KIMBALL -- A class of high school students showcased their baking talent and creativity in the first-ever Cupcake Wars competition last week. 

The competition was part of a project that Mary Schutz assigned in her bakery class of 9th - 12th graders.

The class of 18 students was split into 6 groups, and each group was given the assignment to bake cupcakes – either from scratch or a box mix – and present it in a creative display. 

The students had free range to add flavors or other special add-ins to their cupcakes and frosting and go as detailed as they wanted with their display. 

Some groups chose to flavor their frosting while others made a basic buttercream frosting, one group chose to fill their cupcakes with strawberries, and another filled theirs with chocolate ganache. 

“The students got really creative, they really had a good time, and I’m so proud of them,” Schutz said. 

Each group was judged on the appearance, texture and taste, the display, and overall creativity. 

The high school teachers and staff were given judging sheets to score each display, then Mrs. Schutz tallied up the scores and announced the top three winning groups. 

The first-place winners created an ice cream truck display. Second place went to the circus-themed display. Third place went to the backyard BBQ-themed display. 

This is Schutz’s first year teaching this class, and she plans to continue this project. 

“I thought this would be good for competition,” she said. “They had to be creative and make a plan. I gave them the basics and then they had to take it and run.”