Halloween Baking Championship Season 11: Cast, Release Date, and What to Expect

The ovens are preheating, the cobwebs are being dusted off, and the most spooktacular baking competition on television is back for an eleventh season of chills and thrills! This year, our talented bakers are thrown into a cauldron of creepy challenges designed to test their skill, creativity, and nerve. From ghoulish cupcakes to petrifying pies and haunted showpieces, each episode promises to be a devilishly good time, filled with shocking twists and terrifyingly tasty treats.

Under the watchful eyes of our ghoulishly charming host and a panel of expert judges who know their blood orange from their actual blood, these bakers will battle it out to see whose desserts have the most spirit. Only one can be crowned the Halloween Baking Champion and take home the grand prize, proving they have the skill, the style, and the stomach to handle the pressure. It’s a scream of a good time for the whole family!

Halloween Baking Championship Season 11: Host & Contestants

1. John Henson as Host

The wickedly funny John Henson returns to helm the chaos as the master of macabre ceremonies. Henson’s signature dry wit and playful spookiness set the perfect tone for the competition, keeping the bakers on their toes and the audience laughing with his ghoulish puns and hilarious commentary. He is the gracious guide through the competition’s many twists and turns, providing levity even during the most nail-biting eliminations.

Henson’s deep familiarity with the show and genuine enthusiasm for the bakers’ creations make him more than just a host; he is the heart of the Halloween party. His ability to both comfort a struggling contestant and crack a joke at the perfect moment ensures that the atmosphere remains spooky yet incredibly fun. He is the essential ringleader for this annual hauntingly good time.

2. Stephanie Boswell as Judge

The incredibly talented pastry chef and sugar artist extraordinaire, Stephanie Boswell, returns to the judges’ panel. Boswell is known for her meticulous eye for detail, impeccable technique, and deep knowledge of flavor profiles. She challenges the bakers to not only create visually stunning works of art but also to ensure that every bite is as delicious as it is terrifying. Her feedback is always constructive, precise, and delivered with a sharp, discerning elegance.

Boswell’s expertise in intricate sugar work and show-stopping desserts sets a incredibly high bar for the competitors. She is the judge who truly understands the monumental effort behind each creation, and she pushes the bakers to refine their skills and think outside the coffin with every challenge. Her presence on the panel guarantees a focus on world-class pastry execution.

3. Carla Hall as Judge

The beloved Carla Hall brings her boundless energy, warmth, and culinary wisdom back to the judges’ table. Hall is the judge who celebrates soul and heart in baking, always looking for that personal story and comforting flavor that makes a dessert truly memorable. Her joyful laughter and expressive reactions are a constant source of warmth, balancing the spooky themes with genuine, heartfelt encouragement.

Hall’s focus is often on the taste and the emotional connection a dessert creates. She reminds the bakers that even the most frightening Frankenstein’s monster cake needs to have a delicious, moist crumb and fantastic frosting. Her infectious enthusiasm and relatable commentary make her a fan favorite and a comforting presence for the nervous bakers awaiting judgment.

4. Zac Young as Judge

The effervescent and brilliantly creative Zac Young returns, bringing his signature flamboyant style and theatrical flair to the competition. Young is the master of whimsy and wonder, encouraging bakers to embrace the fun and storytelling aspect of Halloween. He loves a bold risk, a dramatic presentation, and a dessert that makes him gasp with delight at its cleverness and creativity.

Young’s expertise in flavor combinations is unmatched, often dreaming up wild pairings that inspire the bakers to be more adventurous. His feedback is filled with colorful metaphors and genuine excitement, and his passion for the holiday is utterly contagious. He is the judge who reminds everyone that baking, especially Halloween baking, is supposed to be a joyous and magical experience.

The Hauntingly Talented Bakers

This season’s roster of contestants is ready to terrify and tantalize our taste buds:

• Cory Jones: A baker known for hyper-realistic horror designs and a steady hand under pressure.

• Gonzuela Bastarache: A master of flavor with a passion for incorporating unexpected savory notes into sweet treats.

• Alan Arras: A technical whiz whose architectural background brings incredible structure and precision to his spooky scenes.

• Melanie Bjork-Jensen: A whimsical baker who specializes in adorable-to-a-fault creations that hide a darkly delicious secret.

• Justin Giordano: A classic pastry chef with a modern twist, focusing on elegant flavors and flawless execution.

• Megan Carroll: A home baker with a gift for storytelling and creating desserts that are packed with spooky narrative.

• Jake Hagen: A cake artist who isn’t afraid to get messy and create large-scale, jaw-dropping horror showpieces.

• Oksana Shchelgachova: An artist who uses chocolate and sugar as her medium to create eerily beautiful and delicate sculptures.

• Camille Le Caer: A French-trained patissière who brings finesse and sophisticated flavors to the Halloween theme.

• Nina Charles: A bold and innovative baker who loves to experiment with molecular gastronomy to create creepy, otherworldly desserts.

Why Halloween Baking Championship Season 11 Is a Must-Watch

• Spooky & Sweet: The perfect blend of family-friendly Halloween fun and incredible culinary artistry.

• Judging Dream Team: The iconic trio of Boswell, Hall, and Young offers the perfect balance of technical critique, heartfelt joy, and creative genius.

• Incredible Talent: A new batch of bakers ready to push the boundaries of what’s possible with sugar, flour, and a whole lot of imagination.

• Inspiration Galore: Get a head start on your own Halloween party with dozens of clever, creepy, and delicious baking ideas.

Get Ready for a Season of Frightful Bites and Delightful Frights!

Halloween Baking Championship Season 11 premieres September 15, 2025, on Food Network.