By Audrey Elwood, Arts and Entertainment Editor

The Great Cincinnati Bake-off took place at Cintas Center on last Tuesday. This year’s iteration was hosted by Cincinnati Magazine in partnership with Xavier Eats. 

There were two portions to the event: a baking competition and a sampling. The baking competition took place the day before the event, with categories including brownies, cakes, cookies, cheesecake, bread and pies. There were two separate leagues for professional bakers and amateurs and the winners were announced at the end of the night. 

When walking in, guests were greeted by Xavier’s own mascots, the Xavier dance team and the X-band. There were photo opportunities with the Blue Blob and D’artagnan, accompanied by mega-sized candy props and a candy themed background.

Corporate sponsors of the event included major food companies involved in the baking process. Duncan Hines was giving away brownies and cookies, McCormick was giving away pumpkin mousse, and Ben and Jerry’s had a sampling of different ice cream flavors. Additionally, everyone was given a box to take some of the sweet treats home. 

Andrew Schmidt, a sophomore economics and math major said this about the Mccormick pumpkin mousse: “This was definitely my favorite item of the whole night.” While there were many different fall flavors in attendance, he said, “The pumpkin flavor stood out to me, it didn’t taste like a prepackaged pudding. It tasted like the one my mom used to make me as a kid.” 

Xavier Eats had been working to coordinate the event for six weeks.

“It gives us a challenge, we get to open our minds and creativity.” Executive Campus Chef, Tom Turnbull said. The event included a Xavier Eats table, filled with spooky theme cakes and treats, and fall flavors. “Maria, our baker actually entered this contest, She’s a big part of our success as far as the bakery.” Trumbull said.

There were events held throughout the night on the main stage, including brownie decorating. At the end of the night, they announced the winners of each of the competitions, and gave out a golden rolling pin. 

When asked if he gained anything from the night, Schmidt said “A couple of pounds, probably.”