Holiday baking season is officially underway, and Food Network is keeping the festive energy high with the upcoming “Holiday Baking Championship” season 12 finale.
With $25,000 and the coveted title of Holiday Baking Champion on the line, the final bakers are preparing to deliver their most ambitious desserts yet.
‘Holiday Baking Championship’ Season 12 Finale Brings High-Stakes ‘Naughty vs. Nice’ Challenges
“Holiday Baking Championship” is a long-running Food Network competition series that invites talented bakers from across the country to create festive desserts inspired by the season.
Hosted by Jesse Palmer and judged by Duff Goldman, Nancy Fuller, and Kardea Brown, the series combines skill, passion, and creativity in a warm holiday setting.
The finale episode, titled “Naughty & Nice Christmas,” brings three final challenges designed to test every skill the remaining competitors have.
For the preheat, Palmer asks the bakers to craft “naughty” elf desserts featuring unexpected flavors such as black licorice, sauerkraut, or red curry.
An elimination challenge follows, requiring the contestants to create “nice” hot cocoa desserts. The final bake is the showstopper: an oversized, visually striking naughty vs. nice cake with both themes represented in the design.
Guest judge Zac Young joins Fuller and Brown to determine who will walk away with the title and $25,000.
Who’s Left on Season 12 — and Our Winner Prediction
Season 12 has seen several intense eliminations. Contestants sent home so far include Jeanna “Gia” Barnes, Daniel Gray, Violet Zoner, Erin Luttrell, Camrey Smith, and Alyx Abreu. The remaining bakers competing for the top prize include:
Team Naughty
• Nico Alkalay – Denver, Colorado
• Tarek Husseini – St. Louis, Missouri
• Ashleigh Wright – Frisco, Texas
• Charles Zimmerman – Charlottesville, Virginia
Team Nice
• Jean Carlos – Orlando, Florida
• Chase Maus – Santa Fe, New Mexico
With younger bakers taking more risks in their flavor choices and presentation, our prediction leans toward Nico Alkalay from Team Naughty. His precision and ambition have consistently impressed the judges.
From Team Nice, Jean Carlos stands out as a serious contender. And though Tarek Husseini has landed on the chopping block twice, he remains a possible dark horse who could surprise viewers in the finale.
Season 12 of “Holiday Baking Championship” premiered on Monday, Nov. 3 on Food Network. Episodes drop weekly.
The “Holiday Baking Championship” season 12 finale airs on Food Network on December 22.
You can also watch the “Holiday Baking Championship” finale on Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, Philo, the on-demand libraries of Hulu or YouTube TV, or via the Food Network GO app.
