Junior Bake Off (series 1) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Junior Bake Off |
|
|---|---|
| Presented by | Aaron Craze |
| Judges | Paul Hollywood Mary Berry |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Release | |
| Original network | CBBC |
| Original release | 31 October – 17 November 2011 |
The first season of Junior Bake Off was a super exciting baking competition! It aired on CBBC in 2011. Thirty-two talented young bakers from all over the UK competed. They wanted to win the title of the first-ever Junior Bake Off champion.
The show was presented by Aaron Craze. Famous bakers Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry were the judges. They tasted all the delicious creations. The competition ran from October 31 to November 17, 2011.
Meet the Bakers: Season 1 Contestants
This season featured 32 amazing young bakers. They showed off their skills in different challenges. Here's a look at who competed:
Semi-Finalist Finalist Winner
| Baker | Age | Hometown | Baker | Age | Hometown | Baker | Age | Hometown | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aasiya | 11 | Hertfordshire | Hari | 9 | Dudley | Olivia | 12 | Pontypridd | ||
| Abigail | 11 | Rowley Regis | Will | 9 | Cardiff | Saffron | 10 | Essex | ||
| Alex | 11 | Northampton | Jacob | 12 | Herefordshire | Sam | 11 | Cheshire | ||
| Amari | 11 | North London | Jim | 11 | West Sussex | Sam | 10 | Somerset | ||
| Cameron | 12 | Sheffield | Joe | 9 | West Sussex | Sami | 11 | Leicester | ||
| Cameron Stott | 7 | Derbyshire | Joy | 12 | Glasgow | Sangita | 12 | Bradford | ||
| Coco-Nina | 11 | Bath | Kai | 12 | Wirral | Scott | 11 | Kent | ||
| Conal | 11 | Cambridge | Katie | 9 | County Fermanagh | Stanley | 12 | Brighton | ||
| Ellie | 10 | Edinburgh | Kieran | 12 | York | Sylvia | 11 | Bristol | ||
| Freya Watson | 10 | Newbury | Marie | 11 | Southampton | Zyta | 12 | Aylesbury | ||
| Galway | 12 | Sutton Coldfield | Millie | 11 | York | |||||
The Baking Challenges: What Happened Each Week?
Each episode of Junior Bake Off featured exciting challenges. The young bakers had to prove their skills. There were two main types of challenges in each episode.
Technical Challenges
In the Technical Challenge, bakers got the same recipe. But it had missing instructions! They had to use their baking knowledge to fill in the gaps. This tested how well they understood baking basics. Examples included making Victoria Sandwiches, Jam Shortbread Biscuits, or Carrot and Walnut Muffins.
Showstopper Challenges
The Showstopper Challenge was where bakers could really shine! They had to create a show-stopping bake. This bake had to fit a specific theme. It showed off their creativity and baking talent. Themes included "Outer Space Cakes," "Chocolate Celebration Cakes," "Animal Cakes," and "Royalty Cakes."
Semi-Finals: Getting Closer to the Crown
As the competition went on, fewer bakers remained. The semi-finals were tough!
- Episode 9 focused on "Sport Savoury Tarts." Bakers like Kieran and Saffron made it to the finals.
- Episode 10 had a "Sweet Pastry Beach Tarts" theme. Freya Watson and Kai earned their spots in the grand final.
The four finalists were Freya Watson, Kai, Kieran, and Saffron.
The Grand Finale: Who Would Win?
The final episodes were packed with excitement!
Episode 11: Masterclass and Afternoon Tea
The four finalists got a special masterclass. They learned how to decorate shortbread and cupcakes like pros. Then, they worked in teams. They had to prepare a fancy afternoon tea. Judges Mary, Paul, and guest chef Michel Roux Junior tasted their treats. Kai and Freya were one team. Saffron and Kieran were the other.
Episode 12: Knowledge Test and Glamorous Event
This episode tested the finalists' baking knowledge. They faced tough questions and practical challenges. They also worked in teams again. Their big task was to bake for a special party. It was the fifth anniversary of the musical Wicked in London's West End!
Episode 13: The Grand Final Bake-Off
In the very last episode, the finalists had one more chance to impress. They had to bake two of their own special recipes. Judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood tasted them. Friends and family were also there to cheer them on. It was a big moment for all the young bakers!
