Mankato designer: Hy-Vee’s “Ace of Cakes”

Wow! The competition was intense, the players put it all on the line, and it went right down to the wire before a winner was decided.

Last night’s NCAA basketball championship game? Nope — the finals of Hy-Vee’s 2010 Cake Designer Challenge, held today at Jordan Creek Mall in West Des Moines. Eighteen of Hy-Vee’s most talented designers — the top three finishers from each of six regional competitions — worked their magic to create themed displays featuring tiered cakes, cupcake cakes, decorated cookies, cake sculptures and more.

The 2010 winner: Amber Rahe of Hilltop Hy-Vee in Mankato, MN. The judges were wowed by the intricate detail of her carnival-themed creations, and her fellow competitors honored her with the Designer’s Choice Award.

Anne Freeman of the Lincoln Center Hy-Vee in Ames, IA took second place in the Designer Challenge, and third went to defending champion Katie O’Connor of Northern Lights Hy-Vee in Lincoln, NE.  

We’re going to post an album on Hy-Vee’s Facebook page, so check there to see more of the amazing artistry on display.