Julian Perrigo-Jimenez Shines in Season 11 of Spring Baking Championship
The highly anticipated Season 11 of Spring Baking Championship premiered on March 10, 2025, showcasing talented bakers from across the country. Among them, pastry chef Julian Perrigo-Jimenez, an inspiring figure from the Sacramento region, is vying for the grand prize of $25,000. After a varied career in the culinary world, Perrigo-Jimenez decided to return to his roots, establishing himself as a prominent community member.
Returning Home to Folsom
In a heartfelt interview with The Sacramento Bee on March 17, 2025, Perrigo-Jimenez expressed his motivations for coming back to his hometown:
“I moved back to Folsom because the community here is so strong.”
Since his return, he has opened Julian’s Patisserie and Cafe, a charming pastry shop in Folsom where he delights customers with cakes, crepes, and fresh pastries. To celebrate his journey on the baking championship, Folsom’s Mayor Sarah Aquino hosted a viewing party at her residence, further solidifying Perrigo-Jimenez’s role in the local community.
“If you grew up in this town, and now the mayor knows who you are, I feel like that’s pretty cool,” he added.
From Passion to Profession
Perrigo-Jimenez’s love for baking was ignited in childhood, largely influenced by his grandmother’s passion for the craft. Reflecting on his early experience, he shared:
“My grandmother was super passionate about baking, so I spent a ton of time with her doing it,” he said in his interview.
This exposure to a bustling kitchen eventually led him to enroll in the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco at just 17 years old. His culinary journey took him through a variety of environments, including working at a quaint French pastry shop, aboard cruise ships in Hawaii, and at luxury resorts in Las Vegas. Ultimately, the desire to open his own establishment with his wife, Ashley Perrigo-Jimenez, brought him back to Folsom.
Celebrating His Journey
Julian’s Patisserie and Cafe operates two locations in the Sacramento area: one in Folsom and another in Roseville, currently undergoing renovations. As part of the championship celebration, the Folsom location is hosting watch parties every Monday, where guests can enjoy a unique dinner menu featuring handmade pizzas and pastas in a lively atmosphere.
“We’re going to be showing it there and hang out,” he said.
Taking on the Challenge
Perrigo-Jimenez is not new to the competitive baking scene; he has participated in shows like Holiday Wars, Cake Wars Christmas, and Halloween Wars. Now, he is poised to demonstrate his culinary prowess on Spring Baking Championship. He expressed his drive on the show’s website:
“I’m here on Spring Baking Championship to prove to myself that I am one of the top pastry chefs.”
Engaging in this high-stakes competition is exhilarating yet frantic, as noted during his discussion with Folsom Times on March 3, 2025:
“When they say ‘action,’ you start hustling. It’s a lot of very spur-of-the-moment decision-making.”
Competition Format and Expectations
Hosted by Jesse Palmer, this season features bakers tackling seasonal challenges inspired by springtime festivities, creating stunning desserts for occasions like Mother’s Day, weddings, and family picnics. Esteemed judges Duff Goldman, Nancy Fuller, and Kardea Brown assess the contestants’ creativity and technical skill.
Each episode consists of two rounds. Contestants face a specific theme for the first round; winners gain an advantage in the subsequent round, where they must prepare a more elaborate dessert. At the end of each episode, one baker is eliminated until a final showdown where the ultimate champion will be crowned, earning a feature in Food Network Magazine.
According to Betsy Ayala, Head of Content at Food Network, the show highlights the artistry of baking:
“Skilled bakers create magic in the kitchen with their incredible creations,” she stated in a press release.
Upcoming Episodes
Catch the next episode of Spring Baking Championship airing on March 31, 2025, at 5 PM on Food Network. For those who prefer on-demand viewing, episodes will also be available for streaming on Max and Discovery+.
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