Kriti Mehrotra
As a reality competition series following 12 home bakers as they face off against one another in a consistent set of complex challenges, Netflix’s ‘The Great British Baking Show’ is incredible. That’s because its focus is solely on showcasing the contestants’ creativity and skills while they prepare mouth-watering confections rather than any drama – so, of course, season 16 AKA Collection 13 is no different. Among the participants here is Jessika Trassel, who quickly captured hearts across the globe with the sincerity and sentimentality with which she took on each challenge.
Jessika Trassel’s Innate Talent Immediately Stood Out
The moment Jessika Trassel stepped into the tent, she made it clear that while she may not be as brave as she comes across, she is deeply passionate about baking and has been from an early age. Therefore, she entered this competition to prove to herself that she deserves to follow her ambitions, which she started doing from the first challenge itself. While the judges had requested a Swiss Roll with an inlay and at least two fillings, she chose to go down the sentimental route and make something that matters. Since her sister is her best friend, she dedicated her Coconut and Grapefruit Swiss Roll to her.
Jessika’s roll was made out of coconut sponge with a filling of grapefruit curd and white chocolate-black pepper ganache, which actually impressed the judges thanks to the complex flavor profile. The 32-year-old then continued her positive streak in the Technical challenge by making 9 beautifully risen raspberry-filled Fondant Fancies, which resulted in her being ranked second out of 12. As for the Showstopper challenge, she made a beautiful landscape cake inspired by the view she had during one of her travels and the apples from the garden of an elderly woman she had once lived with. The latter knew Jessika was applying for the show, but she sadly passed away before she was finally cast. Her flavor combination was once again incredible, but it wasn’t enough for her to earn the title of Star Baker in episode 1 because Nataliia Richardson had simply done a bit better.
Jessika Trassel’s Loved Ones Are Her Source of Motivation
Raised in the beautifully wondrous county of Cornwall, England, alongside her sister Lucy, Jessika still vividly remembers that they grew up baking different confections together. However, what had initially solidified their sweet tooth was going to the local corner shop for a slice of cake almost every single time after their dance classes, which further brought them closer. Both sisters have seemingly always been rather private in terms of their relationship with their parents, but it’s evident that they remain tight-knit even as adults. In fact, they try to celebrate every birthday, holiday, pride, and milestone together. In 2022, Lucy even got them matching outfits for Christmas. They have unwaveringly stood by one another through everything.
Jessika seemingly also relies on a few close friends whenever needed. Whether it be for a casual hangout or as a shoulder during tough times, she seemingly has a very sound support system. It thus comes as no surprise that, as a baker, her love language is paying attention to their tastes, learning about their likes and dislikes, and then giving them the bakes she has specifically designed for them. Over the years, her experiments have included a Yoda Cake with a taste of Guinness, Black Forest Gateau Entremet, Chocolate and Pecan-driven Entremet, Hazelnut and Caramel Tart, Jerusalem Artichoke Caramel Dark Chocolate Mousse, and more.
Jessika Trassel is a Woman of Many Hats
Although a native of Cornwall, Jessika currently resides in London, where she has been working as a Service Designer ever since she earned her Master’s in the same from the Royal College of Arts in 2023. However, she is also the heart, mind, and soul behind Redamancy Bakery, which she recently established as “an act of love returned in full.” In other words, it is where she shares with the world her passion and the bakes she concocts from scratch after getting inspired by loved ones. She is a Drag King, too, often performing after embracing her alter ego, Oliver Clothezoff. She is all about pushing boundaries in the kitchen and outside, so the fact that she even has opportunities to do so is something she is determined not to take for granted.
As for Jessika’s personal standing, she is currently focusing on figuring herself out, hoping to eventually end up more confident, empathetic, and kinder to not just others but also herself. For that, the travel enthusiast often undertakes new adventures too, including cycling from Copenhagen to Berlin, partaking in marathons, and continuing to pursue her passion for roller-blading. In other words, whenever Jessika is not working as a Service Designer, baking, or spending time with loved ones, she is either skating, running, or exploring new places. In fact, over the past few years, she has visited different regions across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Morocco, and Spain. Northern Ireland is actually one place she goes every single year in the summer.
Read More: Nataliia Richardson: Where is The Great British Baking Show Star Now?
