Bake for keeps.

Spring Baking Classic — BROWNIES & FOCACCIA
Rules & Guidelines

Who Can Compete

• You must live in the Columbus, OH area

• This competition is for amateur bakers only

  • If you’re a professional baker, sell baked goods, or have formal culinary training, we’d still love to have you — just join us as a taster instead!

• Bakers must be 16 years or older

  • Minors must be accompanied by an adult

Entry Basics

• You must apply to be selected for an entry. The application is open February 23 - March 22.

• $20 non-refundable entry fee, if selected

  • Your entry includes a tasting ticket, allowing you to sample all entries and help select the People’s Choice winner

• One entry per person

• You must make your bake entirely yourself

• Recipes should be your own (family recipes welcome!)

• By entering, you agree that photos and video from the event may be used to celebrate bakers and promote future events
  (Fame is fleeting, but bake pics are forever.)

Category Commitment & Timing (May 17 at Seventh Son Brewing Co.)

By applying, you’re confirming availability for your full category window and required drop-off time:

• Brownie Category: approx. 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM

• Focaccia Category: approx. 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM

All bakers must:

• Drop off their bake 30 minutes–1 hour before their category judging begins

• Be present at the event during their category timeframe

• Plan to stay through winner announcements

Guests & Tasting

• Baker registration includes tasting privileges for the baker only

• Guests are welcome but must each purchase their own tasting ticket.

• Bakers are encouraged to mingle, taste, and cheer each other on!

Bake Requirements

Brownies

• Bring one uncut 9x13 pan of brownies labeled with your name

• No layered, stuffed, or frosted brownies. Mix-ins are OK!

Focaccia

• Bring one uncut 9X13” focaccia labeled with your name

• This is a savory category. No sweet/dessert focaccias.

All Bakers Must:

• Provide a full ingredients list ahead of time (for allergy awareness)

• Transport bakes in airtight containers (Display and serving will be handled by event staff)

Judging & Feedback

Every baker deserves to know how their bake stacked up. Our judges use a clear rubric, and all competitors receive scores plus brief feedback after the event. Our goal is transparency, encouragement, and helping you grow as a baker.

Judging Rubric

• 30% Appearance

  • Overall presentation

  • Color and visual appeal

• 35% Texture

  • Moisture, crumb, chew, or structure (depending on category)

  • Pleasant mouthfeel

• 35% Flavor

  • Balanced, intentional flavors

  • No overpowering or unpleasant aftertaste

In the event of a tie, the judging panel will determine the winner.

Prizes

All winners receive ribbons, plus:

• 1st Place: $50

• 2nd Place: $30

• 3rd Place: $15

• People’s Choice: $50

(Yes — People’s Choice is voted on by tasters, including bakers!)

Baker FAQ

Can I sample other entries?
Yes! Your entry fee includes tasting privileges, so you can try all the bakes. Community and camaraderie are a big part of why we do this.

Do I display my own bake?
Nope — we’ve got it covered.

Can I vote for myself for People’s Choice?
We’d rather you didn’t 😉
Think of it as: “If my bake wasn’t here, who would I vote for?”

How will my application info be used?
We may share first names, fun facts, or bake photos on social media leading up to the event if you are selected and officially register to bake. Last names and contact info will never be shared.

Who are the judges?
Judges will be announced soon! We’re aiming for respected local food folks and bakers. Have a suggestion? Email us.