Abdul's cakes featured little cacti that the judges joked looked a bit like "gangrenous thumbs," though luckily the flavor was "succulent". The Technical Challenge: Red Velvet Cake

Sandro impressed with chocolate pots filled with red-wine ganache and topped with a rose. Janusz also took an early lead with professional-looking chocolate sponges featuring boozy cherries.

Sadly, we had to say goodbye to our first baker. Despite being a pre-show favorite, Hassan was the first to leave the tent after his showstopper failed to make up for his previous struggles.

For the final challenge, the bakers had to create a they had lived in. This required serious structural integrity and smart sponge choices.

Let me know your thoughts on the new batch of bakers! 'The Great British Bake Off' series 13: Episodes 1 and 2

Many bakers struggled with the amount of food coloring needed to get that iconic hue. Toby managed to win this round, while Hassan , Pau Man , and Tom found themselves at the bottom of the pack. The Showstopper: A Cake "Home"

Next, the bakers moved "across the pond" to tackle a classic American Red Velvet Cake

. This was a true test of consistency and color, requiring six layers and smooth cream cheese frosting.

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