Spring Baking Championship Season 11: Unveiling the Sweetest Competition
The much-anticipated 11th season of the Spring Baking Championship has returned to the Food Network, premiering on March 10, 2025. This season continues to uphold the show’s legacy by challenging bakers to create innovative and delightful spring-themed desserts.
Hosted by the charismatic Jesse Palmer, this season features the enchanting backdrop of The Little Shop of Spring Magic. Thirteen talented bakers will compete for a grand prize of $25,000 and a feature in Food Network Magazine. The competitors will be evaluated by a panel of esteemed judges—Duff Goldman, Nancy Fuller, and Kardea Brown—who will assess each dessert based on technical skill, creativity, and thematic relevance.
Meet the Judges of Season 11: Duff, Nancy, and Kardea
Duff Goldman: A Culinary Pioneer
Duff Goldman’s culinary journey began at an early age, as detailed in his Food Network biography. By the time he was four, he had already developed a passion for cooking. His formal training took place in reputable kitchens, culminating in his education at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America at Greystone.
Goldman’s professional trajectory took him to celebrated establishments, including The French Laundry and Todd English’s Olives. In 2002, he established his bakery, Charm City Cakes, in Baltimore, which gained national acclaim through the hit show Ace of Cakes.
The success of his bakery led to the opening of a second location in Los Angeles. Beyond his role on Spring Baking Championship, Goldman also serves as a judge on several other Food Network programs, such as the Holiday Baking Championship, and co-hosts Kids Baking Championship alongside Valerie Bertinelli. Additionally, he explores artistic endeavors such as graffiti and music, and he has published multiple cookbooks, including Ace of Cakes and Duff Bakes.
Nancy Fuller: The Heart of Home Cooking
Nancy Fuller combines her entrepreneurial spirit with a deep passion for home cooking. Owner of Ginsberg’s Foods, a thriving multimillion-dollar business, she collaborates with her husband to run the company.
Raised in the picturesque Hudson Valley of New York, Fuller’s culinary philosophy reflects her upbringing, focusing on simple, traditional dishes that celebrate seasonal ingredients. She has hosted Farmhouse Rules, a Food Network show dedicated to family-style cooking.
Fuller’s approach centers on the importance of sharing meals with loved ones, a theme that resonates throughout her programming. In addition to her role as a judge on Spring Baking Championship, she also serves on the panel of Holiday Baking Championship, bringing her expertise in both cooking and business to the competition.
Kardea Brown: A Culinary Ambassador of Southern Heritage
Kardea Brown, known for her exceptional Southern cuisine, draws inspiration from her Gullah/Geechee roots. Hailing from Charleston, South Carolina, she has made it her mission to honor her heritage through food.
Brown founded the New Gullah Supper Club, a pop-up restaurant that highlights traditional Gullah recipes passed down through her family. She hosts Delicious Miss Brown, where she shares her culinary wisdom and family recipes with her audience.
Beyond hosting, Kardea has also participated as a guest judge on various cooking competitions, including Beat Bobby Flay, Chopped Junior, and Farmhouse Rules, and she has appeared on Family Food Showdown.
Tune in for new episodes of Spring Baking Championship Season 11, airing on the Food Network every Monday at 8 PM ET. You can also stream the episodes on Max at the same time.