According to judges the criteria is simple if the “slice can stand alone in a square and not actually move, that’s the perfect vanilla slice” said Anne Nash who was this year’s judging and bakeries co-ordinator.
The winner was found in Shepparton, Victoria where you’ll find the North End Bakehouse.
The North End Bakehouse was crowned the winner at the annual Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph in Merbein, a small country town just north of Mildura in the Sunraysia region of Australia.
The Bakehouse took to Facebook to reveal their new title of Australia’s Best Vanilla Slice and also announced that they took home 3rd place in Best Apprentice Vanilla Slice as well as another 3rd place in Best Fruit Pudding.
Speaking to Channel 7 Anne Nash said that head baker Matt Aylett can “define the difference between the pastry (and) the custard, making sure the custard is a vanilla custard, not a cream custard”.
Matt credites his perfect slice and the win to his 17 years of experience.
“We make sure the custard’s perfect, pastry’s crispy, icing’s shiny, everything,” he said of crafting the ultimate slice.
It’s been a huge 2023 for Matt and North End Bakehouse, who in March also came home in first place at the Baking Association of Australia’s Victorian Baking Show in the vanilla slice division.
Second place in the Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph went to Sharps Bakery in Birchip, Victoria, and Banana Boogie Bakery in Belair, Adelaide came in third place.
