The American Baking Competition Lists

Ten contestants from various backgrounds -- including a firefighter, a college student and an attorney -- compete to be crowned the best amateur baker in America. Each week the bakers compete in three challenges -- Signature Bake, Technical Bake and Showstopper Bake -- with the winner being named Star Baker and the least-impressive being sent home. It all culminates in the final challenge between the last three bakers, when the winner is awarded a $250,000 and a contract to publish his or her own cookbook.