The Ultimate Baking ChampionshipFollows 16 pastry chefs tested on their core techniques, from laminated dough and pâte à choux to chocolate work and sugar artistry. Only one pastry chef will be named the Ultimate Baking Champion and win the $50,000 grand prize.
Improvisation & Personal Inspiration
Mar 9, 2026
Host Jesse Palmer welcomes 16 of America's top pastry chefs to the most intense baking competition ever.
Modern Masterpieces
Mar 16, 2026
In the skills challenge, host Jesse Palmer asks the 10 remaining chefs to reinvent a classic, recognizable dessert, such as strawberry shortcake or s'mores by giving it a modern, science-driven twist.
Pastry Cream Classics
Mar 23, 2026
In this single-challenge episode, host Jesse Palmer asks the nine chefs to face off in a decadent dessert showdown that tests their mastery of pastry cream.
The Pastry Shop
Mar 30, 2026
Host Jesse Palmer divides the eight remaining chefs into teams to craft exquisite laminated dough pastries worthy of display in a world-class patisserie case.
Innovation
Apr 6, 2026
The seven remaining chefs must choose from a carousel of grab-and-go snacks, like cream-filled mini cakes, cheese crackers, honey buns, and peanut butter pretzels, to inspire their next creation.
Mastery of Chocolate
Apr 13, 2026
The chefs have only one challenge to demonstrate their mastery of one of the most essential and temperamental mediums in pastry: chocolate.
Mastery of Sugar
Apr 20, 2026
Host Jesse Palmer assigns each chef one of five elements -- earth, air, fire, water, or space. The competitors have three hours to design an extraordinary large-format dessert with a decorative sugar element and execute their creations, blending imagination with technical mastery.
The Deep Freeze
Apr 27, 2026
In this semi-final episode, the remaining four chefs face the chilling master challenge first to create a "frozen world" cake.
Drop the Mic
May 4, 2026
Host Jesse Palmer challenges the final three chefs to create a spectacular dessert display that showcases their overall skills. Each chef must deliver a theatrical experience that is inspired by one of three vibrant themes: Carnival, Las Vegas, or Rock Concert After-Party. Judges Duff Goldman, Shinmin Li, Jacques Torres, and Sherry Yard decide which chef will win $50,000 and be crowned the Ultimate Baking Champion.
