Duff Goldman and star judges put America’s best bakers to the test

Sixteen of America’s top pastry chefs are putting their skills to the ultimate test in Food Network’s newest competition series, The Ultimate Baking Championship, premiering Tuesday, March 9.

Hosted by Jesse Palmer, the high-stakes show challenges contestants to master techniques including laminated dough, pâte à choux, chocolate work, and sugar artistry. 

Duff Goldman serves as the lead judge, joined by a rotating roster of guest judges including Sherry Yard, Bryan Ford, Amaury Guichon, Shinmin Li, Jacques Torres, Molly Yeh, and Zac Young.

“Welcome to the most exciting baking and pastry kitchen in America,” Palmer said in a new trailer shared with People. 

“Sixteen of the nation’s most extraordinary chefs are stepping forward to showcase their vision, passion, and creativity at the highest level. 

"Every bake brings them one step closer to the title, and no baking skill will go unchallenged.”

The contestants include Sarah Craichy, Christopher Teixeira, Rochelle Cooper, Clement Le Deore, Lasheeda Perry, Molly Coen, Robert Gonzalez, Oralia Perez, Juan Gutierrez, Arlety Estéves, Florencia Breda, Steven Weiss, Casey Doody, Cesar Sajulan, Julian Belon, and Adalberto Diaz. The chef crowned Ultimate Baking Champion will take home a $50,000 grand prize.

Goldman recently wrapped the first season of Baking Championship: Next Gen with cohost Kardea Brown, who praised him for his mentorship. 

“His knowledge and laughter made every challenge brighter,” Brown wrote on Instagram. “They reminded me to dream boldly, to take risks, and to savor every messy, beautiful moment.”

The Ultimate Baking Championship promises “jaw-dropping, never-before-seen dessert creations” and is set to push even seasoned pastry chefs to their limits.