Paul Conti

It's girls against boys in a themed-cake elimination challenge. Buddy has charged both teams with creating inventive theme cakes for the bakery's portfolio. But when Buddy throws a monkey wrench in the competition both teams will bake for their lives.

This week the competitors are charged with making a 3-foot tall cake that represents an Italian family dinner. Everything on the cake must be a recreation of authentic Italian food -- meatballs, spaghetti, Parmesan and more!

Morning show host Kelly Rippa is celebrating a birthday! And her co-host Michael Strahan asks the competitors to create the perfect cake to celebrate. Teams work around the clock to make a cake that will be presented to Kelly on live TV.

Wedding bells are ringing in Hoboken! This week the competitors must create wedding cakes for some very particular brides. But when the brides decide to change their design plans mid-challenge, the competitors must race against the clock to finish!

It's down to the final 4 as Buddy challenges the bakers to create tribute cakes for their mothers. And later, Buddy brings in a couple surprise helpers to get the job done right. The competition heats up as each baker brings their best!

Buddy takes the competitors to Las Vegas for one last showdown! With help from past competitors and Buddy's family the 3 final bakers must bake, sell and decorate to the finish line. At the end, only one competitor will be crowned The Next Great Baker!