Will Layers be Macon’s next Star Baker again this year? Here is who’s competing.
Back by popular demand, the Great Macon Baking Week is returning for its second year bringing more delectable delights.
The Great Macon Baking Week started in 2023 in an effort to promote Macon’s bakeries and restaurants, The community came out in droves to participate in the week-long event, according to Gary Wheat, CEO of Visit Macon.
“We love Baking Week. It is a great way to get all of our businesses involved in a little friendly competition leading up to Bragg Jam weekend and the Central City Bake Off,” he said. “The baking mitts are off and we are excited to see who will be the next Macon Baking Week Champion.”
During the sweet week, 16 of Macon’s finest bakeries and restaurants will for the coveted title of Macon’s Star Baker.
Stephen Collins, owner of Layers - which was last year’s restaurant to win Macon’s Star Baker - said the fun competition began in the first year the business was in its storefront on Vineville.
“We were excited to present to the community our white velvet cake and were thrilled that Visit Macon gave us an opportunity,” he said. “It was an unexpected honor to be chosen as the grand prize winner.”
Collins said this year he is excited to see if the business can go back to back with its lemon blueberry cheesecake. Collins said the cake has been a local favorite and sells out often.
Scott Mitchell, owner of Sweet Eleanor’s, said he chose to participate because it made sense for his business and he loves creating flavor profiles.
“We cannot wait for everyone to try our blackberry peach biscuit pudding,” he said.
Visit any of the participating businesses from July 21 through July 28, try its signature showstopping item and receive a stamp on a passport.
Passports can be found now in the June/July issue of Macon Magazine and will also be available at the Downtown Visitors’ Center and participating locations.
Restaurants participating in the Great Macon Baking Week include:
Dawson’s Kitchen - Strawberry Lemonade Ooey Gooey Bars
The Rookery - Cosmic Brownie Cheesecake Dippers
Layers - Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Cake
Macon Bagels - Everything Bagel Buns
Felicia’s Cake Factory - Cheesecake Cupcakes
Tommy’s Bakery - Maple Bacon Doughnut
Satterfield’s Barbeque - Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble
Natalia’s - Carolyn’s Chocolate Mousse in a Pecan Lace Basket
Kinjo Kitchen and Cocktails - Peanut butter Dream Cheesecake
Dovetail Macon - Chocolate Strawberry Ice Cream Cake
Yollah - Churro Sprinkle
Sweet Eleanor’s - Southern Blackberry Peach Biscuit Pudding
Z Bean’s - Razzle Roll
Parish on Cherry - Bread Pudding
Bearfoot Tavern - Spiced Cinnamon Apple and Cranberry Calzone
Taste and See - Chocolate Peppermint Doughnut
Collect stamps in the passport to redeem prizes. Get five or more stamps to claim a Macon cooking set which includes a whisk, spatula, potholder, and chip clip. Collect 10 stamps to claim a free Great Macon Baking Week T-shirt. All while supplies last.
Anyone who tries all 16 items will be entered to win the grand prize - a KitchenAid Stand Mixer in the color of their choosing, according to Visit Macon.
“The very best part of the competition is to meet our fellow bakers and to try their very best items,” Collins said. “It is a week to showcase the talent and unique flavors that only Macon can offer.”
Passports can be turned in for prizes in person or by mail to the Downtown Macon Visitors Center at 450 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. in Macon.
Participants are also encouraged to vote for their favorite dish to award Macon’s Star Baker by going to the Great Macon Baking Week page on the Visit Macon website or by scanning the QR code on the passport.
The winning bakers will be announced on Sunday, July 28 during the Central City Bake Off.
