Food Network gets sugarcoated with new series 'Spring Baking Championship'

Series premiere Sunday, April 26

As temperatures warm up outside, the competition heats up in the kitchen as eight of the country's best bakers compete on Food Network's "Spring Baking Championship," premiering Sunday, April 26 (9 p.m.). Bobby Deen hosts this sweet competition, as the contestants attempt to rise to the occasion with their springtime treats and win a sweet spot in the hearts of judges Duff Goldman ("Duff Till Dawn," "Kids Baking Championship"), Nancy Fuller ("Farmhouse Rules") and Lorraine Pascale ("Lorraine's Fast, Fresh and Easy Food"). Only one winner will take home the grand prize of $50,000 and the title of "Spring Baking Champion."

"After the sweet success of 'Holiday Baking Championship,' viewers craved more delicious desserts and fun baking competition. Now, 'Spring Baking Championship' is the icing on the cake! This competition - filled with creative baking challenges to celebrate the season - is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth," said Bob Tuschman, general manager and senior vice president of programming at Food Network.

From Mother's Day brunches to Memorial Day family picnics, birthday parties to weddings, the competitors must prove their spring baking abilities each step of the way. In each of the six hour-long episodes, the bakers are tested in a pre-heat round, where one baker will be granted a special advantage in the main heat. Along the way, they must endure surprising twists in order to succeed.

On the first episode, the bakers must create the best flower-inspired cupcake. Then, in the main heat, they must take on the upside-down cake using fresh fruit, leaving one baker turned upside down in this difficult challenge.

Throughout the season, the bakers will be challenged to buzz around the kitchen creating sweets featuring honey as the main ingredient. Then, they must make tart treats using lemons and limes. Which dessert will turn the judges sour and make them pucker? In another challenge, the bakers must create a dozen dessert pops to stay in the competition. Which baker's dreams will pop when their treat does not make the cut? Contestants also will be challenged to create a layered springtime trifle, and then they will have the freedom to create any dessert as long as it is red, white and blue. In the grand finale, the three remaining bakers must create an impressive wedding dessert bar, before tackling the main centerpiece of the big day: the wedding cake. Who will shine, and who will melt in the competition?

Fans can learn more about the contestants, and view special photo galleries of the tops moments in the competition on FoodNetwork.com/BakingChampionship. They also can access Web-exclusive video interviews with the judges, as well as new spring baking tricks and how-to tips for the most delectable desserts. Join the baking banter on Twitter using #BakingChampionship.