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The vanilla slice is arguably Australia’s most divisive dessert. Nicknamed the “snot block,” this old-school classic features a thick slab of custard sandwiched between two delicate layers of flaky pastry – a glorious mess, some may say.
If you’re on the hunt for Australia’s ultimate vanilla slice, your search ends here. Bakeries from across the country recently converged on the regional Victorian town of Merbein for The Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph. This annual bakery battle has been running since 1998, when Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett discovered what he claimed was the best vanilla slice. To settle the score, he launched a competition to crown Australia’s finest snot block – and the battle has been hotly contested ever since.
So, what makes a winning vanilla slice? According to the judges, “when tasted, the slice should reveal custard with a creamy, smooth texture and a balance of vanilla taste with a crisp, crunchy pastry topped with a smooth and shiny glaze/fondant.” The competition is so precise that the judges even pull out a ruler to ensure every slice has equal dimensions.
After placing as runner-up in 2025, South Australia’s beloved Banana Boogie Bakery has reclaimed the title of the nation’s best vanilla slice. While the team didn’t change their winning recipe this year, they worked hard to refine the process.
Owner Jason Spencer says, “After competing for the last few years, we’ve learned a lot about getting every part of the slice just right, so we focused on tightening up the technique, consistency and finishing touches. Sometimes it’s not about changing the recipe, but getting the best possible result from what you already have.”
The competition was so fierce this year that three bakeries finished on the exact same number of points, sending their slices into a second round of judging. Following a re-tasting, Banana Boogie clinched the crown, with two regional Victorian gems, Hudaks Bakery and Sunraysia Bread and Butter Bakery, taking home second and third place.
“Coming second last year after winning in 2024 definitely left the team hungry to get it back, so there was a real determination heading into this year’s competition. To finally bring the trophy home again, especially with such a close field, is a pretty special feeling. It’s a huge credit to the whole baking team and the work they’ve put in. There’s a lot of pride in seeing everyone’s effort rewarded.”
You can try one of Banana Boogie’s award-winning vanilla slices at their bakeries in Belair and North Plympton, Adelaide.
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