The new baking competition Next Level Baker is putting a spotlight on more than just festive treats. Judge Candace Nelson has highlighted the show’s mix of contestants, calling the group “very diverse” and talented. The show features 12 bakers from different backgrounds—including home cooks, professionals, and social media influencers—all competing for a $25,000 prize.
Premiering on December 4, 2025, on Food Network, the holiday-themed series places bakers in a winter wonderland setting. They are judged by a powerhouse panel: Gordon Ramsay, Carla Hall, and Candace Nelson. The judges say this variety in the contestants’ experience levels makes the competition exciting and unpredictable.
“The field is levelled, let me tell you. You really are gonna be surprised about who pulls out all the stops,” fellow judge Carla Hall said.
Who Are the Bakers Competing on Next Level Baker?
While the full list of Next Level Baker contestants has not been published in detail, the judges have provided a clear picture of who is in the tent. Candace Nelson explained that the group is a blend of home bakers, professional bakers, and social media influencers.
This approach is different from shows that feature only one type of contestant. It means a self-taught home cook who bakes for their family could be competing against a trained pastry chef from a restaurant or a content creator known for their viral cake videos. The common thread, according to Nelson, is that “they’re all super talented”.
The premiere episode, titled “Baking Spirits Bright,” airs on Thursday, December 4, from 9 to 10 p.m. on FOX. The first challenge asks bakers to create nostalgic chocolate treats, followed by a second round focused on boozy holiday party bakes.
How the Next Level Baker Competition Works
Next Level Baker uses a unique kitchen format that adds pressure. Similar to the show Next Level Chef, the kitchen is split into three distinct levels. Bakers assigned to the base level have access to only a limited selection of ingredients and equipment. This tests their ability to adapt and be creative with fewer resources.
Judge Candace Nelson said the show reveals a new side of bakers, who are often known for careful planning. “And bakers are really known for following a plan, but these bakers could really pivot on a dime. I mean, they were just coming up with new ingredients, new plans, as they went along,” she stated.
The judges also plan mid-challenge surprises to keep the contestants on their toes. These unexpected twists force bakers to think quickly and change their strategies, separating those who can adapt from those who cannot.
The Trend Toward Diverse Bakers on TV
The focus on a diverse set of bakers on Next Level Baker is part of a larger trend in popular baking shows. The latest season of The Great British Bake Off, for example, features its 2025 class of amateur bakers from various walks of life.
This year’s group includes Aaron, who fuses French patisserie with Caribbean flavors; Hassan, a chemist who brings an analytical approach inspired by his Pakistani heritage; and Nataliia, who infuses British bakes with Ukrainian ingredients like honey and poppy seeds. Other bakers include Jessika, a roller-skating Drag King, and Pui Man, a bridal designer from Hong Kong.
Another Food Network special, Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking, also showcases teams with diverse professional and cultural backgrounds. Teams include a French-born pastry chef paired with a cake designer from Louisiana, and a baker who blends traditional Mexican flavors with scientific techniques.
What Fans Are Saying About Baking Competitions
On social media, viewers often share strong opinions about cooking and baking competition shows. On a post about Food Network’s Sweet Empire: Winter Wars, some fans expressed they prefer traditional cooking shows with recipes they can try at home. “I want recipes and techniques that I can do by myself, in my ‘average’ kitchen,” one comment read.
Others enjoy the competitive excitement. “I will watch every single baking/decorating competition show out there! Love them,” wrote a different viewer. A common request among some fans is to see new faces rather than repeat competitors from other shows.
This ongoing conversation shows that while the format of competition shows is popular, networks are continually adapting. Featuring a fresh, diverse mix of contestants, as Next Level Baker is doing, is one way to engage audiences looking for new stories and baking styles.
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The Judges Behind Next Level Baker
The judging panel brings together three major figures in food television. Candace Nelson is widely known as a founder of Sprinkles Cupcakes and for judging Cupcake Wars and Sugar Rush. In a recent post on professional trends, she reflected on positive changes in business leadership, noting a shift toward founders of “all backgrounds, genders, and walks of life”.
Carla Hall is a celebrated chef and TV personality with a long career on shows like The Chew and various Food Network competitions. She recently launched a digital magazine called Sweet Heritage. Gordon Ramsay needs little introduction, bringing his high standards and iconic intensity to the holiday-themed contest.
The judges’ combined experience with different types of bakers—from professionals to amateurs—prepares them well to judge this mixed group fairly. Their insight suggests the $25,000 prize and title of Next Level Baker could go to anyone, regardless of their background.
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