As we approach the final rounds of Dessert Masters 2024, fans are rallying behind their favourite contestants as the talented chefs take on some of the toughest challenges in the kitchen yet.
One chef who continues to shine is best-selling cookbook author, restaurateur, and Cakeboi himself, Reece Hignell.
Let’s take a closer look at Reece’s journey and what he’s bringing to the Dessert Masters table.
What’s Reece Hignell’s baking background?
Reece’s love for baking was inspired by his late Nan, a true dessert master in her own right. Though his early career was in recruitment, he soon pivoted to pursue his true passion in the kitchen.
Reece is now a familiar face in the Aussie culinary TV landscape. He first appeared on MasterChef Australia in Season 10 (2018) and returned for MasterChef Australia: Back To Win in Season 12, where he placed in the Top Five among fan-favourite alumni.
Beyond the competitive arena, Reece has authored the best-selling cookbook Cakeboi: A Collection of Classic Bakes in 2022, named after his Newcastle-based bakery. There, he proudly serves as the self-proclaimed “purveyor of fine cakes.”
Launched in 2020, the vegan-friendly bakery has quickly gained a loyal following for its traditional treats and high teas.
Not stopping there, Reece, who adopted a plant-based lifestyle four years ago, has also just released his second cookbook, Cakeboi Goes Vegan.
Beyond the bakery, Reece has also launched Acacia Dining in Maitland, located in the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, and completed a 12-month residency at QT Hotel Newcastle.
Reece’s standout moments on Dessert Masters
Reece has consistently whipped up a repertoire of impressive creations throughout the competition, like his stunning Circus of Ribbons.
But if there’s one dessert that truly made a splash, it’s his Soda’licious.
Inspired by the iconic Australian Spider drink, this dessert features blood orange sorbet, vanilla gelato, lime and ginger gel, blood orange bubbles, zesty “soil”, bubble fruit, meringue, and “a splash of cream soda magic.”
The dessert was a hit with the judges, Melissa Leong and Amaury Guichon. Amaury, who confessed he’d never tried a Spider before, said he “loved” Reece’s take on it!
Reece’s elimination
Despite being a standout this season, with his creations inspiring many to add Cakeboi to their must-visit list, audiences were stunned by a double elimination on November 18.
After an emotional story-inspired challenge, both Jana Lai and Reece were eliminated from the Dessert Masters competition. But we’re sure for Reece, his story is far from over!
Where to find Reece on social media
If you’d like to follow Reece on socials, you can find him over at Instagram: @reecehignell and on TikTok: @reecehignell.
Dessert Masters 2024 airs on Sundays and Mondays on Channel 10 and 10Play.
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