Introducing the 2024 Outstanding Bakers - Bake from Scratch

      In the realm of baking, where flour and sugar turn into masterpieces, the Greatest Baker 2024 competition has surfaced as a testament to enthusiasm and intention. Organized by Colossal, this yearly event unites a diverse array of bakers, all eager to claim the prestigious title, win a $20,000 prize, and have a moment with Brian Hart Hoffman at the Bake from Scratch test kitchen. However, amidst the thrill of the contest and the sweet rewards, there's a more profound purpose—raising awareness and funds for The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, an organization committed to supporting families with children bravely facing cancer.

      "The Greatest Baker competition is not merely about exceptional sweets; it’s about the remarkable individuals who create them," Brian shares. "They are filled with talent, rooted in compassion, and remind us that baking transcends mere craft; it’s a calling. Through their zeal, we are also backing a crucial cause—helping children and families confront unimaginable challenges with resilience, hope, and love." As the scent of freshly baked cakes wafts through the air, the Greatest Baker competition illustrates that baking is more than just a culinary skill; it’s a means for change, a way to impact lives and inspire hope. Through flour-dusted aprons and sugar-sweet smiles, these bakers have crafted not only delicious treats but also contributed to a legacy of positivity and support for those in need.

      The Greatest Baker competition is run by Colossal, the country’s leading professional fundraiser, on behalf of DTCare, a U.S. 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Thanks to the competition, Colossal has proudly raised over $6 million to support The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation.

      These recipes were contributed by the Greatest Baker winner and finalists. They have not been tested or adapted by Bake from Scratch. As with all home baking explorations, outcomes may vary—and bakers are encouraged to approach new recipes with curiosity and care.

      **The 2024 Greatest Bakers Visit the Bake from Scratch Test Kitchen**

      Ali Stanko finds happiness in the simple joys of baking—especially when it connects people. During the day, she works as a human resources manager and accounts receivable specialist, but in her spare time, she enjoys crafting nostalgic comfort desserts for her family and friends. Her earliest inspiration came from her mother, who made every birthday cake in their household, along with marathon viewings of Cake Boss. "I always got to help my mom," she recalls. "She’s the most creative person I know, and I learned so much from her."

      Ali’s baking style is creative, comforting, nostalgic, and fun. She adores cupcakes, uses butter in her recipes, and applies tips passed down through generations—such as her grandmother Kate's technique of using applesauce to keep cakes moist. Using room temperature ingredients is essential. She shares the kitchen with her boyfriend, Garrett, who takes charge of savory dishes while she handles desserts.

      In five years, Ali envisions having her own baking brand, and in ten, perhaps a cookbook or a brick-and-mortar bakery. Regardless of the outcome, she aims to continue pursuing her passion while remaining involved in her family business. Outside of baking, Ali cherishes time with loved ones and her dog, Dakota. Whether she's getting a pedicure with her friend Kaisa or spending time with Garrett’s family, she states, “I’m surrounded by the best people I know. They make everything enjoyable.”

      Her baking advice? "Start simple and have fun. Mistakes happen. That’s part of the process."

      At the age of 24, Nayelli Cuevas works as a pastry cook and server at a golf resort in North Carolina. Her baking passion began with savory dishes—not sweets—while observing her mother and relatives cooking vibrant meals intuitively. "They never used recipes. It amazed me,” she says. "But I needed a little more structure, so I turned to baking." The transition was seamless. Baking provided both the structure she desired and the freedom to experiment. She started trying new recipes and found immense joy in the results. "It was so rewarding to see my family’s reactions when something turned out well," she reflects. "That comfort I felt in baking made me truly happy."

      Nayelli trained at Johnson & Wales University and describes her baking style as experimental, artistic, whimsical, and indulgent. A go-to flavor enhancer she uses is a hint of instant coffee in chocolate pastries to intensify their richness. Her signature creations include tamales and banana chocolate espresso muffins, and she dreams of one day opening her own bakery—name still to be decided. If she could bake alongside anyone, it would be the renowned pastry chef Amaury Guichon. "His work is incredible. I would love to learn to create at that level." When not baking, Nayelli enjoys going to the gym, being at the beach, or spending time with her