The ovens are preheated and the holiday lights are twinkling—Gordon Ramsay‘s beloved franchise is getting a deliciously festive upgrade with the return of Next Level Baker, the sweet spin-off of Next Level Chef. Following its successful debut as a limited holiday event in late 2025, the baking competition is back (or continuing its momentum into the new year buzz), bringing more seasonal magic, high-stakes challenges, and the signature Ramsay intensity to screens in 2026.
Originally premiering on FOX on December 4, 2025, as a three-week (or four-episode) holiday special, Next Level Baker transformed the iconic three-tiered kitchen set—familiar from Next Level Chef—into a winter wonderland complete with snow, sparkling lights, and an abundance of festive cheer. Gordon Ramsay hosts alongside guest mentors and judges Carla Hall (from Top Chef) and Candace Nelson (of Sprinkles Cupcakes fame), guiding 12 talented bakers divided into three categories: home cooks, professionals, and social media creators. The competitors battle it out to create eye-popping holiday treats, from nostalgic chocolate confections and boozy bakes to towering gingerbread masterpieces and show-stopping cakes that capture the spirit of the season.
The format stays true to the Next Level legacy: bakers start on the bottom tier, earning their way up through creative challenges that test technique, flavor innovation, and presentation under intense time pressure. Ramsay’s feedback is as sharp as ever—though softened slightly by holiday goodwill—delivering lines like “This tastes like Christmas exploded in the best way” alongside the classic critiques when things go awry. Episodes like “Baking Spirits Bright” kicked off with chocolate-themed delights, while “This Is Snow Joke” ramped up the drama with gingerbread and whimsical winter elements. The finale, “A Not So Silent Night,” delivered jaw-dropping cake showdowns that had viewers on the edge of their seats.
What sets Next Level Baker apart is its blend of festive joy and competitive fire. Contestants craft everything from boozy adult treats to family-friendly cookies, pushing the envelope with multi-layered designs, intricate decorations, and bold flavor profiles inspired by holiday classics. The three-tier structure adds vertical drama—rising to the top kitchen means better tools, premium ingredients, and bragging rights—culminating in one baker claiming the holiday crown, a $25,000 prize, and a coveted HexClad prize package.
The show’s 2025 run proved a massive hit, earning praise as FOX’s highest-rated new holiday program of the year. Viewers loved the mix of heartwarming moments (like Ramsay’s rare smiles over perfect bakes) and explosive tension (meltdowns over collapsed soufflés or burnt edges). Social media exploded with fan recreations of the challenges, contestant spotlights, and memes of Ramsay in a Santa hat overseeing the chaos.
As buzz builds for potential 2026 iterations—whether a full season renewal or another holiday return—the spin-off has already carved out its place in Ramsay’s empire. It showcases his versatility: the same chef who roasts contestants on Hell’s Kitchen can champion sugary perfection with genuine enthusiasm. Paired with Carla Hall’s warm expertise and Candace Nelson’s pastry precision, the judging panel delivers balanced, insightful feedback that elevates every bake.
For fans craving more after the 2025 finale (where one baker emerged victorious amid twinkling lights and emotional highs), whispers of expansion suggest Next Level Baker could become an annual holiday staple or even evolve into a year-round baking showdown. In the meantime, episodes stream on Hulu the day after airing, allowing viewers to binge the sugar-coated drama at their leisure.
Whether you’re a home baker dreaming of the top tier or just tuning in for Ramsay’s holiday glow-up, Next Level Baker delivers the perfect mix of festive magic and high-stakes competition. The three-tier drama is twinkling brighter than ever—grab your apron, because this sweet spin-off is here to make the season deliciously unforgettable.