The cast of The Young and the Restless may be known for heated rivalries and emotional showdowns on-screen, but behind the scenes, they’re a tight-knit family. Still, that closeness doesn’t stop them from engaging in a little friendly competition—especially when the show’s annual bake-off rolls around. This year was no exception, and several Genoa City favorites came ready to show off their culinary chops.
Among the enthusiastic participants was Michelle Stafford (Phyllis), who shared the behind-the-scenes fun with fans through a lively Instagram video. Despite her confidence in the kitchen, Stafford admitted she wasn’t entirely certain about her chosen entry: a blueberry puff pastry.
What really didn’t help? The brutally honest critique from her son, Jameson.
“Uh, it wasn’t your best work, but you might get a reward,” he said with the disarming honesty only a child can deliver.
Still, Stafford remained optimistic. Showing the pastry to viewers, she confessed, “It’s not my strongest, but let’s see how it does.” Even if her nerves were high, her spirits stayed playful throughout the event.
As the competition heated up, the actress mingled with her co-stars Elizabeth Hendrickson (Chloe) and Courtney Hope (Sally), who weren’t official judges but were more than willing to taste-test. Two of Y&R’s newest cast members, Roger Howarth (Matt) and Billy Flynn (Cane), also joined in on the sampling, putting their taste buds to work as they tried a variety of sweet treats from their fellow castmates.
Flynn, in particular, seemed eager to boost Stafford’s confidence. When she revealed she had made a puff pastry, he immediately replied that he loved pastries and would vote for her—even before tasting it. After taking a bite, he cheerfully declared, “It’s fantastic!” much to Stafford’s delight.
But pastries weren’t the only thing stealing the spotlight. Stafford got adorably sidetracked when Michael Graziadei (Daniel) arrived with his twin sons, Bear and Arlo. As the boys approached her, she lit up instantly.
“Hi! You want to take a picture?” she asked, completely charmed. When the twins posed beside her, Stafford laughingly said, “How did you guys get so cute? Because you’re The Graz’s kids,” just as Graziadei popped into the frame with a perfect photobomb.
Once the plates were empty and the mingling subsided, it was time for the results. Unfortunately for Stafford, her blueberry puff pastry didn’t clinch the title this year. The crown went instead to Y&R publicist Matt Kane.
Feigning a dramatic pout, Stafford joked, “Good for Matt. I’m happy for him,” clearly playing up the moment for comedic effect.
Even without a win, Stafford’s video captured the true heart of the annual bake-off: laughter, camaraderie, and a rare chance for the cast and crew to come together for something lighthearted and delicious. As always, the event proved that behind the dramatic twists and emotional turmoil of Genoa City, the Y&R team is a family—one that knows how to have fun, compete playfully, and enjoy every bite along the way.
And as for Stafford? There’s always next year—and she’s already got fans rooting for her comeback.
