Carmelo Oquendo

In the series premiere, the competitors put their baking skills to the test when they are paired up into teams to create a 4-foot tall theme cake. But when Buddy presents an interesting challenge to win immunity, will it be every baker for themselves?

Sculpted cakes are one of the most popular requests made by clients today and nobody does them better than Buddy. The competitors are asked to create life-sized sculpted cakes in 10 hours with special mystery clients serving as the models.

Competition heats up for the holidays when the bakers break into teams to create their best holiday themed cake for the Valastro Christmas party. But not everyone is merry as tempers flare amongst the teams with one baker making a trip to the hospital.

Speed and agility are put to the test when the bakers are asked to unload Lackawanna's industrial 400 degree oven for the Baker's Challenge. Later, it's time to go wild as the bakers must construct animal cakes for the Turtleback Zoo.

The final three face their toughest Baker's Challenge yet when they must bake their 3 best pastries to sell at Carlo's Bakery with the baker who sells the least going home early. The final two will then battle it out for the title the Next Great Baker!

Being the Next Great Baker means creating cakes that are magazine worthy. The stakes are raised when the competitors are asked to create elaborate wedding cakes inspired by the latest wedding trends for Brides Magazine.