Here's the topic for October's cooking and baking challenge. We also reveal the winner of our September challenge. In addition, all the details and rules for how to participate in this challenge are given below, including how to win a fabulous prize.
First, I must say it really is wonderful to see so many of you baking my recipes, sending in pictures, and feedback.
This month's challenge is
baking with apples.
To qualify,
You must choose one of the
three
recipes below.
October is all about apples and pumpkins. So, I thought we use apples for this month's challenge. I chose three recipes for you. All three are simple and easy to make, but also very popular on the blog.
The cinnamon apple cake is simple and easy to make. As a result, I think you will make over and over again as we do in our home. And, the apple pie crumble bars are for those who love shortbread and crumble. Lastly, the apple pie cake with crumble topping is to die for.
About the prize
The winner of our monthly prize is randomly selected from all of that month's entrants.
And, everyone who participates in that month's baking challenge is automatically entered. See below on how to enter the challenge and bonus tips for increasing your chances to win.
At the end of the month, we will randomly select the winner of that month's challenge. Please note, we don't accept images that are not clear or blurry. So, please make sure to take good quality images.
We will announce the winner on the 1st of next month, when we reveal the next month's cooking and baking challenge.
The winner will receive an Amazon Gift Voucher for USD $100.00 (no purchase necessary). Please, read my FAQ about these monthly challenges here.
How to join the challenge?
Above are the three recipes I have chosen for you this month.
- Pick one recipe, whichever you want. Note - you must pick one of the above three recipes.
- Bake the recipe and take good quality pictures.
- Write a review in the comment below the recipe post and let us know how what you think about that recipe.
- Send two good quality images of the finished cake/pie you made via email - veenaazmanov@veenaazmanov.com before October 31st, 11.59 AM PST.
- At the beginning of each month (1st of the month), we will announce the winner for the previous month challenge.
For a bonus entry, here are a few things you can do
- Post the pictures to our Facebook Group.
- Write a review on this month's challenge in the comments below this post - what you liked or didn't like about the recipe.
- In addition, write a comment on the challenge reveal Instagram posts - let us know which recipe you chose to prepare.
- Lastly, link and comment on the challenge reveal Facebook post and let us know which recipe you plan to make.
My purpose, in these challenges, is to encourage you, motivate you, interact, and communicate with you. And, to create a community where we can share, help, and motivate each other. I'm looking for participation and enthusiasm. So, please comment, be active and show your support.
The winner will be announced here, on my blog as well as in our Facebook Group. Make sure you sign-up for my blog newsletter so you will receive all updates right to your inbox.
Disclaimer - The submitted images by participants and winners will be shared in a collage here on the blog as well as on social media. By submitting your images you agree to the use of your images.
The winner will be contacted by email and must respond within 48 hours with an email address for the amazon gift voucher. If we don't receive a response, within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen.
September challenge review and winner
Last month, our baking challenge was Cinnamon Rolls, and I gave you an option of two recipes: cream cheese with cream cheese topping and cinnamon rolls with a condensed milk glaze. I absolutely loved each and every image that came in. And, I hope that you guys also enjoyed those recipes.
Here is one of my favorite comments:
The Cinnamon Roll recipe was so much fun. I tried them for the first time today and the taste was just awesome. Quite easy to make too. My family loved it. The best part was they were not very sweet perfect balanced flavor of cinnamon and brown sugar. Totally loved it. Thank you, Veena for the amazing recipe...
Riddhi jain
Here are the images sent by participants for this September's challenge:
And, the winner of this months challenge is: (drum roll) Nazleena Nizar! Congratulations Nazleena!
Of course, Nazleena has been notified.
Thank you all for your participation, support, and feedback. I greatly appreciate it.
Riddhi Jain
I made Apple Crumble Bars for October challenge. Apple cinnamon cake is something that I have already made before so wanted to do something different this time. Apple crumble bars were quite easy and innovative to make. It took less of time and preparation was quite easy. Thank you Veena for the amazing recipe. This desert was completely unique as compared to usual cakes or pastries.
Veena Azmanov
You are very welcome Riddhi, I am happy to hear you enjoyed this recipe
Maria B Rugolo
I am so grateful for the Monthly Challenges and this month, having received apples from a friend who went apple picking, was a real treat. I chose the Cinnamon Apple Cake for this Challenge and I'm so glad I did. The recipe was easy to follow, The ingredients are simple that I think it is probable that everyone has them on hand and the results were beyond amazing considering the recipes simplicity. Veena, your recipes never disappoint. Thank you for continuing to enhance my baking skills.
Veena Azmanov
You are very welcome Maria. I am happy you enjoyed this recipe. Thanks for the lovely feedback.
Shelley Finke
In September I happened to make the Cinnamon Apple cake, and we were in love with the moistness and flavor. To lower the calories I chose to omit the topping, but I know it is important to the final "finish". When October rolled around, your challenge incldued that same recipe, so I tried a different one: the Moist Apple Pie Cake with Crumble Topping. I made a half-recipe for my two-person household. Instead of full fat cream cheese I used a Greek yogurt/cream cheese blend. I also mure to include the crumble topping. It turned out well in terms of ingredients and proportion, however it was not as moist as I expected, and there did not seem to be enough apples. I used a combination of gala and Granny Smith. So I have to say we enjoyed the Cinnamon Apple cake somewhat more.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Shelly, Happy you enjoyed the recipe. You can add one more apple to the recipe but I find that apple was just enough in the cake with the crumble topping.
Fathima Nazleena nizar
Thank you so much dear chef veena for selecting me as a chef inner for September baking challenge...I am so excited and hope to participate in all upcoming challenges...
Lucy-Sarah Raymond Gounder
It took me this long to decide which recipe I was going to bake for the October challenge.🙈🙈All 3 recipes had my taste buds in total chaos 😜😜😜But I made the cinnamon apple cake.... I must commend you on the recipe and instructions. The cake slices was delicate with a good balance of spices. I added walnuts because I like the combination of apples with walnuts. I tried many apple cake recipes before but this one is a definite keepsake. I think I might just give the other 2 recipes a try... Just for the love of baking 😉💕
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Lucy. Happy you enjoyed this recipe. Look forward to seeing your pictures
Nazmiya Nizar
I’m Much happy to take part in ur October baking challenge.its a great opportunity for us like home bakers to show case our inner talents over platform. I have tried many of ur recipes...all came out well...
This time I made *Cinnamon Apple Cake* recipe of urs was so delicious as it turned out so soft , moist and yummy..Sugar is good balanced. And the combination of apple and cinnamon made a great taste. once again thank you so much for sharing us the great recipes ...
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Nazmiya. Happy you enjoyed it very much. Thank you for the feedback