Clinton Kelly to Host SPRING BAKING CHAMPIONSHIP on Food Network

Hit primetime culinary competition Spring Baking Championship returns for a new season on Monday, March 18th at 9pm 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, andLorraine Pascale, to earn the coveted title of Spring Baking Champion and walk away with the $25,000 grand prize! But to RISE to the top, the bakers must survive two demanding rounds of spring-themed challenges in each episode that push their baking skills to the limit, with the judges determining which competitors go 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 donuts. 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. Don't miss all the fun and excitement to see which baker earns the sweetest title of Spring Baking Champion!

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.

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