10 Best Shows Like Cake Wars That You Should Watching Update 04/2024

Shows Like Cake Wars

10. Cupcake Wars

Cupcake Wars

Everyone loves cupcakes because they’re small enough to fit in your pocket or purse.

Following bakers and celebrities alike as they compete in rounds to create delectable cupcakes and enormous cupcake display, Cupcake Wars has been an instant hit since 2009. Anything from an aquarium launch party to the premiere of a new season of a television show, to the anniversary celebration of a beloved animated character could use cupcakes.

I am in awe of the artistry required to create dozens, and at times hundreds, of these delicious treats. Cupcake Wars is a great binge-watching show thanks to the likes of Candace Nelson and Florian Bellanger, as well as the adorable new host, Mean Girls star Jonathan Bennett.

9. Sugar Rush

Most of these shows feature bakers competing on their own or with a sidekick; Netflix’s 2018 series Sugar Rush completely changes things up and features bakers competing as a team for $10,000.

For its use of large-scale baking techniques and finished products, the series is known. In the first round of competition, cupcakes are made. Contestants in the second round are tasked with making sweets. And, of course, the episode’s theme dictates that they produce a full-size cake for round three. Sugar Rush, hosted by rising game show host Hunter March, is a short binge, but it more than makes up for its lack of length in energy.

8. Sweet Genius

Sweet Genius

Sweet Genius, which aired on Food Network from 2011 to 2013, is one of the most intense shows on this list. “Sweet Genius” brings a steampunk twist to the familiar baking competition series, with dramatic voiceovers counting down the time remaining, robotic-like instructions, and cool metallic settings.

It’s Ron Ben-Israel, the world-renowned pastry chef, who truly sets this series apart from the rest. Given how affable and endearing Ben-Israel can be in other television appearances, it’s both gripping and disconcerting to see him adopt such a strict, somber demeanor as he judges the contestants who present the most difficult challenges.

7. Christmas Cookie Challenge

When it comes to baked goods, nothing says “holidays” like the season. A large number of the shows featured here revolve around a seasonal theme, and as a result, they are only broadcast for a limited time each year. Their baked goods, on the other hand, aren’t any less appetizing or enjoyable because of it. The Food Network’s Christmas Cookie Challenge is one of the best examples of this subgenre, which debuted in the 2017 holiday season.

For each episode, Eddie Jackson, an NFL star and Food Network star known for his fast-paced competition, hosts a group of five bakers who compete in mini rounds for the best Christmas cookie-based treats. Ree Drummond and Jordan Pilarski are among the judges on the panel.

6. Spring Baking Championship

Spring Baking Championship

A time of renewal and rebirth, spring is also a great time for bright colors, cute animals, Easter-themed treats, and so on. In the spring of 2015, Food Network introduced Spring Baking Championship to fill a void that we didn’t even know existed.

Since its inception, the show has been hosted by a slew of Food Network luminaries, including Nancy Fuller, Duff Goldman and Lorraine Pascale. Pre-heat and main event rounds are held each week, with participants working on smaller desserts in order to gain a leg up on the competition. Duff’s hilarious facial expressions as he eats each round of baked goods are worth seeing in this series.

5. Kids Baking Championship

Some unexpectedly emotional moments may even bring on the tears when children are involved in any kind of competition. Since 2015, Food Network has aired six seasons of Kids Baking Championship, with the most recent airing in April 2019.

Valerie Bertinelli and Duff Goldman host and judge the Kids Baking Championship, which is feel-good television at its best. Since the kids are genuinely helping each other out, there isn’t much drama or harsh competition in the show. Valerie is always there to offer a hug and words of comfort if any baking-related injuries occur.

4. Holiday Baking Championship

Holiday Baking Championship

The long-running Food Network series Holiday Baking Championship is yet another holiday-themed baking series that is one of the most enjoyable baking shows on television. The series premiered in the winter of 2014 and served as the launching point for all of Food Network’sBaking Championship series, including Nancy Fuller, Duff Goldman, and Lorraine Pascale.

Holiday-themed baked goods are often some of the most visually appealing and adorable, with cute woodland creatures, elves, and reindeer thrown in the mix. While serving as host, Jesse Palmer brings an endearingly geeky touch to this Food Network competition series that has consistently found some of Food Network’s most talented competitors.

3. Cake Wars

To say that the Food Network seriesCake Wars is one of the best baking competition shows on television would be an understatement. For events ranging from a celebration of Dr. Seuss’s 150th birthday to the launch of a new Disney gaming system to a celebration of all things Peanuts, four amateur or professional bakers compete to create the best tasting and best-looking cakes.

Some of the show’s most dramatic moments are due to their large cakes, which necessitate the assistance of multiple members of their team to transport them to the judging stand. One of the show’s most valuable and beloved judges is Ron Ben-Israel, who isn’t afraid to join in the fun, even if it means donning a strange little costume prop.

2. The Great British Bake Off

The Great British Bake Off

The Great British Bake Off, also known as The Great British Baking Show, is one of the most popular and successful baking competition series to ever air on television.

When the Great British Bake Off premiered in 2010, it had an all-star cast of bakers who won over viewers.

Aspiring bakers were pitted against each other in grueling competitions hosted by veteran British television personalities Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins. Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood, both accomplished bakers, served as the show’s esteemed panel of judges for the majority of its run. In the seventh season, the news that Mel, Sue, and Mary would not be returning for the eighth season caused a stir. Fortunately, there are still seven seasons of fantastic baking shows to watch.

1. Nailed It

Some people should avoid baking at all costs. Ever. With shows like Nailed It! and others, we get to see some of the worst bakers in America prove that they are truly untalented. There are three self-proclaimed terrible bakers competing in two rounds to replicate professionally crafted baked works of art, ranging from cake pops and multi-layer cakes to intricately-iced cookies, in this baking competition show.

They have a winning rapport that makes the show even more enjoyable. Jacques Torres and Nicole Byer are the show hosts’ go-to judges. When it comes to the show’s guest judges, there are some big names like comedian Jason Mantzoukas and baking legend Sylvia Weinstock. A special episode of Queer Eye also features the show’s Fab Five participating in the festivities.