The much-loved British baking show The Great British Bake Off returned in 2025 with its sixteenth series, delivering the usual mix of buttery pastries, tense technicals and show-stopping creations. But this year, there was something especially memorable: a standout winner who not only impressed the judges but also captured the hearts of viewers. In this blog, we’ll explore who won in 2025, how the competition unfolded, and what made this season different from the rest.
Great British Bake Off 2025 Finale ends with a unique record-Overview
| Article on | Great British Bake Off 2025 Finale ends with a unique record |
| Winner | Jasmine Mitchell (23, Edinburgh) |
| Finalists | Tom Arden, Aaron Mountford-Myles |
| Star Bakers Won | 5 (plus 2 Hollywood Handshakes) |
| Winning Highlight | 1.2m-tall Showstopper cake in the final |
| What’s Next | Continue medicine studies & pursue baking projects |
Who took the crown in 2025?
The winner of the 2025 series was Jasmine Mitchell, a 23-year-old medical student from Edinburgh (now based in London). Her performance across the series earned her the title, making her the champion of Series 16. In the final, Jasmine competed against two other impressive finalists: Tom Arden and Aaron Mountford‑Myles. The judges named Jasmine the winner after a tough and high-stakes final round.
What set her apart?
Consistency & Star Bakers
Jasmine distinguished herself by not just excelling in one or two weeks, but by showing strong and steady performance throughout. She received multiple Star Baker awards (five in total), a feat matched by very few contestants in the show’s history.
She also earned two coveted Hollywood Handshakes, awarded by Paul Hollywood for particularly exceptional bakes. These acknowledgments added to her merit and made her run difficult to ignore.
The Final’s Big Challenges
In her final performance, Jasmine surmounted three major tasks:
- A Signature bake: finger buns (filled and iced) which tested her skill and creativity.
- A Technical: a towering construction of French-style pastries, challenging even for seasoned bakers. Sadly, she was near the bottom in this round, but she bounced back.
- A Showstopper: she pulled off the largest cake in Bake Off history, a 1.2 metre tall layer cake with hand-painted panels and intricate sugar work. This spectacular bake sealed her win.
Story & Personal Triumph
Beyond her baking prowess, Jasmine’s story resonated with viewers: she was balancing a demanding medical degree alongside the pressure of the tent. She has alopecia and spoke openly about being the first person with this condition to claim the title.
The Finalists & Their Journeys
- Tom Arden: Known for his technical skill and two Handshakes this season, Tom impressed a lot of viewers with consistency and strong showstopper performances. Some fans argued he should have won, especially based on the final bake.
- Aaron Mountford-Myles: Brought a unique fusion of French patisserie technique with Caribbean flair. He had a standout flavour game, but ultimately didn’t clinch the title.
What this win means for the show
Jasmine’s victory will likely be remembered for a few reasons:
- A demonstration that excellence is about steady performance rather than one spectacular week.
- A boost for representation, a young woman with alopecia and a demanding academic path showing that baking excellence can come from anywhere.
- A reminder that the show’s format (Signature → Technical → Showstopper) still holds power: the Showstopper this time was record-breaking and visually spectacular.
Why the 2025 Series felt different
- The stakes in the final felt particularly high this year, the Showstopper’s sheer scale (1.2 metres) pushed the bakers into new territory.
- Viewers saw more emotional arcs: contestants with non-baking “day jobs”, juggling serious responsibilities (studies, careers) and the competition.
- Social media response was mixed and passionate: while many congratulated Jasmine, some fans strongly supported Tom and felt he was narrowly edged out.
- The pace of the series and the number of episodes remained standard, but the challenges and creative ambition seemed elevated.
What next for Jasmine?
While detailed announcements of her future plans are yet to fully emerge, based on past winners of the show (e.g., writing cookbooks, launching workshops, becoming media personalities) there are several paths she might explore. For now, she has stated that she hopes to “make a cake” using her trophy straight away.
Final thoughts
The 2025 series of The Great British Bake Off will likely be remembered for its high level of competition, ambitious final challenge and a champion who combined personal resilience with creative skill. Jasmine Mitchell’s win is a story of consistency, courage and technical brilliance, a reminder that in the tent, the title goes to the baker who not only survives but thrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jasmine Mitchell, 23, from Edinburgh.
Tom Arden and Aaron Mountford-Myles.
Consistent bakes, creative flavours, and a record-breaking Showstopper.
Five, plus two Hollywood Handshakes.
The biggest Showstopper cake in Bake Off history.