Australia has a new Bake Off champion! In tonight’s delicious grand final of The Great Australian Bake Off 37-year-old pastor Beth Hoy rose to victory, claiming the coveted title of Australia’s best amateur baker. Judges Rachel Khoo and Darren Purchese crowned Beth after she wowed them across the finale’s three epic challenges: a top forward cake, raspberry and chocolate entremets, and a dazzling choux-stopper!
Beth triumphed against tough competition from fellow finalists Jess Synon and Vanessa Furci, proving herself across ten sweet-filled weeks of bread bakes, biscuit battles, delicate desserts and complex technical tests. The trio gave it their all in the Bake Off Shed, but it was Beth’s creativity and precision that secured her the win.
For her breathtaking showstopper, ‘My Baking Roots’, Beth created a stunning edible garden that reflected the beauty of the natural world. Her design featured walnut, cinnamon and cream cheese choux alongside chocolate, salted caramel and peanut choux, all presented on a gingerbread biscuit base.
Beth said: “Hearing the news that I’d been chosen as one of the 12 bakers for Season 8 was thrilling in itself – I never imagined I would actually go on to win! I’ve learnt so much from Darren, Rachel and all the other bakers, and I’ll always be grateful for that. Most importantly, I’ll cherish the friendships that have come out of this journey. My time in the shed is something I’ll carry with me forever.”
Along with the title, Beth takes home the ultimate baker’s kitchen from Smeg.
Season 9 of The Great Australian Bake Off is currently in production, continuing the legacy of this much-loved series.
