The Great British Bake Off (series 2)


The second series of The Great British Bake Off started 14 August 2011 with twelve amateur bakers. Unlike series one, the competition was held in a single location – on the grounds of Valentines Mansion, a 17th-century mansion house in Redbridge. In addition to their on-screen presenting roles, Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins also took over the narration of the show, which had been done by Stephen Noonan the previous series. Series two also introduced the "star baker" award for the most impressive performer each week.
Three and a half thousand people applied for the competition, and 12 were selected. Each episode was filmed over two 14-hour days. The competition was won by Joanne Wheatley.

Bakers

BakerAgeOccupationHometown
Ben Frazer31Graphic DesignerNorthampton
Holly Bell31Advertising executiveLeicester
Ian Vallance40Fundraiser for English HeritageDunstable, Bedfordshire
Janet Basu63Teacher of Modern LanguagesFormby, Liverpool
Jason White19Civil Engineering StudentCroydon
Joanne "Jo" Wheatley41HousewifeOngar, Essex
Keith Batsford31House husbandArlesey, Bedfordshire
Mary-Anne Boermans45HousewifeKidderminster, Worcestershire
Robert Billington25PhotographerLondon
Simon Blackwell31Rugby CoachNorfolk
Urvashi Roe40Head of MarketingEnfield, London
Yasmin Limbert43ChildminderWest Kirby, The Wirral

Results summary

There was no Star Baker this week, as Paul and Mary felt it wouldn't be right to single out one baker when the results were incredibly close.
Colour key:

Episodes

Episode 1: Cakes

For their very first challenge, the bakers were asked to bake 24 cupcakes in 2 hours. They are allowed to make 2 different types of cupcakes. For the technical challenge, the bakers were asked to bake a Coffee and Walnut Battenburg cake using Mary Berry's recipe in 2 hours. The cake needs to have the perfect sponge which holds its form, distinguish flavours, and a smooth exterior. For the showstopper, the bakers were asked to bake a chocolate tiered celebration cake with elaborate, multi-layer design in 5 hours.
BakerSignature
Technical
Showstopper
BenRhubarb and Custard Cupcakes
After Dinner Cupcakes		2ndVanilla Sponge with White Chocolate
and Raspberry Buttercream
HollyCherry Bakewell Inspired Cupcakes
Ginger Cupcakes with Fig Truffle		1stNovelty Farm Cake
IanApple and Cinnamon Cupcakes10thUNKNOWN
JanetRaspberry and Cream Cupcakes8thChocolate Marble Cake
with Dark and White Chocolate Truffles
JasonLemon Meringue Cupcakes
Apple and Cinnamon Cupcakes		6thUNKNOWN
JoChocolate Orange Cupcakes
Orange and Cardamom Cupcakes		11thChocolate and Strawberry Cake
KeithEarl Grey Cupcakes12thChocolate and Sour Cream Cake
Mary-AnneBanoffee Cupcakes4thChocolate and Raspberry Opera Cake
RobertBlackberry and Vanilla Cupcakes
with Liquorice Frosting		3rdGenoise Layered Mousse Cake
with Chocolate Ganache
SimonGuinness and Chocolate Cupcakes9thTwo-Tiered Chocolate Courgette Cake
UrvashiCherry Blossom Cupcakes
Japanese Lime Cupcakes		7thUNKNOWN
YasminCardamom and Pomegranate Cupcakes5thUNKNOWN

During the Showstopper round, Rob accidentally dropped his cake.

Episode 2: Tarts

For the signature bake, the bakers were asked to bake a savory Quiche in 2 hours. For the technical challenge, the bakers were asked to bake a Tarte au Citron using Mary's recipe in 1 1/2 hours. For the showstopper, the bakers were asked to bake 24 miniature sweet tarts.
BakerSignature
Technical
Showstopper
BenChorizo, Pepper and Gruyere Quiche1stLemon Meringue Tarts
HollyPesto Quiche4thMilk Chocolate and Pistachio Tarts
Trifle Tarts
IanStilton, Spinach and New Potato Quiche
with Paprika and Walnut Pastry		2ndUNKNOWN
JanetQuiche Printanière8thRed Fruit Tarts
Chocolate and Cherry Tarts
JasonSalmon and Pak Choi Quiche3rdMint Chocolate Tarts
Blueberry Bakewell Tarts
JoCaramelised Onion, Gruyere and Thyme Quiche10thRaspberry and Mascarpone Tarts with Lemon and Almond Pastry
Honey and Almond Tarts with Sweetcrust
Mary-AnneRoasted Cauliflower, Cheese and
Caramelised Onion Quiche		9thButterscotch Brulée Tarts in Pecan Pastry
Apple Rose Tarts
RobertSmoked Bacon and Kale Quiche5thChocolate, Fennel and Ginger Tart
Almond, Creme Patisserie and Poached Pear Tart
SimonSmoked Haddock and Watercress Quiche11thPassion Fruit and Ricotta Tarts
Salted Chocolate, Stem Ginger and Mascarpone Cream Tarts
UrvashiCrab, Coriander and Coconut Quiche7thStrawberry and Basil Tarts
Elderflower and Honeycomb Tarts
YasminSmoked Haddock and Watercress Quiche6thChocolate and Orange with Cinnamon-Orange Pastry Tarts
Blueberry and Hazelnut with Hazelnut Pastry Tarts

Episode 3: Bread

For their signature bake, the bakers were asked to bake a free formed flavored loaf in 3 ¼ hours. For the technical challenge, the bakers were given 3 1/2 hours to bake a Focaccia, using Paul's recipe. For the showstopper, the bakers were asked to bake 2 displays. One display is to make a basket out of bread. The second display is to make 12 sweet and 12 savory rolls. They had 5 hours.
BakerSignature
Technical
Showstopper
BenWalnut, Raisin and Rosemary Loaf3rdUNKNOWN
HollyPicnic Loaf6thStilton and Walnut Rolls
IanCourgette, Caerphilly Cheese and Thyme Loaf10thWalnut and Raisin Rolls
Cracked Wheat Logs
JanetZupfe Loaf with Gruyère Cheese8thApple and Walnut Granary Rolls
Red Onion Cottage Rolls
JasonCheese and Onion Tear and Share Loaf7thUNKNOWN
JoStromboli flavored with Mozzarella, Ham, and Picante Pepper1stUNKNOWN
Mary-AnnePloughman's Loaf5thHerb and Walnut Breads
Chocolate and Chilli Buns
RobertRye and Coriander Seed Loaf4thBlueberry Brioche Rolls
Lemon and Poppy Seed Rolls
UrvashiSalt and Peppercorn Loaf9thChilli and Halloumi Rolls
Lemon and Coriander Mini Loaves
YasminEgyptian Dukkah Loaf with Mixed Spices2ndPesto Bread
Sweet Coconut Rolls

In this episode, two bakers were eliminated rather than one baker.

Episode 4: Biscuits

For the signature bake, the bakers were give 1 1/2 hours to make 12 biscuits. The biscuits should not be too hard or too crumbly. For the technical challenge, the bakers were given 1 1/2 hours to bake 24 brandy snaps. For the showstopper, the bakers were asked to bake a macaron display. They need 3 different flavors, bake 120 of them, and had 5 hours to complete it.
BakerSignature
Technical
Showstopper
BenStem Ginger Nuts5thChocolate and Almond Macarons
Pine Nut Macarons
Pistachio Macarons
HollyStrawberry and Custard Melts3rd'Chocolate bars of my youth'
JanetChristmas Marzipan Biscuits4thRaspberry Macarons
Blackcurrant Macarons
Almond Macarons
JasonLebkuchen1stMocktail Macarons
JoLavender Biscuits8thBlueberry Macarons
Coconut Macarons
Strawberry Macarons
Mary-AnneMelting Moments2ndBlackcurrant and Mint Macarons
Gooseberry and Elderflower Macarons
Hazelnut Macarons
RobertChocolate and Ginger Oat Biscuits7thStrawberry and Lime Macarons
Lemon Macarons
Chocolate and Cardamom Macarons
YasminChocolate Chip and Pistachio Biscotti6thChocolate and Lime Macarons
Coffee and Walnut Macarons
Pineapple and Coconut Macarons

Episode 5: Pies

For the signature, the bakers were asked to bake a family pie with either a ruff puff pastry or flaky pastry in 2 1/2 hours. For the technical challenge, the bakers were asked to bake a batch of 6 miniature pork pies in 2 1/2 hours using Paul's recipe. The technical was a 2 day bake challenge, so the bakers were judged the next day. For the showstopper, the bakers were asked to bake a meringue pie—a fruit and/or custard pie topped with meringue, in 3 ½ hours.
BakerSignature
Technical
Showstopper
HollyStilton, Potato and Caramelised Onion Pie4thLime Meringue Pie
JanetChicken and Chestnut Pie1stRhubarb Meringue Pie
JasonBrown Down Chicken Pie7thPlum Meringue Pie
JoSalmon and Asparagus Pie6thApple and Raspberry Meringue Pie
Mary-AnneChicken and Bacon Pie2ndMidnight Meringue
RobertChicken and Mushroom Pie3rdRhubarb & Custard Meringue Pie
YasminFamily Fish Pie5thPeach and Raspberry Meringue Pie

Once again, in this episode, two bakers were eliminated instead of one baker.

Episode 6: Desserts

For the signature bake, the bakers were asked to bake a cheesecake in 2 1/2 hours. For the technical challenge, the bakers were asked to bake a chocolate roulade in 1 3/4 hours using Mary's recipe. For the showstopper, the bakers were asked to create a Croquembouche-inspired bake in 5 hours.
BakerSignature
Technical
Showstopper
HollyFather Christmas' Baked Cheesecake3rdHansel and Gretel's Croquembouche
JanetRhubarb and Ginger Baked Cheesecake5thOrange and Nougatine Croquembouche
JoRum and Raisin Baked Cheesecake1stLimoncello and White Chocolate Croquembouche
Mary-AnneTutti Fruitti Curd Baked Cheesecake4thOrange and Praline Croquembouche with Cardamom Caramel
YasminBaked Amaretto Cheesecake2ndRose Croquembouche

Episode 7: Pâtisserie (Semi-final)

For the signature bake, the semi finalists were asked to bake a layered mousse cake in 2 hours, with the judges seeking a light sponge and a rich mousse. For the technical challenge, the bakers were asked to bake 12 identical Iced Fingers. Using Paul's recipe, they were to be filled with cream and jam. For the showstopper, the bakers were asked to bake 3 types of pastries. The bakers had to use the same dough — which must be crisp on the outside and soft on the inside — for all three.
BakerSignature
Technical
Showstopper
HollyWhite Chocolate, Hazelnut and Raspberry Génoise Mousse Cake1stApricot, Macadamia and White Chocolate Pinwheels
Almond Croissants
Apple, Raisin and Cinnamon Plaits
JanetChocolate Amaretto Mousse Cake4thPain Aux Raisin
Plain Croissant
Pain Au Chocolat
JoRaspberry & Strawberry Mousse Cake3rdPain Aux Raisin
Chocolate Twists
Banana and Raisin Pastries
Mary-AnneChocolate and Orange Mousse Cake2ndRaspberry Rose Danishes
Praline Spirals
Alsatian Plaited Danishes

In this episode, none of the bakers were individually highlighted as Star Baker, as the judges decided all four deserved commendation for reaching the semi-final.

Episode 8: Final

For their final signature bake, the finalists were asked to bake 12 mille-feuille in 2 1/2 hours. For the technical challenge, the bakers were asked to bake a sachertorte in 2 hours and 40 minutes. For their final showstopper, the bakers were asked to bake 3 different types of petits fours: Meringue, Sweet Pastry, and Sponge Based, within 4 hours.
BakerSignature
Technical
Showstopper
HollyBanoffee Inspired Mille Feuille2ndStrawberry and Cream Meringue Nest
Gooseberry and Elderflower 'Bakewell' Tarts
Neapolitan Ice-Cream Sandwich
JoRaspberry and Blueberry Mille Feuille1stMini Victoria Sandwiches
Raspberry, White Chocolate and Pistachio Mini Meringues
Mini Banoffee Pie with Banana Mousse
Mary-AnneLemon and Ginger Mille Feuille3rdFruit Tarts with Elderflower Custard
Strawberry and Rhubarb Cheesecakes
Black Fruit Meringue with Everlasting Syllabub

Extras and special episodes

Both episodes 9 and 10 were Masterclasses by Paul and Mary where they demonstrated how to make the Technical Challenges that they had set throughout the series. Episode 9 showed the first four of the series; Coffee and walnut Battenberg, Tarte au Citron, Focaccia and Brandy Snaps. Episode 10 showed the last four of the series; Pork pies, Chocolate roulade, Iced fingers and Sachertorte.
Episode 11 went back and revisited the bakers from Series 1 to catch up on what the contestants had been doing since they had been on the show.

Post-show career

Some of the contestants went on to a career in baking or have a change of career as a result of appearing on the show.
Joanne Wheatley has written two best-selling books on baking, A Passion for Baking published on 16 May 2013, and Home Baking initially as a Sainsbury's exclusive. She writes a monthly column for Sainsbury's magazine and is a regular guest columnist for The Sun newspaper. She runs cookery courses from her home in Essex, and has appeared in various television shows such as The Alan Titchmarsh Show and What's Cooking.
Holly Bell teaches baking classes and for a time worked as an occasional radio presenter on BBC Radio Leicester. She also appeared as a guest presenter on QVC shopping channel. She wrote an eBook called Ready, Steady, Bake! which was published on 5 July 2012, and published a book Recipes from a Normal Mum on 17 July 2014.
Mary-Anne Boermans wrote a book on baking, Great British Bakes: Forgotten Treasures for Modern Bakers, which was published on 7 November 2013.

Ratings

Official episode viewing figures are from BARB.
Episode
no.		AirdateViewers
BBC Two
weekly ranking
13.102
23.532
33.821
43.601
53.831
64.251
74.421
85.061

Specials