Description
DAS BAKE-AUF: GERMAN BAKING COMPETITION
Think you can bake better than Oma?
Bring your best German-inspired creation to Das Bake-Auf and put your baking skills to the test! From traditional family favorites to clever new flavor combinations, we’re looking for home bakers ready to compete for awards, bragging rights, and the title of Das Bake-Auf Overall Winner.
The Overall Winner will receive a KitchenAid stand mixer!
CONTEST DATE & SCHEDULE
Das Bake-Auf takes place Sunday, September 27, 2026.
- Contestant check-in and entry drop-off: 11:30 AM–12:00 PM
- Check-in location: Big Red Experience Barn
- Judging begins promptly at 12:00 PM
- Winners announced at 1:30 PM in the Main Event Tent
No entries will be accepted after noon.
After checking in, contestants are welcome to enjoy OktoberFest while judging takes place. Please return to the Main Event Tent for the winners’ announcement at 1:30 PM.
REGISTRATION
Registration is $10 per entry.
Contestants may register up to three entries total, with no more than one entry in each category. Each entry requires a separate registration.
Das Bake-Auf is open to amateur home bakers of all ages and experience levels. Contestants under age 18 must check in with a parent or legal guardian.
Professional bakers, pastry chefs, commercial bakery owners, and entries prepared as part of a commercial baking operation are not eligible.
2026 COMPETITION CATEGORIES
German Cookies & Dessert Bars
Traditional or German-inspired cookies, brownies, layered bars, and other handheld baked treats.
German Cakes & Strudels
German cakes, tortes, and strudels showcasing traditional flavors, carefully crafted fillings, or classic German baking techniques.
German-Inspired Fusion
Creative baked goods combining recognizable German ingredients, flavors, traditions, or techniques with inspiration from another cuisine or baking style. Show us something unexpected—but make sure the German connection is clear!
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Entries must be prepared by the registered contestant in a home kitchen.
- Finished store-bought baked goods may not be entered.
- Cakes, tortes, and strudels must be submitted whole and complete.
- Cookies, dessert bars, individually portioned items, and Fusion entries must include at least 12 pieces or enough portions for every judge to taste.
- Each entry must include the contestant’s name, entry name, registered category, general ingredient list, and clear disclosure of all known major allergens.
- Recipes are not required.
- Entries must arrive covered, protected, and ready for presentation and judging.
- Disposable containers are strongly recommended. The festival cannot guarantee that containers, serving pieces, or decorations will be returned.
FOOD-SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Refrigeration space is extremely limited. All entries must be shelf-stable and safe to hold at room temperature throughout check-in and judging.
Contest officials may refuse any entry that appears unsafe, requires refrigeration, lacks adequate ingredient or allergen information, or otherwise fails to meet the competition rules.
Das Bake-Auf is not an allergen-free competition. The festival cannot guarantee that any entry is free from allergens or cross-contact.
JUDGING & AWARDS
Entries will be assigned contestant numbers and judged without contestants’ names displayed.
Entries will be evaluated in four equally weighted areas:
- Appearance and presentation
- Taste and execution, including flavor, aroma, texture, balance, and doneness
- Creativity and originality
- German authenticity or connection
First-, second-, and third-place awards will be presented in each category. One exceptional entry will also be named the Das Bake-Auf Overall Winner and receive a KitchenAid stand mixer.
A Kids’ Choice Award may also be presented by a designated panel of young judges.
IMPORTANT POLICIES
Entries are submitted for judging and will not be offered as an open public tasting buffet.
Contestants are responsible for collecting leftovers and any non-disposable materials after the awards ceremony.
Registration fees are nonrefundable for any reason. Entries arriving after noon or failing to meet the competition requirements will not be accepted or refunded.
Any containers abandoned after the competition may be forfeited to the Tommyknockers living in the old mine—and they are notoriously bad about returning Tupperware.
By registering, contestants confirm that they have read, understood, and agreed to follow the official Das Bake-Auf rules.
Register your entry, preheat your oven, and show Colorado Springs what German baking is all auf-bout!
