The Ultimate Baking Championship

The Ultimate Baking Championship

Follows 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.

Cast:Jesse PalmerDuff Goldman


1Season 1

Season 1, Episode 1

March 9, 2026

Host Jesse Palmer welcomes 16 of America's top pastry chefs to the most intense baking competition ever.

2Season 1

Season 1, Episode 2

March 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.

3Season 1

Season 1, Episode 3

March 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.

4Season 1

Season 1, Episode 4

March 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.

5Season 1

Season 1, Episode 5

April 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.

6Season 1

Season 1, Episode 6

April 13, 2026

The chefs have only one challenge to demonstrate their mastery of one of the most essential and temperamental mediums in pastry: chocolate.

7Season 1

Season 1, Episode 7

April 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.

8Season 1

Season 1, Episode 8

April 27, 2026

In this semi-final episode, the remaining four chefs face the chilling master challenge first to create a "frozen world" cake.

9Season 1

Season 1, Episode 9

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.