Great British Baking Show season 13 episode 9: The semifinals

Great British Baking Show season 13 was back for episode 9 and we are almost to the finale. This week, it was all about patisserie and while some bakers did well, some left much to be desired. We also learned that Paul and Prue definitely don’t know the magic of a PB&J.

Let’s start with the Signature Challenge! The bakers had to make mini charlottes. Syabira made cheesecake mini charlottes with peanut butter and berries (the judges could not fathom how this flavor combination would work). Sandro made caramel, peanut butter, and banana mini charlottes. Abdul made tiramisu charlottes and Janusz made plum and chocolate charlottes.

The results turned out pretty good. The judges loved the flavors, but some were prettier and more refined than others.

On to the Technical Challenge! Prue tasked the bakers with making vertical tarts and honestly, this just seemed cruel. I don’t know if professional bakers could make this right off the bat with a limited recipe. Most of the tarts had issues with the mousse and some of the pastry was thicker than it should have been. But who took the number one spot? It was Syabira!

Great British Baking Show was all about patisserie this week

Finally, the Showstopper Challenge. The bakers had to make a traditional Nordic kroken. These were extraordinary. They were so tall considering they were made out of biscuits, marzipan, and sugar.

Sybira made a DNA kroken, Sandro made a kroken about his life, Janusz made a kroken inspired by LGBT pride, and Abdul made a rocket ship. All of these looked amazing but Syabira’s double helix was utter perfection. I saw how she made it and it still seems impossible. That being said, Abdul and his rocketship got Star Baker this week. He’s come so far since the beginning of the show.

Who went home? That was, unfortunately, Janusz. He has been such a pillar of joy and support on the show. His bakes definitely went down in quality over the weeks, but the show won’t be the same without him.

Next week, it’s the finale! The final three bakers will have to show off all their skills in order to be named the Best Baker in Britain.

What did you think of this week’s episode of the Great British Baking Show? Were you happy with the results? Let us know in the comments below!