If you're in need of another baking show, HBO Max now has Baketopia , a candy competition hosted by YouTuber Rosanna Pansino. Along with the other judges, she will evaluate the bakers’ creations for style, creativity and, of course, taste. Each episode features a "Level 1" mini-challenge with a $1,000 prize and the chance to wear a "golden rolling pin," as well as a "Tier 1" main challenge with a grand prize of $10,000. So there's plenty of sugar and cash.
Unlike The Great British Bake Off and similar shows, Baketopia features three new bakers each episode. The first season has 12 episodes, which means there are 36 contestants in the season. “Some of the contestants are home bakers, some have their own bakeries, some are really great pastry chefs,” Pansino said in a YouTube video.
You'll have to watch the show from start to finish to pick your favorite baker, but there are already some standout bakers on Instagram. Get to know them below, along with two of Pansino's "cake committee" peers who helped her choose the winner.
referee
Timber Sullivan
View on Instagram
Sullivan, who hails from Columbus, Ohio, is a four-time Food Network champion, and if you're a fan of cake decorating shows ( Bizarre Wedding Cake, Ridiculous Cakes ), you've probably seen him at work. Known for his impressive 3D cake art and realistic details, he judges the Baketopia team on their technical skills and execution.
Donal Skehan
View on Instagram
Skehan is a friend of Pansino and an experienced chef who has written nine cookbooks to date. He also hosts his own cooking show, so his refined palette comes in handy when judging the flavor, texture and baking of desserts.
Contestants
Justin Salinas
View on Instagram
Salinas, known as @cakeitwithjustin on Instagram, makes cakes that are a rainbow lover's dream. His entire page is filled with beautiful pastels, and according to his website, he's had great success launching cake decorating classes, which he calls "Justin's Cake Nights." He also has a podcast called " Frost This" and has collaborated with World of Wonder on a web series called " Gimme Some Shuga" in which he and drag queen Shuga Kane (Shuga Cain) Recreates an iconic drag queen look in cake form.
Piwani's Piece of Cake
View on Instagram
When Pavani started baking as a hobby four years ago, she never thought her skills would land her on television. "I work in IT during the day and am busy with kids, and baking keeps me sane," she wrote on Instagram. "It's a stress buster for me." She now has an impressive collection of creations, including a sushi cake that looks like a Louis Vuitton bag, as well as lots of adorable cake pops and macarons .
Gregory Matthew Rodriguez
View on Instagram
Rodriguez runs the Instagram account @casadeorodulce, which translates to "Golden Candy House." No big deal, but he's also the head pastry chef at the Ritz-Carlton. Needless to say, his work is extremely detailed and gorgeous. He will definitely be a contender for Baketopia.
Jamie Locks
View on Instagram
Louks is the pastry chef behind Sugarnova Cakes, a company that prides itself on artistry and a professional-grade balance of flavor. She is also a very talented chocolate sculptor.
Harvey Wang
View on Instagram
According to Instagram, Vuong is a true superman who, in addition to being a father, is an emergency room nurse by day and a self-taught baker and cake designer by night. Looking through his work, you would never know he had zero professional training.
Jesse Monroy
View on Instagram
Monroy takes the baking challenge to the next level by making her sweets completely sugar-free. Her bakery, Sugar Free Shack, caters to those with special dietary needs and offers a variety of keto-friendly options.
Randy Nelson
View on Instagram
Nelson is another trained pastry chef who is sure to add to the competition. Not everyone can say they've made a chocolate bonsai tree.
Other bakers who will appear on the show include Piper of Patty Cake Piper, Korey Wells of Whiskful Thinking Cakes, Andrew Calvillo of Calvillo Cakes, Jamie Mack of Spider Monkey Desserts, Lady C Cakes, Darlene Celestino of Lil Darz Sweetz, Dani of Rossi cakes, Jason cakes, etc. Anyone have a sudden craving for dessert?
