The much-anticipated Spring Baking Championship season 11 made its return with an exciting episode on April 7, 2025. During this episode, contestants faced the challenge of reinterpreting their favorite childhood desserts into elevated versions, all while showcasing their refined culinary skills. The pre-heat round saw intense competition, but it was Corey’s delectable grasshopper pie that ultimately earned him the title of the round’s winner.
This victory granted Corey immunity for the next three challenges, allowing him to navigate the competition with a newfound sense of security.
“I’m feeling a little bit invincible, I am,”the Spring Baking Championship star expressed in a confessional.
The expert judges—Duff Goldman, Nancy Fuller, and Kardea Brown—were thoroughly impressed with Corey’s modern take on his nostalgic treat. They praised not only the exceptional presentation but also the delightful flavors that surprised them all. In a show of enthusiasm, Kardea even jumped from her seat to high-five Corey in celebration.
“Is this not absolutely delicious?”— Praise from Nancy Fuller on Corey’s grasshopper pie
The contestants had 90 minutes to dive into their childhood memories and present a memorable dessert with a contemporary spin. Corey shared that grasshopper pie held a special place in his heart as it was a favorite recipe of his grandmother.
“My grandmother would make this grasshopper pie. My grandma would, like, grate a chocolate bar on top,”he recalled.
For his elevated version, Corey aimed to create a “freestanding grasshopper pie”featuring a chocolate cake base and a vibrant mint cream made from white chocolate. He planned to enhance his creation with intricate chocolate decorations.
Reflecting on his hard-earned immunity, Corey acknowledged how it alleviated pressure and fueled his determination to claim the championship title.
“I’m here to represent brown queer boys that have an interest in baking and pastry,”he added proudly.
When it was time for judgment, Nancy Fuller commended his grasshopper pie-inspired chocolate cake:
“A wonderful elevation of a childhood dessert.”
Duff echoed her sentiments, noting the composed presentation of the dish and its artistic “movement”on the plate. He encouraged Corey to continue developing such innovative desserts to remain competitive throughout the season.
Kardea, after tasting Corey’s creation, expressed her surprise and delight, unable to hide her appreciation. She and Nancy raised their hands in excitement as Kardea exclaimed:
“That’s so good!”
She remarked on the cake’s refreshing mint flavor, describing it as successfully “cool”and “wonderful.”With no critiques to offer, Corey’s emotional response highlighted the significance of their feedback.
Although Corey set a high bar, he faced stiff competition from Kari, who presented a remarkable tres leches cake adorned with fresh berries. However, the judges ultimately chose Corey’s creation, stating that he had made the challenge appear “child’s play.”
In a confessional following the announcement, Kari expressed her disappointment:
“A little bit of a bummer for me, but I can do this.”
As Corey was awarded the coveted immunity basket by host Jesse Palmer, he reiterated his feelings of invincibility, increasing the anticipation for his next challenges.
For the main heat challenge, Corey showcased his creativity with a stunning space-age clock dessert crafted from vanilla sponge and raspberry white chocolate truffle, elegantly decorated with blue frosting.
Don’t miss new episodes of the Spring Baking Championship, airing every Monday at 8 PM ET exclusively on Food Network.