The first season of Zumbo's Just Desserts premiered in Australia on August 22, 2016, on Seven Network. Twelve contestants were selected to compete. The winner of the first season won the grand prize of $100,000, gets an opportunity have one of their creations in Zumbo's stores and finally the title of "Zumbo's Just Desserts Winner".
The show is hosted by Adriano Zumbo and Rachel Khoo, with Gigi Falanga as assistant.
The winner was 37-year-old Kate Ferguson.
Competition structure Each chapter is divided into two stages. The "Sweet Sensations task" and the "Zumbo Test".
During the first challenge, regularly with a duration of three hours, each contestant must create a dessert following the theme and rules given by the judges at the beginning. Rachel and Zumbo evaluate each of the creations, determining a winner, who gets the Dessert Of The Day. They also declare those who were safe from the second phase and the two bakers who will go to the second phase or elimination round.
The elimination round, or Zumbo Test, consists of testing the bottom bakers with original Zumbo creations, where at least one baker will go home.
Contestants Name Age Occupation Status Kate 37 No-nonsense mum Winner (Episode 12) Ali 28 Insurance Broker Runner-Up (Episode 12) Brogen 22 Stay-At-Home Mum Third (Episode 11)Daniel 25 Bouncer Eliminated (Episode 9) Irene 34 Finance Analyst Eliminated (Episode 8) Amie 24 Admin Assistant Eliminated (Episode 7) Ashley 28 Airline Crewing Officer Eliminated (Episode 6) Michael 51 Bricklayer Eliminated (Episode 5) Vicki 43 Technical Writer Eliminated (Episode 4) Patricia 33 Social Media Manager Eliminated (Episode 3) Peter 57 Car Salesman Eliminated (Episode 2) Wendy 39 Art Lover Eliminated (Episode 1)
Contestant progress Name Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 KateDOTD(Safe) SS(Safe)ZT(14)HIGH(Safe)ZT(11)LOW(Safe)HIGH(Safe)DOTD(Safe)ZT(17) ZT(14) SS/ZT(32) Winner (33) Ali SS(Safe)LOW(Safe)DOTD(Safe)HIGH(Safe)DOTD(Safe)ZT(14)ZT(17)HIGH(Safe)DOTD(Safe) GT(16) DNP(Safe) Runner Up (32) BrogenLOW(Safe) SS(Safe) SS(Safe)LOW(Safe)HIGH(Safe)HIGH(Safe) SS(Safe)ZT(16)HIGH(Safe) SS(SF) ZT(28) Third (Episode 11) DanielLOW(Safe) SS(Safe)HIGH (Safe) SS(Safe) SS(Safe) SS(Safe)LOW(Safe)LOW(Safe)ZT(13)Eliminated (Episode 9) IreneHIGH(Safe)HIGH(Safe) SS(Safe) SS(Safe) SS(Safe) SS(Safe)DOTD(Safe)ZT(14) Eliminated (Episode 8) Amie SS(Safe) SS(Safe) SS(Safe)DOTD(Safe)HIGH(Safe)DOTD(Safe)ZT(12) Eliminated (Episode 7) Ashley SS(Safe)DOTD(Safe)LOW(Safe)ZT(14)LOW(Safe)ZT(12) Eliminated (Episode 6) Michael SS(Safe)LOW(Safe) SS(Safe) SS(Safe)ZT(9) Eliminated (Episode 5) Vicki SS(Safe) SS(Safe)LOW(Safe)ZT(10) Patricia SS(Safe) ZT(12)ZT(10) Eliminated (Episode 3) Peter ZT(11)ZT(10) Eliminated (Episode 2) WendyZT(6) Eliminated (Episode 1) 'Dessert Of The Day' Produce the favorite dessert but was not crowned 'Dessert Of The Day' Produce the worst dessert but was not in the 'Zumbo Test' Won the 'Zumbo Test' Lost the 'Zumbo Test' Eliminated Won 'Golden Ticket' to the Grand Final Sent to the Semi-Final Series winner Series runner up DOTD: Dessert Of The Day ZT: Zumbo Test DNP: Through to the Finals
Series details Episode 1 - Reflective Dessert Airdate — 22 August 2016 Sweet Sensations — The Dessert Makers had to create a dessert that reflected themselves. Zumbo Test — The bottom two contestants had to recreate Zumbo's dessert dome. The lower scoring contestant is then eliminated.
+ Sweet Sensations details Contestant Dessert Result Kate Apple Pie Mille-Feuille Safe (DOTD) Ali Chocolate Orange Sphere Safe Amie Deconstructed Lemon Meringue Ashley Whimsical Pavlova Brogen Daniel Irene Caramel Passion Mousse and Coffee Soil Michael Choux Pastry with Lemon Cheesecake Patricia Chocolate Chilli Tart Vicki Plum and Chocolate Mousse Peter Layered Fruit Sponge Cake with Passionfruit Ice-Cream Bottom Two(Zumbo Test) Wendy
+ Zumbo Test details Contestant Dessert Scores(out of 10) Total Result Zumbo Rachel Peter 5 6 11 Safe Wendy 3 3 6 Eliminated
Episode 2 - Franken-Dessert Airdate — 23 August 2016 Sweet Sensations — The Dessert Makers had to create a franken-dessert, a combination of two desserts in one. Zumbo Test — The bottom two had to recreate the FrankenZumbo, made from five different desserts. The lower scoring contestant would be eliminated.
+ Sweet Sensations details Contestant Dessert Result Ashley Wagon Wheel Lamington Safe(DOTD) Ali Safe Amie Black Forest Trifle Brogen Creme Bru-Piklets DanielNoir Tart To Ron Irene Apple Pumble Kate Vicki Pavana Split MichaelBlack Forest Custard Tart Patricia Bottom Two(Zumbo Test) Peter Raspberry Tart and Lemon Meringue Pie
+ Zumbo Test details Contestant Dessert Scores(out of 10) Total Result Zumbo Rachel Patricia FrankenZumbo 6 6 12 Safe Peter 5 5 10 Eliminated
Episode 3 - Love & Chocolate Dessert Airdate — 24 August 2016 Sweet Sensations — The Dessert Makers had to make a romantic dessert with chocolate as the main ingredient. Zumbo Test — The bottom two had to recreate Zumbo's love themed Croquembouche, the Lovenbouche. The lower scoring contestant would be eliminated.
+ Sweet Sensations details Contestant Dessert Result Ali Textures of White Chocolate Safe (DOTD) Amie Red Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Mousse Safe Ashley Brogen Layered Chocolate and Orange Mousse Cake Daniel White Chocolate, Berry And Rose Petit made but also Irene Michael Chocolate Custard Tart With Strawberry Velvet Ice Vicki Pink Peppercorn and Dark Chocolate Mousse Kate White Chocolate Panna Cotta Bottom Two (Zumbo Test) Patricia Triple Chocolate Mousse
+ Zumbo Test details Contestant Dessert Scores(out of 10) Total Result Zumbo Rachel Kate Lovenbouche 7 7 14 Safe Patricia 5 5 10 Eliminated
Episode 4 - Kids' Party Cake Airdate — 29 August 2016 Sweet Sensations — Each Dessert Maker had to create a cake suited for a kids' party, with little Zumbinos (kids) to taste the cakes Zumbo Test — The bottom two had to recreate Zumbo's school desk inspired cake named "back-to-school". The lower scoring contestant was eliminated
+ Sweet Sensations details Contestant Dessert Result Amie "Under The Sea" Cake Safe(DOTD) Ali "Magic Toadstool" Cake Safe Brogen "Ice Dream Sundae" Cake Daniel"Banana from the Lego pole" Cake Irene Kate "Monster" cake Michael "Red Velvet" Layer cake Ashley "Candy Lane" Cake Bottom Two(Zumbo Test) Vicki "Swan" cake
+ Zumbo Test details Contestant Dessert Scores(out of 10) Total Result Zumbo Rachel Ashley puff pastry, cinnamon crunch, 7 7 14 Safe Vicki 5 5 10 Eliminated
Episode 5 - Defies Gravity Airdate — 30 August 2016 Sweet Sensations — The Dessert Makers had to create a dessert that defies gravity Zumbo Test — The bottom two had to recreate Zumbo's Willy Wonka inspired dessert named "Hat Trick". The lower scoring contestant was eliminated.
+ Sweet Sensations details Contestant Dessert Result Ali Safe (DOTD) Amie Chocolate Irish Cream Pavlova Safe Ashley Levitating Strawberry Shortcake Brogen Peppermint Mocha Gateaux DanielPassion fruit and banana, dark chocolate mousse cake Irene Blueberry Mousse and White Chocolate Lavender Cream Kate Chai Tea With Spiced Profiteroles Bottom Two (Zumbo Test) Michael Flying Fruit Flan
+ Zumbo Test details Contestant Dessert Scores(out of 10) Total Result Zumbo Rachel Kate Hat Trick 5 6 11 Safe Michael 4 5 9 Eliminated
Episode 6 - Arnott's Biscuits Airdate — 5 September 2016 Sweet Sensations — The dessert makers had to make Australia's favourite biscuit, Arnott's biscuit, into a delicious dessert. Zumbo Test — The bottom two had to recreate six out of 12 Zumbo created biscuits named "Epic Biscuit Time". The contestant who scored lowest was eliminated.
+ Sweet Sensations details Contestant Dessert Result Amie Lemon Crisp Baked Cheesecake Safe (DOTD) Brogen Monte Carlo Cheesecake Safe DanielRaspberry and coconut ice cream Vovo Verrine Irene Monte Carlo Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich Kate Deconstructed Venetian Ali Bottom Two (Zumbo Test) Ashley Kingston Tart With Golden Syrup Ice Cream
+ Zumbo Test details Contestant Dessert Scores(out of 10) Total Result Zumbo Rachel Ali(Apple Crumble Khoo Hoots, Gianduja, Lamington Runway, Cinnamon Donut, Finger Bun Zumbotron, Salted Caramel Bell) 7 7 14 Safe Ashley 6 6 12 Eliminated
Episode 7 - Flaming Dessert Airdate — 6 September 2016 Sweet Sensations — The dessert makers had to create a dessert inspired by fire Zumbo Test — The bottom two had to recreate Zumbo's "Ice" Dessert. The lower scoring contestant was eliminated.
+ Sweet Sensations details Contestant Dessert Result Irene Safe (DOTD) Brogen Toasted Marshmallow Slice Safe Daniel Chocolate and marshmallow Petit Gateau Kate Flaming Alaska Ali Anise and Poached Pear Bombe Alaska Bottom Two (Zumbo Test) Amie Sticky Date Pudding With Spiced Figs
+ Zumbo Test details Contestant Dessert Scores(out of 10) Total Result Zumbo Rachel Ali Zumbo's "Ice" Dessert milk mousse, chocolate, white chocolate,lime Swiss meringue, lime granite) 8 9 17 Safe Amie 6 6 12 Eliminated
Episode 8 - Classic Aussie Dessert Airdate — 12 September 2016 Sweet Sensations — The dessert makers had to create a reimagining of a classic Aussie dessert Zumbo Test — The bottom two had to recreate Zumbo's Frosty Fruit iceblock inspired dessert named "Frosty Fruit Tart". The lower scoring contestant was eliminated.
+ Sweet Sensations details Contestant Dessert Result Kate Caramel Mousse Slice Safe (DOTD) Ali Layered Lamington Gateau Safe Daniel Pavlova Nest with strawberries with passion fruit cream and curd Brogen Vanilla and Passionfruit Slice Bottom Two (Zumbo Test) Irene Pavlova with Kiwi Sorbet and Pineapple Chantilly Cream
+ Zumbo Test details Contestant Dessert Scores(out of 10) Total Result Zumbo Rachel Brogen Frosty Fruit Tart Orange & Passionfruit Gels, Seabreeze Mousse, Yellow Glaze, Frosty Fruit Sorbet & Saltwater Foam) 8 8 16 Safe Irene 7 7 14 Eliminated
Episode 9 - Fruit Dessert Airdate — 13 September 2016 Sweet Sensations — The dessert makers had to create a dessert inspired by fruit Zumbo Test — The bottom two had to recreate Zumbo's flower inspired dessert named "Nancy's Garden", named after Zumbo's mum. The lower scoring contestant was eliminated.
+ Sweet Sensations details Contestant Dessert Result Ali Safe (DOTD) Brogen Watermelon & Red Berry Cake Safe Kate Pear Green Apple & Lime Tart Bottom Two (Zumbo Test) Daniel Mango, mandarin and orange Sphere
+ Zumbo Test details Contestant Dessert Scores(out of 10) Total Result Zumbo Rachel Kate Nancy's Garden shortbread, isomalt and chocolate, watermelon,grapefruit segments & watermelon sorbet) 8 9 17 Safe Daniel 6 7 13 Eliminated
Episode 10 - High Tea Airdate — 19 September 2016 Sweet Sensations — The dessert makers had to create the most luxurious high tea, three portions of three different lavish and extravagant desserts. The top two contestants were sent to the Zumbo Test with the bottom contestant sent to the Semi-final Zumbo Test — The top two had to recreate Zumbo's dessert in form of a bathtub called Golden Duckie. The higher scoring contestant was given a golden ticket, sending them straight to the Grand Final. The lower scoring contestants were sent to the Semi-final
+ Sweet Sensations details Contestant Dessert Result Ali Pistachio Cream Craquelin Safe(Zumbo Test) Caramel & Apple Petit Gateux Kate Pistachio & Raspberry Cake Passionfruit & Lime Meringue Tart Opera cake Brogen Lavender & Honey Macarons Sent to Semi-final Coconut Panna Cotta Tarts Chocolate & Hazelnut Petit Gateux
+ Zumbo Test details Contestant Dessert Scores(out of 10) Total Result Zumbo Rachel Ali Golden Duckie, aerated honeycomb, chocolate, cocoa butter mousse, passionfruit ice cream, honeycomb, freeze dry passionfruit, 8 8 16 Kate 7 7 14 Sent to Semi-final
Episode 11 - Semi-final Airdate — 20 September 2016 Sweet Sensations — The dessert makers had to create a dessert that measured at least 30 cm high without any inedible structure included.