Mpls. Chef Wins Food Network's 'Cupcake Wars'

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A Minneapolis chef has been crowned the winner in the champions version of Food Network's "Cupcake Wars."

Kevin VanDeraa, owner of Cupcake bakery, earned the title on the series' finale Sunday and took home a $50,000 prize.

The competition pitted 16 previous winners on "Cupcake Wars" against each other in order to crown the "true cupcake master."

Some of VanDeraa's winning creations include a carrot cake cupcake, a s'more cupcake and a Boston cream cupcake.

VanDeraa says he will put the prize money toward his baking business. He's opening a second location on Grand Avenue in St. Paul and he's thinking of expanding his existing bakery and café on University Avenue.