In episode 7 of Spring Baking Championship season 11, bakers were first asked to create citrus-flavored roll cakes featuring an imprint design and a magical creature theme. Later, they prepared macaron cakes incorporating vegetable flavors, followed by a twist that required fresno chili. Kari Cota was eliminated after facing difficulties in both the Pre-Heat and Main Heat challenges.
Several Spring Baking Championship contestants encountered technical issues across both tasks, particularly with texture and structure. As the contest progressed without the option of immunity, even small mistakes proved decisive. Lisa and Mary Frances experienced contrasting results between rounds, and Corey used his final week of immunity.
Episode 7 overview of Spring Baking Championship season 11
Imprint roll cakes test structural control
The Pre-Heat challenge centered around roll cakes that showcased a citrus flavor, an imprint design, and a theme based on magical creatures. Bakers faced difficulties achieving the correct texture and structure, with many cakes splitting or becoming too dense. Excessive filling also caused spiral shapes to collapse, and in several instances, imprint details were incomplete or missing.
Paul Feybesse did not include the imprint before baking, later applying fondant to the cake’s exterior. Judge Nancy Fuller pointed out that this solution did not satisfy the imprint requirement. Despite widespread issues, Lisa succeeded with her key lime and coconut cake, which met both flavor and design criteria. Her decoration aligned with the magical creature theme, securing her the win for the round.
Macaron challenge introduces chili twist
For the Main Heat, bakers were required to construct macaron cakes with a vegetable-based flavor profile. During the middle of the round, it was revealed that all bakers needed to include fresno chili in their desserts. This unexpected addition complicated flavor balancing and challenged bakers to adapt their designs on the spot.
Several contestants had issues producing structurally sound macarons. Common problems included underbaked shells, cracks, and inconsistent textures. These technical issues affected overall cake stability and presentation.
Mary Frances delivered a completed dessert with proper macaron structure and was named top baker for the Main Heat. Her performance in both rounds contributed to her standing in the episode.
Corey experienced technical problems with his macarons but was protected by the immunity he had earned earlier in the season. This was the final episode where immunity could be used, and it ensured his safety despite the baking errors. Moving forward, all remaining Spring Baking Championship contestants will compete without this advantage.
Elimination based on dual-round performance
Kari encountered difficulties throughout the episode. In the Pre-Heat, her roll cake did not achieve the required texture. During the Main Heat, she made two attempts at her macarons, but both batches showed structural flaws. Judges evaluated consistency across both challenges when making the elimination decision.
Lisa, who had won the Pre-Heat, struggled in the Main Heat. Her macaron cake included decorative elements noted by the judges, but her technical execution was below the expected level. She was placed in the bottom group alongside Kari, but remained in the competition.
The episode underscored the increasing difficulty of the competition. As the season progresses, bakers are required to demonstrate precision in both flavor integration and technical execution. Mistakes in either area can lead to elimination on Spring Baking Championship.
Spring Baking Championship season 11 continues on Food Network, airing Mondays at 8 pm ET. Episodes are available for streaming the following day on MAX.