'Next Level Baker' Takes Holiday Baking to New Heights with Gordon Ramsay, Carla Hall, and Candace Nelson Leading the Way

Key Highlights:

• Next Level Baker, a festive spin on Next Level Chef, debuts Thursday, Dec. 4, on FOX.
• Gordon Ramsay, Carla Hall, and Candace Nelson mentor and judge bakers through a three-week holiday competition.
• Professional, social media, and home bakers face off in sweet and savory challenges until only one winner remains.

The Next Level Chef kitchen gets a holiday makeover for this limited-run event. For three weeks, TV personality Carla Hall and Sprinkles founder Candace Nelson join Gordon Ramsay for a festive culinary showdown. Next Level Baker is set to premiere on Dec. 4, bringing both holiday spirit and intense baking battles.

What Is Next Level Baker?

Fans of Ramsay will recognize the familiar structurethis holiday-themed edition challenges bakers from all backgrounds in a multi-tiered kitchen, each level more stocked than the last. Competitors are eliminated each week until one baker remains, mirroring the format of Next Level Chef.

This spin-off condenses the competition into three high-energy weeks filled with seasonal fun. The set is a complete winter wonderland, says Nelson. We have everything from Santa and reindeer to ice skaters and a youth choirits a heartwarming, festive atmosphere. Hall adds, Its a blastI think we enjoyed it just as much as the bakers!

Challenging Sweet and Savory Bakes

Despite the holiday cheer, the bakers face rigorous culinary tests in each kitchen. Hall comments, If youre resourceful, youll shine in the bottom tier. The season includes highlights like a chocolate-focused challenge, which Nelson describes as a dream come true. She also defended her favorite dessert, cupcakes, when fellow judges criticized them unfairly.

A Dynamic Judges Trio

Ramsay, Hall, and Nelson collaborate for the first time, delivering a mix of intensity, humor, and encouragement. Nelson says, Carla is larger than life, Gordon brings sharp wit, and I try to be the supportive cheerleader. Together, its a lot of fun. Hall appreciated the hands-on mentorship, saying, I got to work closely in the kitchen, help the bakers, and build genuine connections. That was my favorite part.

Viewing Details

Next Level Baker premieres Thursday, Dec. 4, at 9 p.m. ET on FOX. Episodes will also be available the next day on Hulu for those who miss the live airing.

Author: Lucas Grant