Jamie Li, an accomplished baker from San Mateo and a 2024 National Pastry Conference award winner, has entered the competitive arena of Food Network’s Spring Baking Championship for its 11th season, which premiered on March 10, 2025. As a mother of three, Jamie runs her cake business from her home on the Peninsula, marking a significant shift from a two-decade-long career in marketing.
Embarking on her professional baking journey in 2020 post-breast cancer recovery, Li refined her skills at the San Francisco Baking Institute. Today, she specializes in crafting bespoke cakes for various occasions, including weddings, corporate events, and birthdays. Competing alongside 12 talented bakers for a grand prize of $25,000, she showcases her creations weekly on Monday nights at 8 PM, judged by esteemed culinary figures such as Duff Goldman, Kardea Brown, and Nancy Fuller.
The Inspiring Transition: From Marketing to Baking
According to the East Bay Times, Jamie’s career took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with cancer during her pregnancy. This life-altering experience motivated her to pursue baking as a way to maintain focus and express her creativity during treatment.
After a successful recovery, she enhanced her baking expertise through formal training and officially launched her baking business in 2020. Utilizing Instagram to build her brand, Jamie garnered attention for her exceptional custom cake designs, which further solidified her status in the baking community.
Her dedication and talent culminated in a significant achievement at the 2024 National Pastry Conference, where she was awarded the Concept Cake of the Year. This accolade enhanced her credibility in the industry and showcased her as a prominent figure in the world of baking.
Jamie Li’s Journey on the Spring Baking Championship
Jamie announced her participation in the Spring Baking Championship on March 4, 2025, via her official Instagram account (@cakebyjamieli). In her post, she expressed her astonishment at her journey:
“Oh my! Here we go! I feel like I’ve lived so many different lives, each one leading me somewhere unexpected. But never did I imagine that my path would take me here—standing among some of the most talented bakers and pastry chefs, doing what I love, and turning sugar into art,” she wrote in the caption.
“Cake design wasn’t always in the plan, but somehow, it became my greatest passion. And now, finding myself on this stage, competing on Spring Baking Championship—it still feels unreal. A huge shoutout to my fellow bakers who have built friendships that will last a lifetime,”she continued.
“I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything! I can’t wait to share this journey with you! The challenges, the creativity, the sweet and (maybe stressful!) moments—it’s all happening,” Li wrote.
The competition kicked off with two demanding challenges. Initially, contestants created floral-themed desserts that showcased their unique styles, testing their flair for flavors, textures, and designs. Following this, they faced a complex honey pie challenge that required exceptional decoration skills.
Jamie succeeded in both rounds, demonstrating her remarkable talent alongside fellow Northern California baker competitors Paul Feybesse from Vallejo and Julian Perrigo-Jimenez from Folsom.
Overview of the Competition Format
The Food Network’s format for the Spring Baking Championship challenges participants with strict time limits and specific technical requirements. This season showcases exciting themes, including a tribute to a Minecraft Movie through geometric-inspired dessert creations.
Competitors must master intricate tasks, crafting butterfly-shaped napoleons and elaborate three-layer cakes inspired by Marie Antoinette’s iconic hairstyles. The inclusion of innovative elements, such as glow-in-the-dark ice cream cake bombs, adds to the excitement. Host Jesse Palmer guides the bakers through each challenging round as they strive for the coveted season title.
The Spring Baking Championship can be watched on the Food Network, the Max streaming platform, and Discovery+. Mark your calendars for Season 11, Episode 5, airing on Monday, April 7, 2025.