In last night’s nail-biting finale of The Great Australian Bake Off, 36-year-old nurse Arvin Garcia was crowned Australia’s best amateur baker, winning over judges Rachel Khoo and Darren Purchese. In the final episode, Arvin’s impressive baking skills took center stage as he faced the last three challenges: a botanical-themed signature cake, intricate paris-brests for the technical, and a stunning showstopper of his choice.
Arvin rose to the top over some brilliant competition from fellow finalists Dimi Jayamardene and Elliot Styche, taking home this season’s most coveted title. After 10 weeks of delicious challenges – from bread and biscuit creations to intricate French treats and tricky technical bakes – the three finalists whisked, rolled, and decorated their hearts out in the Bake Off Shed for the grand finale.
Arvin’s showstopper, the ‘Rising Phoenix’ cake, was a true masterpiece that captured his journey in the competition. With a bold chocolate phoenix rising from the center, this geometric creation was filled with apple compote, salted caramel, cream cheese, and crunchy pecans – a bake that wowed the judges with both flair and flavour.
Arvin said: “Winning Bake Off feels like a dream come true! Standing here with Dimi and Elliot, two amazing bakers, is such an honor. This journey has been so meaningful – not just pushing my creativity and skills, but sharing a bit of my culture and story through my bakes. Every moment has been unforgettable, and I’ll carry these memories with me forever.”
Judge Rachel Khoo praised Arvin’s heartfelt approach to baking, saying, “Arvin’s passion for baking, combined with his meticulous attention to detail, truly set him apart. Every bake he made told a story, and it was inspiring to see how he wove his culture and memories into each creation. His attitude throughout the competition and creativity make him a deserving winner of this season’s Bake Off.”
In addition to the title, Arvin takes home the ultimate baker’s kitchen from SMEG.
Season 7 began with 12 talented bakers from around Australia, each hoping to take home the title. Over 10 weeks, they tackled everything from bread to biscuits, cakes, and intricate technical challenges, impressing the judges with their skills and creativity.
The Bake Off franchise began in 2010 with The Great British Bake Off, where it became a ratings phenomenon. The format has been produced locally in the US, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, Poland, Ireland, Kenya, Norway, Finland, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Turkey, Ukraine, Algeria and France, as well as previously in Australia for the Nine Network in 2013.
Produced for Foxtel Originals by BBC Studios Productions Australia and based on a format created by Love Productions and licensed by BBC Studios.
