Sweet Potato Cider Cupcake With Marshmallow Frosting
Tangy apple cider perfectly complements the canned sweet potatoes in this inventive sweet treat. Judge Candace Nelson remarks that the marshmallow frosting "was silken and smooth."
Winner Ron Bzdewka's cupcake is every bit as delicious as it is gorgeous. Judge Florian Bellanger compliments Ron, "You pick those two ingredients, oatmeal and orange, and I could find both of them in the cupcake."
Wheat Germ and Ginger, Wasabi Cream, and Tuna Creme Fraiche Cupcakes
The wasabi cream filling and tuna creme fraiche topping are an ideal combination in this unique cupcake. Judge Bellanger also notes that the cake "goes very well with ginger."
Almond Cake With Fig Filling and Maple Buttercream
Judge Nelson appreciates "the subtle flavor of the almond meal" in this cupcake, which is topped with a decadent maple frosting and patted with toasted almonds.
Raspberry Cupcakes With Champagne Buttercream Frosting
Andrea Ballus' winning cupcake is laden with fresh raspberry flavor and topped with a lightly sweetened champagne frosting. Judge Nelson compliments Ballus on her "decorative technique."
Chocolate Cherry Cola Cupcakes With Red Licorice Filling and Marshmallow Frosting
Packed with plenty of sweet and salty ingredients, this cupcake will satisfy just about any craving. Nelson notes that she "can taste every flavor" inside and on top of this creative cake.
Mini Coconut Cupcakes With Poppy Seed Crust, Muscat Raisin Filling, and Parsley Icing With Toasted Coconut, Flax and Poppy Seed Toffee and Organic Roses
This nontraditional cupcake could not have been easy for winner Hollis Wilder to create, but Judge Bellanger praises her ingenious dessert. "I'm speechless. This is one of the best cupcakes I have ever had on the show," she says.
Pink Grapefruit Cupcakes With Guava Truffle Cookies and Rosewater Frosting
Pretty and pink, this cupcake is baked with a cookie inside and decorated simply with a dollop of rosewater frosting. Judge Bellanger notes that "the rosewater works very well" in this minimalist creation.
This one-of-a-kind cupcake is split in half and filled with pulled pork and fresh corn. Judge Nelson tells contestant Alyssa Magliato, "Girl, you make some good barbecue."
Cupcakes With Pineapple Filling and Strawberry and Goat Cheese Whipped Cream
Judge Bellanger compliments baker Marilyn Norris on her elegant cupcake, which is topped with a strawberry-studded goat cheese frosting. "This is what I'm talking about. I really can taste the white wine ... and the goat cheese is a nice touch," he says.
This showstopping dessert is topped with chocolate cigars and chocolate crunch balls rolled in 24-karat gold. Judge Candace Nelson tells contestant Casey Reinhardt that she "captured the flavor of the White Russian for sure."
