Clinton Kelly hosts new season of 'Spring Baking Championship'

Featuring more eye-catching and delectable spring-themed treats on Food Network

Nancy Fuller, Duff Goldman & Lorraine Pascale return to judge, as 10 bakers compete for cash prize 

Hit primetime culinary competition “Spring Baking Championship” returns for a new season on Monday, March 18 (9 p.m. ET/PT), on Food Network.

The series netted its highest-rated season-to-date last year, delivering a .9 P25-54 and 1.3 W25-54 L3 rating, and was seen by nearly 7.5 million viewers. This season, over eight one-hour episodes, host and lifestyle expert Clinton Kelly tests the resolve of 10 talented bakers to create extraordinary baked treats that must impress returning judges Nancy Fuller, Duff Goldman and Lorraine Pascale to earn the coveted title of “Spring Baking” champion and walk away with the $25,000 grand prize! To rise to the top, the bakers must survive two demanding rounds of spring-themed challenges in each episode, which push their baking skills to the limit, with the judges determining who goes home and who will be victorious.

"Viewers love the seasonal baking competitions, and ‘Spring Baking Championship’ saw series-high ratings last year. With challenges drawing on spring themes and celebrations, the artistry and craftsmanship of the competitors never fails to wow audiences year after year with their incredible takes on the thematic challenges, and this season will not disappoint," said Courtney White, president, Food Network. "Add to that, Clinton Kelly's charismatic personality and lifestyle expertise, and it is the perfect combination to showcase the bakers amazing and decadent seasonal delights."

In the season premiere, the bakers are tasked to celebrate the beginning of spring by combining all things cute and delicious in a pre-heat challenge creating spring animal-themed doughnuts. In the main heat, the bakers must get in touch with their inner artists as they design watercolor cakes featuring iconic spring fruits and vegetables, but only nine bakers will continue in the competition.

Other episodes include baking up blue ribbon-worthy rhubarb pies; crafting an "ooey-gooey" marshmallow dessert in honor of Easter; and the first “Spring Baking Championship” spelling bee – where the bakers must make colorful cream tart words that evoke all things spring.

Viewers can find even more baked bites, recipes, tips and mesmerizing video content at FoodNetwork.com/SpringBakingChampionship. Meet the bakers, check out highlights throughout the season, and get behind-the-scenes photos on Food Network's social platforms, using #SpringBakingChampionship.