Free-From Baking Challenge: Cakes Get Wild!

This week's Great British Baking Show featured a "free-from" and party theme, pushing bakers to create gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan treats. The first challenge required gluten-free pastries for a children's party, with contestants producing creations like gluten-free Pop-Tarts and ladybird-shaped hamburger pastries. The technical challenge focused on vegan chocolate sponge cakes, each a different color and animal design. Bakers faced difficulties, with some cakes resembling "pink goo" or having "glue"-like interiors. The showstopper round demanded an interactive children's birthday cake. Entries included a churning witch's cauldron, a Rubik's Cube cake, and a bug-themed cake. Standout showstoppers were a "Hoover"-inspired cake that vacuums sprinkles and a Shrek-themed cake with a "farting" Jacuzzi. Ultimately, Gabe secured Star Baker for his chocolate bug cake, while Gary was eliminated, leaving Connie as the sole female baker in the quarter-finals.