The countdown is on for muffin franchise Muffin Break’s Bakers’ Challenge Grand Final Bake-off, which will be held in Sydney on 19 October.

After knocking out about 100 competitors from across the country, the four finalists competing in a round-robin style finale are Vannesa OÕConner of Muffin Break Townsville Stockland in Queensland, Brett Mitchell from Muffin Break Erina Fair who won the NSW/ACT round of the national competition, Aaron Tedesco who is the WA/SA regional finalist and reigning champion, Nicole McKenzie from Victoria’s Warrnambool store.

The finalists will be judged on their general baking skills and baking knowledge, as well as their kitchen cleanliness and food safety skills. Each baker will have 15 minutes to bake and present three traditional muffin flavours: Choc Chip, Blueberry and Apple Cinnamon.

As well as claiming the national title, the winner of the 2011 Muffin Break BakersÕ Challenge will receive a $2,000 Visa Gift Card to add to the $500 cash prize each finalist has already received.