New series Summer Baking Championship arrives this May

Other than Guy Fieri and Bobby Flay, there are few franchises or series that define Food Network like Baking Championship. Similar to The Great British Bake Off, over the years it has become a comfort viewing staple for many fans.

Unlike its British counterpart though, Food Network continues to go back to the well to try new and different versions of the series, each based on a different time of year. It all started with Holiday Baking Championship in 2014 and has only grown since then.

In addition to the Holiday edition, in the ensuing years we’ve gotten Baking Championship editions based on Spring, Halloween, Easter, Gingerbread, a version featuring wedding cakes and the popular Kids Baking Championship.

And Food network has just announced that there’s a new kid on the block. Say hello to Summer Baking Championship.

Summer Baking Championship arrives on Food Network on May 15.

The new series will be hosted by popular Holiday Baking Championship host Jesse Palmer. The fate of the 10 new contestants will be decided by regular judges Duff Goldman and Carla Hall who will be joined by newcomer Damaris Phillips.

The series will follow the Baking Championship formula, with each episode broken down into a Pre Heat and a Main Heat, with one contestant sent home each week. It will challenge the bakers to create stunning summer themed bakes including elevating classics like the ice cream sandwich and s’mores.

There will also be a tie-in to the release of the new summer blockbuster Barbie before it all leads to a massive Fourth of July showdown for the remaining bakers. The winner will walk away with $25,000 and most importantly, bragging rights.

Summer Baking Championship premieres with a pair of back to back episodes on Monday, May 15 at 9 PM on Food Network.

What do you think Guilty Eats Nation? Are you excited for a new entry in the Baking Championship series? Leave a comment below and let us know or join the conversation on our Twitter and Facebook pages.