Mashed Potatoes Secret to Winning Iowa State Fair Cinnamon Roll
An Iowa grandmother's unexpected kitchen trick has earned her the top prize at the 2026 Iowa State Fair's Great Cinnamon Roll Challenge. Anita Van Gundy, 77, of Des Moines, took home the $2,000 grand prize on Saturday, Aug. 22, beating out 79 other entries with a family recipe that includes a surprising ingredient: mashed potatoes.
Van Gundy said the humble addition makes her sticky pecan rolls exceptionally soft, giving them a texture similar to sweet potato bread.
“I put mashed potatoes in my dough. It makes them softer,” Van Gundy told the Des Moines Register. “It makes them softer,” she added, noting the result is like a potato bread roll, “but sweet.”
How the Great Cinnamon Roll Challenge Began
The contest traces its roots to longtime Iowa writer Chuck Offenburger, who started the search for the state's best cinnamon roll during his days as the Des Moines Register's Iowa Boy columnist. The Iowa State Fair later adopted his passion and made him a judge in the annual competition.
The contest went on hiatus when Tone's Spices ended its sponsorship, which included a $3,000 prize, just over a decade ago. In 2023, central Iowa public relations agency owner Jamie Buelt relaunched the challenge with a smaller prize, and the search for Iowa's best cinnamon roll resumed.
A Sweet Comeback After a Disappointing Year
Van Gundy, who has been perfecting her family's sticky pecan rolls for decades, won the traditional category in 2024. But her 2025 entry failed to place.
“I entered last year, and I didn't place in anything at all,” Van Gundy said. “You just never know.”
This year, as judges called out names for fourth, third, second, and first place in each category, Van Gundy braced for another disappointment. Then her name was announced as the overall winner.
“I just couldn't believe it,” she said with a smile.
Judges Praise Van Gundy's 'Real Touch'
Judges evaluated entries on taste, appearance, and structure, with strict rules requiring a proper swirl and roll shape. Van Gundy's large, golden rolls topped with chopped pecans impressed the panel, including pastry chef Amy Moore.
Former Iowa Gov. and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, now chief of the World Food Prize, joked with Van Gundy: “If I were in your household, I'd weigh 1,000 pounds.”
Offenburger told her she has “a real touch” when it comes to cinnamon rolls. The highest praise may have come from a granddaughter who exclaimed, “Grandma, you're famous!”
Family Recipe to Be Passed Down
Van Gundy said she plans to share the award-winning recipe with her grandchildren so they can learn to make it. She noted that she tweaks her recipes each year, constantly revising to improve.
“I usually change it up a little every time,” Van Gundy said.
Next year, she plans to bring another tweaked recipe, hoping to wow the judges again.