The 2017 Holiday Baking Championship, hosted by Food Network, was a festive sensation that captivated audiences across the United States during the winter season. Combining seasonal charm, competitive spirit, and artistic flair, the show brought together talented bakers to create dazzling confections inspired by the holidays. With intense baking challenges, dramatic eliminations, and an atmosphere filled with sugar dust and peppermint dreams, viewers eagerly tuned in each week to see who would rise to the top. So, the inevitable question arises: Who won the 2017 Holiday Baking Championship? This article dives into the details of the season, its contestants, challenges, and the ultimate victor—plus what it took to claim the title in one of Food Network’s most beloved holiday competitions.
The Rise of Holiday Baking Championship
Before revealing the winner of the 2017 edition, it’s essential to understand the show’s origins. Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship premiered in 2014 as a special competition spinoff of the popular Cake Wars and Halloween Baking Championship series. Designed to air during the festive holiday season, the show features bakers from across the country vying for a cash prize and the honor of being crowned the ultimate holiday dessert artist.
The format typically includes ten episodes with new bakers each season. Contestants face challenges themed around major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s. Each round is divided into three segments: the “Skill Drill Challenge,” which tests a specific baking technique; the “Main Challenge,” where creativity and presentation reign supreme; and the “Final Holiday Showstopper Challenge,” a dramatic culmination that determines who advances—and who goes home.
Judges evaluate each creation based on taste, texture, originality, technical execution, and holiday spirit. For the 2017 season, the judging panel included Katie Lee, television host and cookbook author; Franklin Becker, executive chef and culinary expert; and Duff Goldman, the charismatic star of Ace of Cakes and frequent Food Network judge.
Contestants: Meet the 2017 Bakers
The 2017 season featured ten skilled bakers from various backgrounds, each bringing their own personal touch to holiday baking. They competed in holiday-themed challenges ranging from gingerbread house construction to cookie artistry and beyond. The competitors included:
- Brenda Fernandez – Seasoned cake decorator from Chicago, IL
- Laura Sackton – Vegan and specialty baker from Brooklyn, NY
- Ben Olson – Pastry chef with fine dining experience from Seattle, WA
- Marissa Lopez – Home baker with award-winning cookies from San Diego, CA
- Eric Rivera – Professional baker and chocolatier from Milwaukee, WI
- Nancy Holland – Grandma baker with decades of holiday traditions from Nashville, TN
- Jason Smith – Firefighter-turned-baker from Houston, TX
- Shawn Smith – Twin brother of Jason, also a Texas-based baker
- Amber Gonzalez – Puerto Rico native with a flair for fusion desserts
- Martin Sarratore – Italian-American baker specializing in panettone and European pastries
What made this season unique was the blend of professional experience and heartfelt amateur passion. From vegan pastry innovators to family tradition keepers, the contestants represented diverse techniques and cultural holiday flavors.
Challenges and Themes Throughout the Season
Each episode of the 2017 Holiday Baking Championship celebrated a different holiday, with corresponding challenges. The bakers had to demonstrate seasonal knowledge and cultural sensitivity, incorporating authentic symbols, flavors, and messages into their creations.
Episode 1: Thanksgiving Extravaganza
The season kicked off with a Thanksgiving-themed challenge. Bakers were tasked with creating a layered dessert that incorporated classic flavors such as pumpkin, pecan, sweet potato, and cranberry. The skill drill required them to make a meringue topping that held up in the oven without browning too quickly. Laura Sackton wowed judges with a vegan pecan tart that used agave syrup and flaxseed, while Ben Olson’s pumpkin cream pie with a spiced gingersnap crust earned high praise. However, Shawn Smith was eliminated after his meringue collapsed during baking.
Episode 2: Hanukkah Lights and Latkes (Almost)
This challenge tested both savory and sweet techniques. Bakers had to craft an edible menorah made from cake or cookies, topped with candles made of white chocolate. They also had to create a dough-based dessert inspired by latkes or other traditional dishes. Amber Gonzalez stood out with a six-tiered menorah made of almond cake, while Martin Sarratore’s potato cake with apple compote demonstrated cultural respect and bold flavor. Marissa Lopez was eliminated after her menorah structure broke during transport.
Episode 3: Kwanzaa Creations with Seven Principles
One of the most culturally rich episodes, this challenge asked bakers to design a dessert honoring the seven principles of Kwanzaa: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. They also had to use the colors of the Kwanzaa flag: red, black, and green. Brenda Fernandez used chocolate sculptures representing each principle, accompanied by a trio of flavored cupcakes. Despite solid technique, Eric Rivera was sent home for failing to incorporate symbolism clearly.
Episode 4: Christmas Around the World
This global challenge had bakers representing different countries’ Christmas desserts—think German stollen, Italian panettone, or Swedish saffron buns—and combining them into one cohesive dessert platter. Jason Smith paid tribute to Mexico with a “Piñata Cake” filled with candied fruits, while Nancy Holland created a Southern U.S. take with bourbon-spiked fruitcake. Laura Sackton impressed with a Nordic-inspired dessert board featuring cloudberry mousse and cardamom shortbread. Amber Gonzalez fell short with an unbalanced flavor profile and was eliminated.
Episode 5: Winter Solstice Celebration
Focused on light, renewal, and the longest night of the year, bakers had to construct desserts that glowed or used natural illumination. Techniques like clear gels, glow-in-the-dark sugar crystals, or edible LEDs were all fair game. Ben Olson created a stunning ice lantern cake with embedded fairy lights, while Martin delivered a translucent honeycomb centerpiece with golden layers symbolizing sunlight. Marissa Lopez returned in a surprise twist, but Jason Smith was eliminated after his light source failed during judging.
Episode 6: Festive Cocktails and Desserts
This dual challenge required bakers to pair a dessert with a holiday cocktail and present both with flair. Brenda crafted a peppermint white chocolate opera cake served with a spiked cocoa martini, while Martin presented an eggnog tiramisu with bourbon whipped cream and a classic eggnog cocktail. Laura made a gingerbread margarita with a sweet-and-spicy churro cup. Unfortunately, Martin was eliminated due to texture issues in his tiramisu.
Episodes 7–9: Climax of Creativity
As the competition narrowed, challenges intensified:
- Episode 7: Gingerbread Gala – Build an elaborate gingerbread structure inspired by a holiday-themed landmark.
- Episode 8: Cookie Wonderland – Create a cookie scene representing a holiday memory using royal icing, edible paint, and structural engineering.
- Episode 9: The Holiday Showpiece – Design a large-scale dessert sculpture that tells a holiday story, incorporating flavor and elegance.
These episodes highlighted the bakers’ patience, attention to detail, and emotional storytelling. Brenda impressed with a gingerbread Grand Central Station, complete with working train tracks. Nancy built a heartwarming cookie scene of her family’s Christmas Eve gathering, earning praise from Duff Goldman. Ben’s “Snow Globe Cake,” a rotating dessert with a hidden village inside, was hailed as a technical marvel.
Crowning the Champion: Who Won the 2017 Holiday Baking Championship?
After nine intense episodes, the final day of competition arrived. The last three bakers standing were:
- Brenda Fernandez – Known for her precision, emotional storytelling, and strong presentation skills.
- Nancy Holland – Loved for her warm personality and dedication to traditional values.
- Ben Olson – A technically advanced baker with a flair for modern presentation and bold flavors.
The final challenge, aptly titled the “Ultimate Holiday Showstopper,” required each finalist to create a monumental holiday dessert that combined the spirit of multiple holidays into a single, showstopping creation. They had 6 hours and full access to specialty ingredients and equipment.
Ben Olson: The Underdog Contender
Ben Olson, a pastry chef with a fine dining background, focused on theatricality. His final dessert was a three-tiered, rotating holiday carousel made entirely of cake, chocolate, and sugar work. Each tier represented a different holiday: Thanksgiving (peanut butter pecan pie filling), Hanukkah (crisp latke lace and sour cream mousse), and Christmas (spiced gingerbread cake with cranberry ganache). While visually stunning, the judges noted minor taste imbalances—particularly a too-sweet Hanukkah section—and questioned the structural integrity after the carousel became unstable during display.
Nancy Holland: Grandma’s Heartfelt Creation
Nancy’s dessert was a nostalgic “Memory Mantle” cake—a large centerpiece shaped like a fireplace mantle covered in snowy frosting. It featured small edible sculptures of holiday ornaments representing each family member, alongside mini desserts such as bourbon balls, fruitcake, and peppermint bark. The cake itself was a spiced apple cinnamon loaf with cream cheese swirl. While the taste was comforting and well-executed, the judges felt the concept, though emotionally powerful, lacked the technical mastery expected in the finale. The centerpiece was praised, but deemed more sentimental than innovative.
Brenda Fernandez: Precision, Passion, and Perfection
Brenda’s final entry was nothing short of breathtaking. She titled her creation the “Evergreen Celebration Tree,” a 4-foot-tall edible Christmas tree made from stacked cakes, sugar glass “icicles,” and hand-piped frosting “snow.” The trunk was constructed from chocolate-malted “bark,” and inside, the cake concealed layers of flavors representing holidays throughout the season:
| Holiday | Flavor Component |
|---|---|
| Thanksgiving | Pumpkin spice sponge with bourbon caramel |
| Hanukkah | Latke-infused cake with applesauce mousse |
| Christmas | Peppermint chocolate ganache and eggnog custard |
| New Year’s | Champagne buttercream with edible gold flakes |
The judges were blown away by the structural engineering, flavor balancing, and artistry. Duff Goldman called it “a work of edible art,” while Katie Lee praised how each holiday “told a story without overpowering the others.” Franklin Becker deemed it “technically flawless.” Brenda’s ability to merge symbolism with taste and execution sealed her victory.
Brenda Fernandez: The 2017 Holiday Baking Champion
After careful deliberation, host Geoffrey Zakarian announced that Brenda Fernandez was the winner of the 2017 Holiday Baking Championship. She took home the $25,000 prize and the title of ultimate holiday baker. More importantly, Brenda earned the respect of her peers, the admiration of the judges, and the affection of millions of fans.
Her victory was particularly meaningful because she had overcome early skepticism about her style being “too decorative” and not flavorful enough. By the finale, however, she had proven her mastery of both taste and visual artistry. As she said in her winning speech: “Baking is my love letter to the holidays. I bake to bring joy, and tonight, I’ve shared that joy with the world.”
Why Brenda’s Win Mattered
Brenda’s win resonated for several reasons:
1. Representation and Background
As a Latina baker from Chicago, Brenda brought diversity to a competition often dominated by traditional profiles. Her fusion of American holiday traditions with Latin American baking techniques (such as dulce de leche in earlier challenges) enriched the show’s cultural palette.
2. Storytelling Through Sugar
Modern baking competitions demand not just skill but narrative. Brenda consistently wove personal stories into her desserts—like baking her grandmother’s recipes or making desserts for her children. This emotional connection elevated her beyond a technician to an artist.
3. Resilience and Growth
Brenda didn’t dominate every challenge. In fact, she narrowly avoided elimination in Episode 5 due to a cracked cake. However, her ability to adapt, recover, and refine her craft week after week made her journey inspirational.
Legacy of the 2017 Season
The 2017 Holiday Baking Championship became one of the most-watched seasons in the show’s history. Brenda’s win spurred renewed interest in holiday baking across social media, with fans attempting to recreate her “Evergreen Celebration Tree” and gingerbread Grand Central Station. Many of her techniques, such as layering diverse holiday flavors and using sugar glass, became popular trends in home baking circles.
Moreover, the season highlighted how much the art of baking has evolved—from simple holiday cookies to multi-layered, multimedia storytelling events. It also pushed Food Network to include more inclusive holiday themes in future editions, expanding beyond Christian-centric celebrations.
What Happened to the Bakers After the Win?
Following her victory, Brenda Fernandez launched a baking line called Sweet Holiday by Brenda, offering seasonal cake decorating kits and virtual holiday baking classes. She has since made guest appearances on Food Network’s The Kitchen and Chopped.
Other contestants also found success:
- Ben Olson opened his own pastry pop-up in Seattle focusing on seasonal desserts.
- Nancy Holland published a cookbook titled Grandma’s Holiday Table, featuring recipes passed down through generations.
- Laura Sackton started a vegan baking blog that gained over 200,000 subscribers in a year.
- Amber Gonzalez founded a dessert catering business in New York, specializing in cultural fusion treats.
The show, for many, was a launchpad—not just a competition.
Lessons from the 2017 Holiday Baking Championship
Whether you’re an aspiring baker or holiday enthusiast, the 2017 season offers valuable takeaways:
• Flavor Matters More Than Looks—But Looks Win the Day
The judges repeatedly emphasized that taste is paramount. A beautiful cake that’s bland or overly sweet will fail. Brenda succeeded because she balanced appearance with layered, nuanced flavors.
• Embrace Holiday Diversity
Successful entries honored holidays beyond Christmas. Understanding cultural traditions—from lighting the menorah to celebrating Kwanzaa—showed respect and broadened creative horizons.
• Innovate Within Tradition
The best bakers didn’t reinvent the wheel; they elevated classics. A fruitcake with bourbon soak? Classic. But adding a modern twist with edible gold dust and layered textures? That’s innovation.
• Stay Calm Under Sugar Pressure
In high-stress environments, emotional control is as important as piping skills. Those who managed stress—like Brenda during her cake collapse—evened out and came back stronger.
Final Verdict: Who Truly Won?
While Brenda Fernandez officially took home the trophy and $25,000, the real winner of the 2017 Holiday Baking Championship was joy itself. Every cake, cookie, and confection was a celebration of togetherness, memory, and love. In a year marked by national tensions and global concerns, the show reminded viewers of the unifying power of food and festivity.
So, when you wonder who won the 2017 Holiday Baking Championship, remember: it wasn’t just a contest of ovens and icing—it was a triumph of heart, heritage, and the sweetest kind of creativity. Brenda’s victory wasn’t just about winning a baking show; it was about bringing the spirit of the holidays to life, one sugary masterpiece at a time.
Who won the 2017 Holiday Baking Championship?
The winner of the 2017 Holiday Baking Championship was Stephanie Gualeni. Competing against nine other talented bakers, Stephanie emerged victorious in this festive and competitive season hosted by Bobby Deen. Her consistent performance across various holiday-themed challenges, combined with her innovative designs and refined pastry techniques, impressed the judges throughout the season. Stephanie’s ability to balance creativity with technical precision allowed her to stand out in one of Food Network’s most popular holiday competitions.
Stephanie’s win was celebrated not only for her skill but also for her heartfelt storytelling through baked goods. Her desserts often honored family traditions and personal memories, such as those related to her Italian heritage. One standout moment was her creation of a beautifully crafted Christmas tree made entirely from croquembouche, showcasing both her artistry and professionalism. As the winner, she took home the $25,000 prize and the honor of being crowned champion of the festive baking showdown.
How many episodes were in the 2017 Holiday Baking Championship season?
The 2017 season of Holiday Baking Championship consisted of six episodes. Airing on Food Network, this season followed the traditional format of elimination-style baking challenges with bakers competing in holiday-themed rounds. Each episode focused on a different festive occasion, including Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and other winter celebrations. Bakers were scored on creativity, taste, and presentation, with one contestant eliminated each week until a winner was crowned.
The season was structured to build suspense and highlight a range of baking skills, from pie crafting to sugar work and chocolate sculptures. The limited number of episodes meant that competitors had to perform at their peak from the very beginning. The final episode brought together the last three bakers for an intense showdown, culminating in Stephanie Gualeni being declared the champion. This tight schedule kept the competition fast-paced and engaging for viewers.
What challenges did the bakers face in the 2017 Holiday Baking Championship?
The bakers in the 2017 Holiday Baking Championship faced a series of demanding challenges that tested a wide range of baking skills. Each episode revolved around a specific holiday or theme, such as Thanksgiving pies, Hanukkah desserts, gingerbread constructions, and Christmas-themed showstoppers. Challenges included creating elegant holiday cookies, assembling multi-tiered cakes, and constructing edible centerpieces. Contestants had to demonstrate not only technical mastery but also seasonal flair and time management under pressure.
One of the most notable challenges involved building a holiday scene using only edible materials, pushing bakers to excel in sugar art, chocolate work, and structural design. In another standout challenge, contestants created savory holiday pies with seasonal ingredients, combining traditional tastes with innovative techniques. The final challenge typically required the last two or three bakers to produce a three-part dessert spread that represented various holidays. These multifaceted challenges highlighted the creativity and endurance required to win the championship.
Who were the judges on the 2017 Holiday Baking Championship?
The judging panel for the 2017 Holiday Baking Championship featured three notable food experts: Nancy Fuller, Duff Goldman, and Lorraine Pascale. Nancy Fuller, a restaurateur and regular Food Network personality, brought a grounded, Southern culinary perspective to the panel. Duff Goldman, renowned for his work on “Ace of Cakes,” added expertise in cake design and structural baking, particularly during elaborate challenges like gingerbread houses or sculpted desserts.
Lorraine Pascale, a British pastry chef and cookbook author, contributed a refined palate and professional insight into classic dessert techniques and flavor balance. Together, the judges evaluated each creation on taste, presentation, originality, and adherence to the theme. Their diverse backgrounds allowed for comprehensive feedback, and their chemistry made for engaging television. Their critiques were often constructive, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement, helping shape the bakers’ journey through the competition.
What prize did the winner of the 2017 Holiday Baking Championship receive?
The winner of the 2017 Holiday Baking Championship, Stephanie Gualeni, received a cash prize of $25,000. This substantial reward is standard for the show and serves as both recognition of the winner’s skill and a valuable boost for any future culinary endeavors. The prize money is typically awarded at the end of the final episode, immediately following the judges’ deliberation and announcement, adding to the emotional climax of the season.
In addition to the monetary reward, winning the championship provided Stephanie with increased visibility and credibility in the baking world. The exposure from appearing on Food Network and emerging as the top performer helped her build a broader audience for her work. Many past winners have leveraged their victory to launch bakeries, publish cookbooks, or gain social media followings. For Stephanie, the prize symbolized not just financial gain, but also a milestone in her career as a passionate and talented baker.
Where was the 2017 Holiday Baking Championship filmed?
The 2017 Holiday Baking Championship was filmed at the historic Eureka Roadhouse in New Orleans, Louisiana. This unique venue was transformed into a festive bakery studio adorned with holiday decorations, giant trees, and seasonal props to create a cheerful and immersive environment. The setting provided a visually rich backdrop for the competition, with its rustic charm complementing the holiday themes explored in each episode.
New Orleans’ vibrant food culture and warm climate made it a practical and inspiring location for the show’s production. The Eureka Roadhouse, known for hosting various Food Network productions, offered ample space for multiple baking stations, camera setups, and judging areas. Filming during the late summer or early fall allowed the production team to capture the holiday spirit in a controlled, wintry aesthetic despite the southern heat. This carefully curated atmosphere helped maintain the magical holiday vibe central to the show.
How were contestants selected for the 2017 Holiday Baking Championship?
Contestants for the 2017 Holiday Baking Championship were selected through a competitive application and audition process managed by the show’s production team. Applicants typically submitted videos showcasing their baking talents, descriptions of their signature recipes, and stories about their personal connections to holiday traditions. The selection emphasized a blend of technical ability, creativity, and compelling personal narratives to ensure a diverse and engaging cast.
Producers looked for bakers with experience in professional kitchens, home-based businesses, or notable amateur achievements. They also sought individuals who could thrive under pressure and connect with audiences through their passion for baking. The 2017 season featured bakers from various regions of the U.S., each bringing unique cultural influences to their desserts. Ultimately, ten contestants were chosen to represent a wide spectrum of styles, backgrounds, and holiday customs.