Everyone loves a vanilla slice but no one loves a vanilla slice more than the discerning judges at The Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph, who gather in Merbein every year to find the best of the best in the land. 

Bakers from across Australia hedge their bets to stir the smoothest custard, perfectly bake their layers of pastry, and gloss their drizzles to earn the top gong during an intensive day of judging. This year, South Australian favourite and delicious. 100 champion Banana Boogie took the top spot in the 2024 awards announced this August.

So what makes a winning vanilla slice? According to the Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph website, “when tasted, the slice should reveal custard with a creamy smooth texture and a balance of vanilla taste with a crisp, crunchy pastry topped with a smooth and shiny glaze/fondant”.

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Banana Boogie also made history this year, taking out top spot for best traditional vanilla slice, best innovative vanilla slice for their chocolate Biscoff slice, and best apprentice vanilla slice by trainee chef Mitch Timberlake.

Notable mentions go to Sharp’s Bakery in Birchip, Victoria, and Porter Avenue Pies & Cakes in Geelong, Victoria, who took out second and third prizes respectively.

For those located across Australia, you can check out all the winners of delicious. 100’s best vanilla slices here.

How to make vanilla slice

Life is all about balance, which is why we’ve cut the rich, sweet vanilla custard with a refreshing hit of zest in our lemon and vanilla slice. As far as we’re concerned, it’s a total winner. Find the recipe here.

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