6 drool-worthy baking shows that will make you hungry

Baking shows
6 enjoyable baking shows that will make viewers crave for desserts (Image via Netflix)

The smell of fresh bread that's just out of the oven is hard to ignore, almost as hard as ignoring decadent baking shows that are easy on the eyes. Credit goes to the creative show creators who keep coming up with innovative ideas to switch up the formats so that no two baking shows are truly the same. The only drawback to baking shows is that it is impossible to watch them without getting sweet cravings.

There was once a time when baking shows would only cater to viewers who were looking to pick up a few tips and tricks. There are still many good old-fashioned recipe-based shows, but modern baking shows have that extra pizzazz that adds to their appeal. Celebrity guests, unexpected challenges, unusual ingredients, and more help to keep things fresh and exciting.

This list compiles some of the best baking shows that will get even amateur cooks thinking seriously about investing quality time in learning how to make home-baked goodies.

Disclaimer: This list contains information from various sources.


Bake Squad, Is It Cake?, and four other baking shows that will tempt you to indulge your sweet tooth

1) The Great British Bake Off (2010 – present)

The Great British Bake Off has a few localized versions as well (Image via BBC)
The Great British Bake Off has a few localized versions as well (Image via BBC)

This long-running baking show started back in 2010 and has been going strong ever since. What's different about The Great British Bake Off is that it puts the spotlight on amateur bakers. After every challenge, those who cannot impress the judges with their baked goodies are eliminated.

Only three participants make it to the final round, and one winner is chosen from among them. In some countries where Pillsbury owns the trademark "Bake-Off," it is named The Great British Baking Show. The reason why this show has amassed worldwide popularity is because of the jovial banter between the participants and the judges.

It is also a treat for fans to see famous celebrities join in, many of whom have little to no experience in baking, which usually lends itself to unexpected comedic moments. It has 14 seasons, 134 episodes, and 43 specials to date.

Where to watch: Episodes of this famous show can be viewed on Prime Video.


2) Nadiya Bakes (2020)

Nadiya shares easy to replicate recipes in her show (Image via Netflix)
Nadiya shares easy to replicate recipes in her show (Image via Netflix)

It is only logical for this baking show to follow The Great British Bake Off because the host, Nadiya Hussain, rose to fame after winning season 6. When it comes to recipe-based baking shows, they can get a bit overwhelming for people who are new to baking, but Nadiya, with her comforting vibe and warm smile, will help all viewers feel at ease.

The best thing about Nadiya Bakes is that she shares recipes for classic baked goods that everyone loves, but she takes it up a notch by adding a little twist. Home bakers who want to elevate their baking game should keep their eyes peeled for little helpful tips and tricks.

Comprising only eight episodes, Nadiya Bakes also introduces viewers to other talented bakers and pastry chefs who are both interesting and inspiring.

Where to watch: Nadiya Bakes is available for streaming on Netflix.


3) Bake Squad (2021– present)

The bakers in the show go the extra mile to create showstoppers (Image via Netflix)
The bakers in the show go the extra mile to create showstoppers (Image via Netflix)

MasterChef fans can certainly attest to Christina Tosi's credentials because very few get to sit at the coveted judge's table. This famous chef, co-founder of the famous Milk Bar chain of restaurants, is the host of Bake Squad. In every episode, she introduces a client who needs an elaborate dessert for some kind of celebration, which would vary from client to client.

Four talented bakers compete against each other to make a dessert that fulfills the client's requirements. After they present their finished desserts, the client picks one that they think will add value to their event.

The exciting requests that change from episode to episode help keep monotony at bay. Also, it is impressive to see the bakers tap into their creative banks to consistently come up with beautiful over-the-top desserts that are sure to make people do a double-take. It has a total of two seasons and 16 episodes to date.

Where to watch: Episodes of this engaging baking show can be streamed on Netflix.


4) Dr. Seuss Baking Challenge (2022)

This is one show that Dr. Seuss fans will love to watch (Image via Prime Video)
This is one show that Dr. Seuss fans will love to watch (Image via Prime Video)

This baking show, hosted by Tamera Mowry-Housley, will make foodies look at baked goods very differently. In this show, participants are judged not only on presentation and taste, but their sweet creations also need to tell a story. Unlike a lot of other baking shows, where participants work alone, Dr. Seuss Baking Challenge relies on efficient teamwork as participants work in teams of two.

Clarice Lam and Joshua John Russell, both well-known pastry chefs, are the capable judges who decide which teams progress and which teams are eliminated. In the finale, only two teams remain, and they compete for the prize money of $50,000.

This eight-episode baking show is the stuff dreams are made of for fans of Dr. Seuss. It is enjoyable to see the teams interpret the classic stories in their own way through colorful desserts that look too good to eat.

Where to watch: Dr. Seuss Baking Challenge is available for streaming on Prime Video.


5) Is It Cake? (2022 – present)

The third season of this show was released in March of this year (Image via Netflix)
The third season of this show was released in March of this year (Image via Netflix)

Who would have thought that a cooking competition and a game show could be combined? The creators of Is It Cake? definitely found a way to make it work. It is hosted by Mikey Day, whom viewers might recognize from SNL. The contestants on this one-of-a-kind show have to make cakes that closely resemble everyday things.

Celebrity judges then have to guess which of the items on display are real and which one is a cake. Even viewers who know little about baking will be impressed with the creativity and skills on display. But the real treat for viewers is to put their deduction hat on to make their own guess about which item is the cake in question.

Is It Cake? has three seasons and 24 episodes. In fact, the final episode of the latest season aired early this year, on March 29, 2024.

Where to watch: This baking show and game show can be viewed on Netflix.


6) Summer Baking Championship (2023 – present)

This is the perfect show to watch to get inspiration for summer treats (Image via Food Network)
This is the perfect show to watch to get inspiration for summer treats (Image via Food Network)

Given that the temperatures are rising right now, it is the perfect time to indulge in this summer-themed baking show. Carla Hall, Duff Goldman, and Damaris Phillips grace the judges table, while Jesse Palmer takes charge as the host. Ten talented bakers tap into their skills and experience to create beautiful baked goodies that are packed full of scrumptious summer flavors.

Since contestants can be eliminated, the competition is fierce. The quirky summer-themed challenges also push the contestants to think outside the box, which in turn inspires home bakers to get out of their comfort zones. Season 1 of the baking show contained eight episodes. The latest season of the Summer Baking Championship is currently on air.

Where to watch: Summer Baking Championship can be streamed on Prime Video.


Foodies who have a hard time saying "no" to sweet treats will find these delightful baking shows too addictive to pass up on.

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