The 11th season of Spring Baking Championship is currently captivating audiences on Food Network. This popular baking competition showcases skilled bakers who face off in two distinct rounds each week: the Preheat and the Main Heat. Each episode is structured around a specific baking theme, where contestants must demonstrate their culinary creativity and technical prowess. The judging panel consists of esteemed bakers Kardea Brown, Duff Goldman, and Nancy Fuller, with Jesse Palmer serving as the host.
Season 11 commenced with 13 talented bakers, but as episodes progressed, the competition has eliminated contestants based on their performances. Ultimately, the contestants aim to secure the coveted title of champion as the season approaches its finale.
Episode Recap: The Journey So Far
In the latest episode, which aired on March 31, 2025, the challenges were themed around April Fools’ Day. To date, four bakers—Lauren, Jamie, Stacy, and Jon’nae—have exited the competition, with Lauren opting to leave voluntarily in episode 1 and the others eliminated by judges’ decisions.
Eliminations in Episodes 1 and 2
During episode 1, contestants were tasked with creating a dessert representing their personality using a spring flower. This was followed by a challenge to bake a honey pie adorned with a 3D decoration. Priya excelled in the Preheat round with her cherry blossom dessert, earning herself extra time for the next challenge. Kari ultimately won the Main Heat with her honey and chocolate pie. Although Kareem and Jamie found themselves at risk, no baker was eliminated this round as Lauren chose to leave for personal reasons.
In episode 2, which drew inspiration from Minecraft, bakers created square fruit entremets in the Preheat challenge. Lisa distinguished herself and won this round. For the Main Heat, contestants worked in pairs to conjure up two cakes reflecting the themes of Overworld and Nether. The team comprising Corey and Lisa emerged victorious, while Jamie and Paul found themselves in the bottom tier along with Priya and Kareem. Unfortunately, Jamie’s cake suffered from texture issues and a fondant mishap, leading to her elimination.
Further Eliminations in Episodes 3 and 4
Episode 3 featured contestants crafting madeleine towers flavored with assigned teas in the Preheat challenge, where Julian claimed victory and gained immunity. Contestants were then challenged to design rainbow cheesecakes infused with fruity flavors in the Main Heat, with Corey winning this round. Unfortunately, both Julian and Stacy wound up in danger, but Stacy’s cheesecake’s numerous issues ultimately led to her elimination.
In the fourth episode themed around April Fools’ Day, bakers created whimsical chocolate eggs filled with baked items in the Preheat. Priya again showcased her talents and won an advantage for the Main Heat, where contestants were instructed to prepare a dessert that appeared like a savory dish. Lisa, Corey, Mary-Frances, and Julian stood out as particularly impressive. Ultimately, judging critiques highlighted Jon’nae’s dessert as underwhelming, resulting in her exit from the competition.
Remaining Contestants
As the season progresses, the following bakers remain in the competition:
- Priya Winsor – Pastry chef and chocolatier from St. Albert, Alberta, Canada.
- Kareem Youngblood – Pastry chef hailing from Brooklyn, New York.
- Julian Perrigo-Jimenez – Bakery owner and pastry chef from Sacramento, California.
- Corey Jamison – Pastry chef based in Washington, DC.
- Raveena Oberoi – Bakery owner and pastry chef from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
- Kari Cota – Executive pastry chef from San Diego, California.
- Lisa Clark – Executive pastry chef representing Boston, Massachusetts.
- Paul Feybesse – Pastry chef and bakery owner from the Bay Area, California.
- Mary-Frances Bahun – Culinary instructor and pastry chef from Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Don’t miss thrilling new episodes of the Spring Baking Championship, airing every Monday on Food Network.