Submissions are open for 2026!
We want you to participate in Cincinnati Magazine’s fourth annual GREAT CINCINNATI BAKE-OFF! Both home bakers and experienced pros are invited to apply for a chance to participate in the following categories:
- Cake Decorating, amateur and professional
- Pies, amateur and professional
- Cookies + Brownies, amateur and professional
- Bread – Artisan Bread Showdown, amateur and professional
- Cheesecakes, amateur and professional
Applications are now open and will be accepted until Friday, September 11. Participants will be informed of their selection by Friday, September 25. Submit your application now using the form below. Selected participants will have their bakes graded by our panel of judges on Monday, October 12. This deliberation will be followed by a public celebration on Tuesday, October 13, where both amateur and professional creations will be on display, culminating in the eagerly anticipated announcement of the winners!
PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS:
Amateur Bakers
- must be 18 or older
- must bake out of your home kitchen
- must not be an employee of a restaurant, bakery, caterer, or a commercial kitchen
- must bake all entries from scratch (no box mixes, etc.)
- must submit at least 4 photos of previous creations
- must create 2 identical entries – one for judging, one for display*
Professional Bakers
- must be 18 or older
- must be a current employee of a restaurant, bakery, caterer, or a commercial kitchen
- must bake out of a professional kitchen and obtain approval from employer to participate
- must bake all entries from scratch (no box mixes, etc.)
- must submit at least 4 photos of previous creations
- must create 2 identical entries – one for judging, one for display*
For questions, email cmevents@cincinnatimagazine.com
*Display items must look identical but do not need to be edible. Sign up for the Great Bake-Off using the form below:
