The aromas of apples, chocolate, and freshly baked cupcakes filled the air at Zehnder’s Snowfest Warming Tent on Wednesday, January 28, as talented local bakers competed in our annual ABC Baking Competition. This year’s contest featured three delicious categories — Apple Delights, Brownie Bonanza, and Cupcake Extravaganza — each showcasing incredible creativity and baking skill using Pioneer Sugar as a key ingredient.
With a maximum of ten finalists selected in each category, judges had the difficult task of choosing first, second, and third place winners from an impressive lineup of beautifully prepared entries. From classic apple-inspired treats to rich brownies and imaginative cupcake creations, every dish brought its own unique flavor and flair to the competition.
We are proud to celebrate all of our participants who helped make this year’s ABC Baking Competition such a sweet highlight of Snowfest 2026. Thank you to everyone who baked, judged, and cheered on these amazing creations — and congratulations to our winners below!
Proudly sponsored by Michigan Sugar, with support from Le Creuset® and WSGW 790 AM, this year’s contest was a true celebration of sweet treats.
Participants with the top treats include:
Apple Delights Category:
1st Place – Carol Socier from Bay City, Michigan with Apple Pecan Cheese Cake Parfait
2nd Place – Leah Haun from Columbiaville, Michigan with Caramel Apple Pecan Cheesecake
3rd Place – Colleen Gawrylowicz from Caro, Michigan with Apple Razzy Crumb Pie
-
- Apple Delight Winners
-
- First Place – Apple Pecan Cheesecake Parfait
-
- Second Place – Caramel Apple Pecan Cheesecake
-
- Third Place – Apple Razzy Crumb Pie
Brownies Bonanza Category:
1st Place – Divya Paul from Troy, Michigan with Hazelnut Brownies with Nutella Mousse
2nd Place – LaVern Ward from West Bloomfield, Michigan with Southern Italian Cream Cake Bars
3rd Place – Carol Kammer from Macomb, Michigan with Blue Bayou Brownies
-
- Brownies Bonanza Winners
-
- First Place – Hazelnut Brownies with Nutella Mousse
-
- Second Place – Southern Italian Cream Cake Bars
-
- Third Place – Blue Bayou Brownies
Cupcake Extravaganza Category:
1st Place – Melissa Kildow from Grand Blanc, Michigan with Raspberry Yuzu Cupcakes
2nd Place – Genevieve Connors from Rochester Hills, Michigan with Nana’s Bumpy Cupcakes
3rd Place – Michael Cieslak from White Lake, Michigan with Carrot Cupcakes
-
- Cupcake First Place Winner
-
- First Place – Raspberry Yuzu Cupcakes
-
- Cupcake Second Place Winner – Genevieve Connors
-
- Second Place – Nana’s Bumpy Cupcakes
-
- Cupcake Third Place – Michael Cieslak
-
- Third Place – Carrot Cupcakes
Grand Prize Winner – Carol Socier from Bay City, Michigan with Apple Pecan Cheesecake Parfait
