along side Wendy Templeton. This week’s prize was a $10,000 cash prize and to present the winning cupcakes at a VIP party for the L.A. Derby Dolls.
Contestants
The four competing bakeries were Ricky Webster for Buttercelli Organic Bakeshop located in Sherman Oaks, California; Michelle Wilson Brown for Taste Love Cupcakes located in Royal Oak, Michigan; Shari Priester for Cuppycakes located in Omaha, Nebraska; and finally Rebecca Zukowski for Blondies located in Catasauqua, Pennsylvania.
Round 1: Taste Challenge
The taste test challenge was to incorporate the extreme battle between two flavors. There were six flavor ‘mash-ups’ to choose from: figs and pork belly, peanut butter and pickles, caramel and salmon, apricot and cheddar cheese, sweetbreads and lemon curd, and chocolate with caviar. While it sounded difficult, all challengers made delicious cupcakes. In the end it was Shari Priester who was eliminated for not making her cupcake fishy enough.
Round 2: Visual Challenge
The visual challenge was all about roller derby style. Half of the points were awarded for decoration, and half for flavors. None of the contestants did great visuals and it was Rebecca Zukowski who was eliminated. She decided to not use any decorations.
Round 3: Presentation Challenge
The final round had Michelle Wilson Brown and Ricky Webster competing in a 1000 cupcake battle. The contestants had to create a display for their cupcakes that invoked the theme of Derby Dolls. They had the help of a carpenter and four assistants to make their dream come to life. Ricky went for a locker room theme while Michele went for a roller ring theme.
Final Results
It was a surprise win for Michelle. She almost didn’t make it through the visual challenge, but she came back with a punch in the last round. Her great display with newly improved decorations really impressed the judges.
