The best baking shows on Netflix feature tantalizing confectionary treats and don't always have to veer into the territory of break-neck reality TV competition. Netflix has a variety of original and licensed content, but one of the most popular genres is cooking and baking shows. Zumbo's Just Desserts, for example, hosted by pastry chef Adriano Zumbo, shows the Australian Willy Wonka and his own dessert competition series, seeing some marvelous sweets. Another popular property from across the pond, The Great British Baking Show, is one of the most low-key but addictive reality competitions on television.
The best baking competition shows do more than showcase delicious desserts, though. They are an opportunity for experienced bakers to gain recognition, aspiring bakers to further hone their craft, and viewers to explore baking. Some of the best baking shows on Netflix teach viewers tips and tricks to bring into their own kitchens, some explore the complicated processes of creating treats like chocolate and candy, and others take the competition to the extreme, pitting talented bakers against one another for glory and prizes. While many platforms have an abundance of baking shows, some of the very best to stream are currently available on Netflix.
20 Crazy Delicious (2020)
Even though it only lasted one season, Crazy Delicious is still one of the best baking shows on Netflix. Considered to be a spiritual successor of Zumbo's Just Desserts, the show has the biggest foodies in Britain cooking magical dishes to win a golden apple trophy. The judge trio of Carla Hall, Heston Blumenthal, and Niklas Ekstedt are the crux of the show, standing out for their sound comments and overall presence. The series sees three new competitors in each episode, and in addition to its delicious offerings, the entire set is completely edible. Crazy Delicious also featured some mystifying meals and delicious desserts in its six-episode season.
19 Nailed It! (2018 - )
One of the best baking competition shows, Nailed It! is a mixed bag of fun with every episode. The show tests the skills of amateur bakers by asking them to re-create masterpiece cakes, a concept that always makes for some hilarious fails and decent replicas before the winner walks off with a $10,000 cash prize at the end. Nicole Byer, the host of Nailed It!, is the show's backbone with her vivacious personality and kooky humor, with her presence elevating the series into being one of the best baking shows on Netflix. The sweet success of the series has resulted in multiple Emmy nominations and several different international adaptations.
18 The Great British Baking Show (2010 - )
Originating in the United Kingdom, The Great British Baking Show has had an international impact with its popularity and is definitively one of the best baking shows on Netflix. The series chronicles a group of amateur chefs all vying for the title of UK's Best Amateur Baker, and season 14 premiered on Netflix on May 3rd, 2023. Similar to any other reality show, there have been several contestants robbed of a Great British Baking Show win. However, quite a few winners have gone on to have sizzling success in the bakery industry, and the show has spawned a holiday spin-off entitled The Great British Baking Show: Holidays.
17 Nailed It! Holiday (2018 - 2019)
There are many iterations of Nailed It! thanks to its resounding success on the streaming giant, and Nailed It! Holiday is one of the best baking shows on Netflix. The holiday-themed baking competition has two seasons under its belt and maintains the charismatic host Nicole Byer. While Jacques Torres takes the lead on the judges , Nailed It! Holiday sees an array of guest judges, such as Jason Mantzoukas (Big Mouth), Lauren Lapkus (The Wrong Missy), Maya Rudolph (Bridesmaids), and more. The series premise remains the same, though the challenges are now holiday-themed.
16 Sugar Rush (2018 - 2020)
Sugar Rush is one of Netflix's best game shows and one of the best baking shows on Netflix. Providing sweetness and intensity in every episode, the game shows splits teams of baking duos into three separate events to win a $10,000 cash prize. Not only does the show serve up incredible desserts, but it features an eclectic array of guest judges, such as Liza Koshy, Colin Hanks, and Betsey Johnson. Although the show ended in 2020, Sugar Rush is still highly popular on Netflix and received two spin-off specials during its original run.
15 Bake Squad (2021 - )
Chef and author Christine Tosi hosts the Netflix Original show Bake Squad, which has professional bakers competing alongside each other in a team setting. Similar to Crazy Delicious, the show does not offer a cash prize and follows a more linear structure. Regardless of no cash prize, Bake Squad is still one of the best baking shows on Netflix. Bake Squad's objective is to have returning chefs baking beautiful desserts to impress potential clients, and the clients and occasions change every episode. In its sweet glory, the show highlights a wonderful emphasis on the teamwork that goes into the creation of these special desserts.
14 Nailed It! Spain (2019)
Also known as Niquelao!, Nailed It! Spain is the second international spinoff of Nailed It! and arguably one of the best baking shows on Netflix. All six episodes of season 1 hit the streaming service in October 2019. For reasons unknown, the series lasted only one season, but it still has all the best elements of the original series with a European flair. Spanish singer La Terremoto de Alcorcón is both judge and host of Nailed It! Spain, and pastry chef Christian Escribà is also a judge. The competitors duke it out for a Niquelao! trophy and a €5,000 cash prize.
13 The Great British Baking Show: Juniors (2011 - )
In the past decade, reality competition shows have become inclusive for children and teenagers. Within appropriate limits, the experience can be rewarding, as seen with The Great British Baking Show: Juniors, one of the best baking shows on Netflix. Being a spinoff of The Great British Baking Show, Junior also does not offer a cash prize. While money is always a wonderful incentive, this makes the objective of the show pure in its delivery. Rather than the young contestants focusing solely on the monetary gain, they're improving their baking crafts to go on after the show and well into adulthood.
12 Is It Cake? (2022 - )
Hosted by Saturday Night Live alum Mikey Day, Is It Cake? is a Netflix reality show that has quickly become a fan favorite and one of the best baking shows on Netflix. Similar to Nailed It!, the baking competition show has contestants re-create a cake, but these desserts are inspired by inanimate objects. Unlike the former show, which is about how close the contestant can replicate the dessert, Is It Cake? requires a more refined sense of disbelief. Some bakers do such a meticulous job of creating a confectionery illusion that it becomes nearly impossible to tell the difference between reality and cake.
11 The Curious Creations Of Christine McConnell (2018)
Unlike other baking shows, The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell is unique for also being a sitcom, but it remains one of the best baking shows on Netflix. Real-life DIY queen McConnell stars as a fictionalized version of herself, an artist and baker who has gained Internet fame for mouthwatering creepy confectionery creations. In addition to her spooky sweets, Christine is also surrounded by the presence of monsters and supernatural spirits in her home. Despite its unique premise and some fantastic animatronic creatures from the legendary Jim Henson Studios, the show was not renewed for a second season.
