Shivangi Sinha
Food Network’s ‘Halloween Baking Championship’ is known for its spooky, over-the-top themes, where bakers create terrifyingly tasty desserts under strict time limits. Each episode is an amalgamation of eerie storytelling with high-pressure baking challenges, resulting in both jaw-dropping masterpieces and some kitchen disasters. In Season 11, contestants faced ghoulish tasks like sculpting haunted house cakes, crafting creepy-crawly cupcakes, and pulling off flavor twists like ghost pepper chocolate or blood-red raspberry fillings. Mid-season eliminations kept everyone on their toes, but all of them were ready to give their best to win the $25,000 prize.
Cory Jones Specializes in Making Delectable Cookies
Cory Allen Jones is currently based out of Unadilla and Perry, Georgia, where he continues to build his reputation as a talented baker and entrepreneur. He specializes in creating beautifully detailed cookies and runs his own business, Sweet Evelyn’s, which has gained a loyal following for its creative designs and delicious flavors. Alongside running his business, Cory keeps up with his passion for competitive baking. He is the proud winner of ‘Holiday Wars’ season 5 and also showcased his skills on ‘Christmas Cookie Challenge’ season 6. He balances business ownership with his career as a chef and has the dream of taking his retail dreams to bigger heights.
Gonzuela Bastarache Often Competes in Baking Competitions on TV
Gonzuela Bastarache from Brunswick, Canada, is an award-winning cake and sugar artist. In May 2024, she co-hosted the live red carpet event at the ECMA (East Coast Music Awards), showcasing her charisma beyond the kitchen. Though she probably previously ran her own cupcake business, Kup Kake Tree, she has since moved on from that venture and now works as a government employee while continuing to pursue her passion for sugar art. Her husband, Josh, successfully completed his electrical course in June 2024 and it made an exciting milestone for their family. She is no stranger to reality TV and has been seen on ‘Duff Till Dawn,’ ‘Cake Wars,’ and ‘Haunted Gingerbread Showdown.’
Alan Arras Keeps in Touch With His Mexican Heritage
Alan Arras is the winner of Netflix’s ‘Sugar Rush,’ and he has built an impressive career as the Pastry Sous Chef at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Known for weaving his Mexican heritage into his desserts, he creates bold, flavorful pastries that tell a story. His work often highlights traditional ingredients with a modern twist. Beyond the kitchen, Alan has become a recognizable name in the pastry world, inspiring aspiring bakers through his ability to merge skill and artistry.
Melanie Bjork-Jensen is Managing Her Full-Time Job Along With Being a Baker
Melanie Bjork-Jensen is a self-taught baker who learned everything from scratch and has turned her passion into a refined skill set over the years. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, she balances her baking endeavors with her full-time job as a labour and delivery nurse. As a mother of two, she often draws inspiration from her family and specializes in making decorative and elaborate cakes at home. Her work embodies a mix of homegrown warmth and professional-quality baking that resonates with all her fans.
Justin Giordano is Working as an instructor at a Coffee Studio Today
Justin Giordano is a talented sugar flower and cake artist based in New York, where he has honed his craft at BDC Studios, a unique space that doubles as a coffee shop and decorative baking studio. A graduate of the French Culinary Institute, Justin has developed a reputation for his intricate, lifelike sugar flowers and refined cake designs. His work at BDC Studios allows him to create edible art for clients, teach classes, and collaborate on special events, making baking both a profession and a form of creative expression. Outside the kitchen, Justin is an avid traveler, having explored Iceland, Ireland, Mexico, and even Uruguay and these experiences often inspire his culinary artistry.
Megan Carroll is a Regular at Farmers’ Markets in Minnesota
Megan Carroll is a Minneapolis-based recipe developer, food photographer, and cottage baker who runs The Kindred Cottage. As a cottage baker, she operates under Minnesota’s cottage food laws, creating small-batch, homemade baked goods from her own kitchen and selling them directly to customers. Megan is known for her beautifully styled creations that reflect her passion for seasonal ingredients and approachable recipes. She often participates in farmers’ markets, where she connects with her local community and shares her treats. 2025 marked her first time competing in a baking competition and it has helped her reach more people as well.
Jake Hagen Partakes in Different Kinds of Baking Activities to Keep Himself Challenged
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Jake Hagen is a passionate freelance baker based in Granada Hills, California, who thrives on variety and new experiences. His work includes catering private events, hosting pop-ups, and creating beautifully curated dessert boards for customers to order. He competed in the popular ‘Silos Baking Competition’ and continues to refine his craft. In addition to freelancing, he works at Claudine Kitchen & Bakeshop, where he contributes to their vibrant dessert offerings. Outside of baking, Jake is dating Desiree Staples, and the couple celebrated their one-year anniversary in December 2024, marking a special milestone in their relationship.
Oksana Shchelgachova Runs Her Own Pastry Boutique
Oksana Shchelgachova is the founder and CEO of Edelweiss Pastry Boutique, a specialty pastry shop in Highlands, North Carolina. As the creative force behind the boutique, she focuses on designing and crafting custom cakes, from elegant wedding creations to intricate celebration pieces. Her work combines precision, artistry, and flavor, making Edelweiss a go-to destination for locals and visitors seeking high-end desserts. Oksana’s boutique has been featured in local magazines and is well-renowned in her community. She is deeply involved in all aspects of the business, from concept design to execution, ensuring that each creation reflects her signature attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Camille Le Caer is a Firefighter, Along With Being a Chef
Camille Le Caer is a Buffalo-based firefighter who balances his demanding career with a passion for cooking. Known for his cheerful and approachable personality, he gained national attention through his appearance on Food Network’s ‘24 in 24: Last Chef Standing.’ Beyond television, he runs a private dining service, offering curated lunches and dinners that showcase his culinary creativity. He recently released his Fall 2025 menu, featuring seasonal dishes designed for intimate gatherings and special events.
Nina Charles is the Owner of a Food Truck and a Bakery Shop
Nine Charles is a Louisiana-based baker and entrepreneur, known for her appearance on Netflix’s ‘Is It Cake?’ She is the owner of Nina Bakes Cakes, where she crafts custom cakes that showcase both her skill and artistic flair. In addition, she runs a popular food truck, Nina Creole, in Carencro, Louisiana, which is celebrated for its signature egg rolls, king cakes, and pralines. Before turning to baking full-time, she studied fashion, an experience that honed her design sensibilities and attention to detail, which she now brings to her culinary creations.
Read More: Aaron Mountford-Myles: Where is The Great British Baking Show Star Now?
