The competition is made up of eight home bakers. Some have more experience than others, but they all have the potential to walk away with $50,000 in prize money.
Bill Lipscomb
After earning a degree in physics, Bill discovered his true passion for culinary arts and decided to attend Ecole L'Enotre in France, where he studied baking and pastries. He is the assistant pastry chef at Capitol City Club in Atlanta, and he's also an adjunct instructor at Le Cordon Bleu Culinary College.
Dante Marasco
Dante grew up baking alongside his father in their family-owned bakery. After working as the pastry chef in several hotels and restaurants, Dante enlisted in the U.S. Navy. There he found himself baking often for his battalion. He continues to work at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.
David Bondarchuck
David established Scratch Catering Services in 2008. His love for cooking, baking, decorating, entertaining, crafting and design has made him one of Denver's premier caterers. He's also decorated the White House for the holidays on two occasions.
Erin Campbell
Erin studied at The Art Institute of Orange County California. While still in school, she worked in the kitchen of The Cupcake Store. She soon moved up the ranks to become the general manger of Nadia Cakes in Palmdale, Calif.
Naylet Larochelle
As an amateur baker from Miami, Naylet turned her hobby into a competitive career. She has competed in more than a dozen bake-offs and cooking competitions, winning several prizes. Naylet is also a full-time school psychologist.
Punky Egan
Punky was born with a wooden spoon in her mouth, as she began baking at a very young age. She previously owned a patisserie and dessert lounge in Madison, Wis. She teaches baking, and she is a certified master baker, of which there are fewer than 200 in the nation.
Stephanie Hart
Stephanie is the owner of Brown Sugar Bakery in Chicago, where she crafts specialty down-home sweets that she considers dangerously delicious. She prides herself on creating the taste of sweet memories in her baked goods and treats.
Terra Nelson
Terra has more than a decade of food service experience under her belt. After serving as the executive pastry chef for six years at a local bakery in Louisville, Ky., she opened her own dessert company, Bourbon Line, which specializes in sweets made with bourbon.
