Food Network announces Summer Baking Championship premiere date

While the beach might be calling and the warm days could bring smiles, there is a reason to kick back and watch Food Network. Summer Baking Championship is coming to the network May and everything will taste a little sweeter.

Baking competitions have a loyal following on Food Network. Spring, Halloween, and Holiday delight viewers with their creative visuals and impeccable flavors. Although no one has invented smell-o-vision yet, the judges’ descriptions can give viewers a sense of what is being served. Now, Food Network has filled a gap in their programming, summer.

Previously, Food Network had two seasons of Wedding Cake Championship that aired during the summer. While those cakes were memorable, this baking competition has more desserts on the table.

According to Betsy Ayala, Head of Content, Food Network, “We’re excited to build on the momentum of the Spring competition by expanding the franchise to include the new Summer Baking Championship. Viewers are in for a treat as all of summer’s refreshing flavors and seasonal ingredients are packed into this competition, making it the perfect kick-off to summertime fun!”

Jesse Palmer will be the host and the judges include Duff Goldman, Carla Hall, and Damaris Phillips. It will be interesting to see the dynamic between the three judges. Although Damaris Phillips is new to the Baking Championship table, she should fit in well with Carla Hall and Duff Goldman.

Ten bakers will have to impress with bright, summer flavors and their interpretations of classic summer celebrations. From fruit pies to ice cream sandwiches, the bounty of desserts might inspire home bakers to get into the kitchen themselves.

In addition to themes about summer memories, 4th of July and other classic treats, Summer Baking Championship will feature a Barbie Movie challenge. Everyone will be impressed with that techno-colored Barbie World sweetness.

Only one baker will be crowned Summer Baking Champion and will earn the $25,000 prize. The new slate of bakers includes: Alyssa Alcantara (San Diego, CA), John Boyle (Philadelphia, PA), Kyle Davis (Springfield, MO), Kristina Krause (Leesburg, VA), Yohann Le Bescond (Ocala, FL), Ally Radziewicz (Syracuse, NY), Lisa Lu (Healdsburg, CA), Anrika Martin (Kingston, NY), Zoe Peckich (Pittsburgh, PA), Carlos Pena (Las Vegas, NV).

Summer Baking Championship debuts on Monday May 15th at 9pm ET/PT on Food Network. In addition, it can be streamed on discovery+.