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.
Mar 9, 2026 - 1h 24m
Host Jesse Palmer welcomes 16 of America's top pastry chefs to the most intense baking competition ever.
Mar 16, 2026 - 1h 3m
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.
Mar 23, 2026 - 42m
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.
Mar 30, 2026 - 42m
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.
Apr 6, 2026 - 42m
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.
Apr 13, 2026 - 42m
The chefs have only one challenge to demonstrate their mastery of one of the most essential and temperamental mediums in pastry: chocolate.
Apr 20, 2026 - 42m
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.
Apr 27, 2026 - 42m
In this semi-final episode, the remaining four chefs face the chilling master challenge first to create a "frozen world" cake.
May 4, 2026 - 42m
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.
