Junior Bake Off Series 7: The Chaotic Baking Show We All Need

I love watching anything in the Great British Bake Off cinematic universe, and Junior Bake Off is no exception. This show is an opportunity to watch children aged around 9-13 be absolutely chaotic, adorable, and hilarious as they try to pull off complicated technicals and elaborate showstoppers.

Series 7 was filmed in 2022 and is currently on Netflix. Harry Hill as the host and Liam and Pav as the judges really help make this show stand out. They really embody the youthful and playful energy that is required to effectively interact with children and bring the best out of them. So while The Great British Bake Off is more mature, Junior Bake Off takes on a much more playful and unassuming energy. I will admit, at times, it can start to feel a little dull watching kids baking over and over again for 10+ episodes. But as a show to put on in the background or as a mindless watch, it is a gold standard.

In the first two episodes of Series 7, Liam was out sick and Paul Hollywood subbed in. I thought Paul was a really fun temporary judge to have and I really loved that change in energy when he was brought in. Not to say that I think Paul should replace Liam forever, but it was actually really hilarious to see him as a judge for a children’s show.

Series 7 is filled with a lot of wonderful new personalities in the tent. Some of my favorites were Quique, Lola, and Aisya. Quique and Lola were two of the youngest bakers in the tent and possibly also the most hilariously energetic and playful. I thought it was funny that Quique and Lola both had these glasses that seemed to enlarge their eyes and make them look almost bug-like. I looked forward to every little comment or interaction they had with the others. Aisya was a more mature baker and I really enjoyed her calming energy and fantastic bakes. From very early on, you could tell that Aisya, Kezia, and Fraser were really good bakers and most likely the people to end up in the final.

I think Junior Bake Off is a must watch for those who enjoy Great British Bake Off. If I had to rank my favorite Bake Off series, it would probably be GBBO, Junior Bake Off, Professionals, and then Holiday. Not a huge fan of Holiday because it’s usually just an episode or two, so it doesn’t really feel like a series that I can binge and enjoy to the fullest. Junior Bake Off Series 7 is definitely worth watching, because otherwise you’d be missing out on Quique and Lola.