“Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro of Carlo’s Bakery and “Ace of Cakes” Duff Goldman of Charm City Cakes are two of the biggest names in the baking world, and soon these titans will face off to determine the undisputed king of cake.
Buddy vs. Duff, a new Food Network series, premieres Sunday, March 10. The 6-week competition will challenge them in all aspects of pastry and cake – including techniques, design skills, and taste. Each episode will have them compete in two rounds – a Bake-Off to test their baking abilities, followed by a Cake-Off to showcase their creative imaginations and decorating expertise.
“Audiences have come to recognize Buddy and Duff as the biggest names in cake, known for creating larger-than-life, jaw-dropping delectable designs as well as massive baking empires,” says Courtney White, President, Food Network. “Never before have these two baking icons gone head-to-head in a competition, until now.”
Renowned chefs Sherry Yard and Keegan Gerhard will be joined throughout the competition by special guest experts to determine the winner. Among those guests are Florian Bellanger, Street Science's Kevin Delaney, Flip or Flop's Christina Anstead, Hannah Hart, Waylynn Lucas, Penn & Teller, Gesine Prado, Fast N' Loud's Richard Rawlings, Aarti Sequeira, and others.
In the first competition, Valastro and Goldman must make their most beloved family recipes in the first Bake-Off. Then in the Cake-Off round, they must construct elaborate car-inspired cakes. Throughout the season, they will make carnival treats for amusement park patrons, Bollywood-inspired cakes, desserts for a dog pampering party, illusion cakes for a special show at Hollywood's Magic Castle, and many more.
In the finale on Sunday, April 14, the final Bake-Off will have the two chefs create chocolate desserts to conceal engagement rings for surprise proposals. Then in the final Cake-Off, the two return to their respective cake shop to create show-stopping space-themed cakes.