Holiday Baking Championship

Host Jesse Palmer kicks off the competition for 12 bakers with holiday decorated quick bread wreaths. In the main heat, the competitors must make a winter hat cake to charm judges Nancy Fuller, Duff Goldman and Carla Hall.

Host Jesse Palmer asks the 10 bakers to highlight a nut or seed in a holiday dessert. Then, the competitors must use a fundamental holiday ingredient in unseasonable desserts, like icebox cakes or fruit tarts.

Host Jesse Palmer asks the nine bakers to make holiday cookie-topped mini pies. Then, it's pie pandemonium as the competitors celebrate fall with flavor combos such as pumpkin-cider and chestnut-chocolate in cream pies, lattice pies and more.

Jesse Palmer challenges the eight bakers to turn breakfast items, like French toast, into Thanksgiving desserts. Then, the competitors team up to create Friendsgiving potluck-inspired desserts to impress judges Nancy Fuller, Duff Goldman and Carla Hall.

Host Jesse Palmer gives the seven bakers advent calendars filled with chocolate to inspire them to make desserts with a surprise inside. Then, for the main heat, the competitors must bake one delicious cheesecake with three different flavors.

Jesse Palmer challenges the six competitors to work in teams to create a twist on traditional Hanukkah jelly doughnuts. Then, the bakers get creative with holiday decorated upside-down cakes to satisfy judges Nancy Fuller, Duff Goldman and Carla Hall.

Host Jesse Palmer asks the five bakers to create an over-the-top version of a holiday trifle. Then, the classics continue in the main heat when the competitors make the ultimate Charlotte royale for judges Nancy Fuller, Duff Goldman and Carla Hall.

Jesse Palmer kicks things off by asking the final four competitors to create a holiday macaron tower. In the main heat, the bakers must feature an assigned icing style -- marzipan, buttercream or mirror glaze -- in a stunning cake to win $25,000.