Birchip bakery's slice triumphant once again

Bakers from across the state have gone all in for the coveted Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph at Merbein on the weekend, with a Mallee champion reigning supreme.

A hungry crowd devoured thousands of kilos of custard at the competition after two years of cancellations due to COVID-19 but at the end of the day, it was Sharp’s Bakery, Birchip taking home their fifth top gong.

Sharp’s won the prestigious title in 2009, 2012, 2014, 2016 and now in 2022, and according to owner/baker Brad Sharp, the bakery makes 35,000 vanilla slice year and sends them to customers all over Australia.

The timeless combination of the three major components judges look for; ultra-light pastry, smooth and flavoursome custard and sweet and glossy icing, keeps everyone coming back for more.

Sharp’s also took out the first Australia’s Best Vanilla Slice Competition held at the Victorian Baking Show in February.

Coming in second in the professional category was Hudaks Bakery Mildura’s Andrew Whitney, while Shepparton bakery North End Bakehouse’s Matt Aylett came in third.

Other category winners:

Schools

1st Prize Peter Argiro St Josephs College

2nd Prize Adelle Bott St Josephs College

Apprentice

1st Prize CJ’s Bakery Christies Beach SA Rebecca Tracey

2nd Prize Banana Boogie Bakery Belar SA Henning Ostendaf

3rd Prize Hungie Fangs Artisian Bakery Cobram

Innovative

1st Prize CJ’s Bakery Christies Beach SA

2nd Prize Banana Boogie Bakery Belair SA

3rd Prize Emma’s Bakery Alfredton Vic