Abbygail Cardenas created Deconstructed Mango Desserts complete with mango puree, mango mousse, mango parfait, and sponge cake all frozen in a mold then encased in decorative chocolate for the 9th annual Cupcake Battle on January 16, 2026 at the Berry Center.  

Q:How did you come up with the idea?

A: Me and all my people in culinary, we were brainstorming ideas and we were just coming up with a whole bunch of stuff but that was the one that was just like unique to me and it seemed really intricate I thought it would win. 

Q:How did it feel when they announced first place?

A: I was shocked. I honestly didn’t believe it. I honestly still don’t believe it its crazy to me that I won but I felt super proud of myself that all of that hard work went to something good. 

Q:Were you hoping to win? 

A:Yes, I was hoping to at least place. 

Q:Where do you hope culinary takes you?

A:I hope that I get into the culinary school that I want to go to after high school, which is Escoffier, one of the best culinary schools in America. 

Q: So, would you say culinary is actually something you’re passionate about? 

A: Yeah! I love to cook. I love anything with cooking or baking. It started when I was really young. My mom was always teaching me things in the kitchen. I always thought it was really cool to have people try my stuff and they liked it.