Syabira Yusoff, a cardiovascular research associate from the Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, has been crowned the winner of The Great British Bake Off 2022.
She dazzled judges in the final with a multi-mini cake, pie and finger sandwich bake, and an orangutan showstopper. “This is the biggest achievement of my life,” she said shortly after she was crowned.
Over the past nine weeks, Syabira has showcased her inventive flavours, sunny personality, and unique designs. She is the only contestant to win Star Baker four times and brought her scientific background into her baking. In the semi-final, Syabira drew on her science background to construct a towering DNA-inspired structure which would make Rosalind Franklin, who joined King‘s in 1950 and took Photo 51, proud.
She said: “In the beginning I was happy just to be on the show, but I’ve improved so much and learned so much as a baker. The survival instinct kicked in and I pushed myself harder.”
Syabira is a relative newcomer to baking. Two years ago, she watched an episode of The Great British Bake Off and decided to apply. That year, she broadened her repertoire to include bread and pies, as well as perfecting her unusual flavour combinations.
She said: “I found out I was going to be on Bake Off in the lab, so even though I was thrilled I couldn’t scream. It was so surreal. My colleagues weren’t surprised when they found out I was on Bake Off. They said they knew I could make it. They’re my guinea pigs, and I always bringing in cakes and biscuits with random flavours for them.”
Syabira has provided an exclusive recipe for red velvet sandwich cookies. Syabira’s special bake will be available on campus, in King’s Food cafés and canteens, from 21 November.