Gingerbread NYC
The Great Borough Bake-Off 2025
November 7, 2025 - January 19, 2026
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Discover a miniature frosted cityscape in the fourth annual Gingerbread NYC. The Museum invites professional and amateur bakers from across the five boroughs to design edible creations that celebrate the city’s iconic places, buildings, and spirit—rendered entirely in gingerbread.
The theme, “Iconic New York,” invites bakers to reimagine a building, place, or thing that represents the heart of their neighborhood, community, or borough. From brownstones and bridges to bodegas and ballparks, no symbol of New York is too big—or too sweet—to tackle.
Multiple themed prizes will be awarded by a panel of distinguished judges, including Aliyyah Baylor, Bobbie Lloyd, Jonah Nigh, Nadine Orenstein, Amy Scherber, and Melba Wilson. Museum visitors will help crown the final “People’s Choice” award by casting their votes during the run of the exhibition.
Meet the 2025 Judges
Aliyyah Baylor, Co-Founder of Make My Cake, celebrating its 30th year as Harlem’s premiere bakery
Bobbie Lloyd, CEO and Chief Baking Officer, Magnolia Bakery
Jonah Nigh, Comedian, public speaker, and fundraising executive who most recently served in leadership positions at The Juilliard School, The New School, and the Jewish Museum
Nadine Orenstein, Drue Heinz Curator in Charge, Department of Drawings and Prints, The Metropolitan Museum of Art; former judge, National Gingerbread House Competition in Asheville, NC
Amy Scherber, Owner and Founder, Amy's Bread, est. 1992; Cafe operator of Chalsty's Cafe, MCNY
Melba Wilson, Owner, Melba’s Harlem (original restaurant), Melba's Prudential, Melba's Grand Central; Author, Melba’s American Comfort: 100 Recipes from My Heart to Your Kitchen; Philanthropist; Community Activist
