As a part of the IBIE, cake designers from around the world competed in Pillsbury’s Creative Cake Decorating Competition.

At a ceremony, Love Cakes by Dorothy Lane Market designers Lee Ann Parsons and Kaytlyn Stanuszek were announced as the grand champions of the multi-day competition and awarded the 21st Pillsbury Bakers’ Plus Grand Champion Trophy.

Six two-person teams from bakeries around the world came to compete, including designers from Quebec, Mexico, and other United States teams representing bakeries in Baton Rouge, La., and Illinois. Parsons has been with Love Cakes by DLM, the boutique cake division of Dorothy Lane Market, for seven years. Stanuszek joined the Love Cakes team just three years ago. Judges evaluated everything from artistry and skill to imagination.

The event featured six teams of two competing in four categories:

  • Wedding Cake
  • Rolled Fondant
  • Buttercream
  • Sculpted: “Everything is Cake”

The results were determined by a panel of judges including Jorge Amsler, Kathleen Lang, and more.

“This is where the joy of this industry happens,” said Chip Levers of General Mills Foodservice.

Starting on Sunday, the competitors completed cakes live on the exhibit floor, working for several hours both Sunday and Monday. The Love Cakes team came in first place in the Wedding Cake and Buttercream Cake categories, in addition to being honored for their cumulative points as the overall grand champion.

“I am so very proud. Lee Ann has wanted to participate in this international competition for so long, so her dreams have come true. This is a new experience for Kaytlyn that took her outside of her box, and I just couldn’t be more thrilled for them both,” said Sabrina Fiffe, Love Cakes by DLM manager.

The top three winners at Pillsbury’s Creative Cake Decorating Competition were as follows:

  • Grand champion – Kaytlyn Stanuzek and Lee Ann Parson, Dorothy Lane Market, Dayton, Ohio
  • Second place overall – Alexa Abaroa and Julie Thompson of DeEtta’s Bakery, Naperville, Ill.
  • Third place overall – Heather Dominique and Holly Deville of Gambino’s Bakery, Baton Rouge, La.