Bakers vs. Fakers
Can a talented home baker out-cook a professional, or do true professionals have skills that no amateur could match? With an even playing ground -- no higher standards for the professional, no sympathy for the amateurs, and no one knowing their true identity -- a blind taste test will determine whose dish is the best. At the end of two rounds, the victorious baker or faker will take home a $10,000 prize.
About The Show
Can a talented home baker out-cook a professional, or do true professionals have skills that no amateur could match? With an even playing ground -- no higher standards for the professional, no sympathy for the amateurs, and no one knowing their true identity -- a blind taste test will determine whose dish is the best. At the end of two rounds, the victorious baker or faker will take home a $10,000 prize.
About the Host
A highly successful fashion model in the '90s, Lorraine Pascale fronted campaigns for brands including Versace, Donna Karan, Katharine Hamnett and The Gap. The first British black model on the cover of American Elle, she also worked regularly with Kate Moss, Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell and influential fashion editor Edward Enninful for i-D magazine.
Episodes
S2 | E1
Fruit Tart Upstart
Pro and amateur bakers face off during a fruit tart battle, but some find the challenge a tough nut to crack when pistachios are introduced as the surprise ingredient. In round two, host Lorraine Pascale and judges Sunny Anderson and Zac Young see which bakers best combine a variety of mustards with their sweet treats.
S2 | E2
S'more the Merrier
The surprise ingredient encourages the bakers to think small, as beans must be layered into campfire classic s'mores. Host Lorraine Pascale and judges Damiano Carrara and Damaris Phillips get their vegetable course in round two when zucchini challenges contestants to avoid getting squashed.
S2 | E3
Mango Tango
Challengers try not to crumble during the coffee cake battle when incorporating the surprise ingredient of tropical mangoes. Bakers and fakers play ketchup in round two, when tomatoes in multiple forms must be featured in their desserts. Host Lorraine Pascale and judges Damaris Phillips and Aarti Sequeira know the winning dish will taste divine!
S2 | E4
Corn Utopia
The apple pie battle isn't as easy as pie when a cornucopia of corn options must be featured in this American classic. Host Lorraine Pascale and judges Alex Guarnaschelli and Daphne Oz belly up to the counter in round two, when diner drinks must be served in baked goodies.
S2 | E5
The Soy of Baking
The bakers try to peel off from the fakers during the banana bread challenge when handling the addition of soy options. In round two, host Lorraine Pascale and judges Amanda Freitag and Zac Young see which of the remaining contestants are dressed for success when salad dressing must be tossed into their desserts.
S2 | E6
All In Oats
Great ideas erupt during the lava cake challenge as the surprise ingredient of lavender soothes some contestants. In round two, oats must be incorporated into sweet treats, and host Lorraine Pascale and judges Paulette Goto and Alex Guarnaschelli attempt to sift out the bakers from the fakers.
S2 | E7
Cream Puff Tuff
There are no weaklings in the first battle, as both the bakers and fakers are seasoned enough to sprinkle spice rack seasonings into cream puffs. In round two, host Lorraine Pascale and judges Sherry Yard and Zac Young are steeped in expectations when remaining contestants infuse tea into their sweets.
S2 | E8
Upside-Down Fake
The world is topsy-turvy for the contestants when wine is uncorked and poured into their upside-down cakes. Then, the surprise ingredient of seeds plants wild ideas for the bakers and fakers in round two. Host Lorraine Pascale and judges Sunny Anderson and Alex Guarnaschelli choose a winner.
S2 | E9
Just Beet It
The competition is layered with complexity during the parfait challenge, as velvety parfaits must mingle with earthy beets. Then, will bakers and fakers feel the wrath of the judges during the grape challenge? Host Lorraine Pascale and judges Carla Hall and Robert Irvine know the winner won't be sour.
S2 | E10
In a Pickle
Host Lorraine Pascale and judges Robert Irvine and Daphne Oz dangle the $10,000 prize like a carrot on a stick when carrot cake must be freshened up with lime in round one. Then, bakers and fakers make "mighty brine" desserts when pickles must be used on the way to a winning dish.
S2 | E11
Tropical Fruit Storm
During the first battle, some contestants make elegant desserts while others take a pie to the face as they try to incorporate tropical fruit in their cream pies. Then, host Lorraine Pascale and judges Aarti Sequeira and Zac Young attempt to separate the bakers from the fakers during an almond challenge.
S2 | E12
Blondies Have More Fun
Bakers and fakers have more fun during the blondie battle, as the surprise ingredient of bourbon is used to liven up their dishes. Host Lorraine Pascale and judges Sherry Yard and Zac Young find juicy results in round two when melon must be squeezed into elevated desserts.
S2 | E13
Make Whoopie Pie!
Challengers are sandwiched between a potato and a hard place during the whoopie pie battle, as potatoes must be mashed into the sandwiched cookie pies. Host Lorraine Pascale and judges Alex Guarnaschelli and Sherry Yard peel away the layers in round two, determining who's a baker and a faker when onions must be used in baked sweets.