What Do You Get at a Pound Cake Bake-Off?

April 2026 Issue
by Jacie Elizabeth Millen


Under a beautiful Carolina morning sky and majestic oaks of
Martin Family Park, Bluffton proved once again that its
charm isn’t just scenery—it’s in its people, its traditions,
and, on this particular day, its pound cake.

The Bluffton Flower Show, a beloved local event created by Babbie Guscio, owner of The Store and a longtime Blufftonian, set the stage to let Pink Magazine add a delightful new tradition this year: a pound cake bake-off that was equal parts nostalgic and deliciously competitive. 

Guests wandered through the entry table with toothpicks in hand, sampling all the baked pound cakes, each one telling its own story. From classic recipes passed down through generations to inventive, flavor-forward creations, the lineup showcased both tradition and imagination.

The contest featured seven traditional pound cakes and five flavored varieties, offering a well-rounded tasting experience that had attendees going back for “just one more bite.” The flavored entries brought a playful twist to the table, including rum-infused pound cake, Italian Lemon, 7-Up Pound Cake, Citrus Sugar Cookie, and Blueberry Lemon. Each cake carried its own personality, some rich and indulgent, others bright and refreshing, proving that pound cake, while sticking to tradition, can be any baker’s canvas. 

Judging was no easy task. The criteria: Density, presentation, and taste. Stomachs full and brains scrambled, it was hard to tell which one took the cake. After hard thought and tasteful consideration, the vote was made. 

In the Judges Awards category, Jo Parrot took home the top honor for Traditional Pound Cake, delivering a version that embodied everything a classic should be—perfectly dense, buttery, and timeless. In the flavored category, JoAnn Taylor’s 7-Up Pound Cake stood out, striking that coveted balance between zesty brightness and soft, moist crumb. It was the kind of pound cake that makes you lick your fingers a little too long.

But of course, Bluffton wouldn’t be Bluffton without letting the community have their say.

The People’s Choice Awards brought its own excitement, as guests cast their votes for their personal favorites. Brian Pennell claimed the Traditional category, winning over the crowd with a cake that clearly resonated with the masses. Meanwhile, Debbie Szpanka’s Italian Lemon Pound Cake earned top honors in the flavored division, a nostalgic favorite that felt both familiar and fun, with its light citrus notes and tender texture.

Each Judge’s Award Winner won a fabulous gift basket sponsored by Nectar Farm Kitchen in the heart of Bluffton. Nectar is known for its farm-to-table fresh fare and creative chef-inspired daily features.

Each People’s Choice Winner won tickets to “Fridays at the Foodseum”, sponsored by Technical College of the Lowcountry Culinary Institute of the South. These two-hour informative and entertaining workshops are led by a featured guest expert—whether a local chef, farmer, restaurateur, artist or culinary storyteller—who will share a unique perspective on food and its role in our lives, including cooking demonstrations.

Beyond the cakes themselves, the event offered moments of artistry and connection elevating the day even further. Local artist Pam Johnson Brickell added a special touch by sketching en plain air at the event, capturing the spirit of the cakes in real time. Her work served as both entertainment and a beautiful reminder of the creativity that runs deep in this community. A heartfelt thank you goes out to her for sharing her talent and time.

And perhaps that’s what made the day so memorable, not just the cakes, though they were certainly unforgettable, but it was the way everything came together. The laughter shared over slices, the conversations sparked between strangers, the pride of participants, and the appreciation of a perfect
Bluffton afternoon.

It was, simply put, a beautiful day. With Babbie Guscio at the helm, the Bluffton Flower Show continues to evolve while staying rooted in what matters most—bringing people together in meaningful ways.

And if the pound cake contest is any indication, we’ll all be coming back for seconds next year.

A special thank you to our judges: Holcombe Smith, Joan Davis, Jacie Elizabeth Millen, Susan Fenocchi, Elizabeth Millen and Chief Judge: Khristina Tuszkiewicz.