The highly anticipated third season of The Great American Baking Show launched on Roku on April 11, 2025, introducing a group of talented bakers from the United States. On this premiere day, one of the prominent judges, Prue Leith, made an appearance on PIX11 News to share insights about the new season and what audiences can look forward to. When discussing the caliber of the bakers this year, Leith expressed her enthusiasm, stating:
“I think this year’s American bakers are the best we’ve ever had; they really, really are fantastic.”
Concerning the differences between American and British bakers, Leith emphasized that, while talent exists on both sides of the pond, the current contestants in The Great American Baking Show demonstrate exceptional skill that aligns with professional standards.
Unearthing Exceptional Talent in Season 3
Demonstrating Elevated Baking Skills
Leith characterized this season’s bakers as “skillful,”highlighting their technical prowess and reliability. She noted that their performances stand out even when compared to bakers from previous seasons. When questioned about whether one group consistently outshines the other, Leith commented on the relative talent, stating:
“I think they’re both as skillful as each other.”
Nonetheless, she praised this year’s American participants for surpassing her expectations. Her viewpoint resonated with a teaser clip unveiled during the interview where Paul Hollywood expressed admiration for a contestant’s mint chocolate dessert. Upon tasting it, Hollywood remarked:
“The mint with the cream is a genius idea because it lightens the whole chocolate and it’s such a beautiful flavor.”
This impressive dish earned a noteworthy handshake from Hollywood.
The Importance of the Handshake
Leith also discussed the symbolic significance of the handshake from Hollywood, which has become a hallmark of the show. She explained that for many bakers, receiving this gesture holds more personal value than merely winning the competition:
“I think it means more to the bakers to get a handshake from Paul Hollywood than to become star baker or to win the show,”she explained.
She noted that handshakes are not given indiscriminately. They are reserved for those instances when Paul Hollywood believes a bake achieves his standard of “absolute perfection.”Leith candidly admitted that there are occasions when she finds a bake flawless, yet Hollywood might choose not to award a handshake:
“Very occasionally I think it’s absolutely perfect, and he doesn’t give them a handshake, and I fear this would happen this time.”
Rigorous Selection Process for Top Bakers
During the discussion, Leith shed light on the meticulous selection process for contestants, designed to identify genuine baking talent. She outlined how potential participants apply:
“They just go online and they fill in an enormous and rather complicated application form which sorts out the ones who just think it would be fun to be on telly and people who really know how to bake.”
Leith also underscored the enormity of The Great American Baking Show, given the vast applicant pool. With over 300 million people in the U.S., the challenge lies in distilling that number down to “the best 10” bakers.
This season of The Great American Baking Show is streaming now on Roku, showcasing these remarkable performers and their extraordinary creations.