In the series kickoff, the competitors must create a celebration cake that shows their skills as a baker and decorator. With a nine-hour time limit, these bakers are under the gun, but to really ratchet up the pressure Buddy brings in 2 guest judges.

Tempers flare in the kitchen when competitors split into teams to create a cake in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Monopoly board game.

Competition heats up for the holidays when Buddy splits the competitors into a Girls vs. Boys showdown to create Christmas themed cakes for the American Cancer Society holiday party.

Sparks fly when the contestants are asked to create a special effects and pyrotechnics cake for the 20th Anniversary of a special effects company.

Tension rises when the competitors are asked to create an outer space themed cake for Buddy Jr.'s 6th birthday party.

The remaining contestants are asked to put their skills to the test to create the perfect wedding cake for a young couple that is about to tie the knot.