The Ultimate Baking Championship

Season 1

2026 · 9 episodes · 7h 21m in all · 8.5/10

Episodes

1. 1

   1. Improvisation & Personal Inspiration

   9 Mar 2026 · 84 min

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

2. 2

   2. Modern Masterpieces

   16 Mar 2026 · 63 min

   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.

3. 3

   3. Pastry Cream Classics

   23 Mar 2026 · 42 min

   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.

4. 4

   4. The Pastry Shop

   30 Mar 2026 · 42 min · 8.5/10

   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.

5. 5

   5. Innovation

   6 Apr 2026 · 42 min · 8.5/10

   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.

6. 6

   6. Mastery of Chocolate

   13 Apr 2026 · 42 min

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

7. 7

   7. Mastery of Sugar

   20 Apr 2026 · 42 min

   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.

8. 8

   8. The Deep Freeze

   27 Apr 2026 · 42 min

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

9. 9

   9. Drop the Mic

   4 May 2026 · 42 min · 8.5/10

   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.