The WORST episodes of Cupcake Wars

Every episode of Cupcake Wars ever, ranked from worst to best by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The worst episodes of Cupcake Wars!

It’s cupcake vs. cupcake in Food Network’s tastiest competition yet! Each week on Cupcake Wars, four of the country’s top cupcake bakers face off in three elimination challenges until only one decorator remains. The sweet prize: $10,000 and the opportunity to showcase their cupcakes at the winning gig. Whether a special Ace of Cakes anniversary celebration, a star-studded magazine party or an A-list celebrity golf tournament, these Cupcakes Wars really heat up. Candace Nelson (owner of Sprinkles Cupcakes) and Florian Bellanger (chef and co-owner of online macaroon company MadMac) serve as permanent judges with a third rotating judge each week, and Justin Willman hosts.

Last Updated: 9/28/2024Network: Food NetworkStatus: Ended

0.00

0 votes

#1 - Classic Cupcake Challenge

Season 1 - Episode 9 - Aired 8/3/2010

Four creative bakers vie for the chance to have their cupcakes on display at a vintage-inspired event. Contestants include: Eileen Kerbel of Molly’s Cupcakes (Chicago), Farshid Hakim of La Provence Patisserie Café (Beverly Hills, Calif.), Lindsay Esparza of Cupcakes (Scottsdale, Ariz.) and Jasmine Frank of Jazzy Cakes (Sherman Oaks, Calif.).

Watch Now:Apple TV

5.33

3 votes

#2 - Saluting the USO

Season 6 - Episode 8 - Aired 7/1/2012

Four past champions return and compete for a chance to serve their cupcakes at a black-tie gala celebrating the 70th anniversary of the USO.

6.00

2 votes

#3 - Year of the Cupcake

Season 4 - Episode 9 - Aired 2/5/2012

The Year of the Dragon is about to begin, as four bakers battle to have their cupcakes at the Los Angeles celebration of the Chinese New Year.

Watch Now:Amazon Apple TV

6.00

1 votes

#4 - Cupcake Love Story

Season 4 - Episode 10 - Aired 2/12/2012

Four bakers compete for their cupcakes to take center stage at a VIP party for the biggest stars of opera.

Watch Now:Amazon Apple TV

6.00

3 votes

#5 - L.A. Marathon

Season 6 - Episode 6 - Aired 6/17/2012

It's a race to the finish line as four cupcake bakers fight for a place at a VIP party celebrating the 2012 Los Angeles Marathon.

Watch Now:Amazon Apple TV

6.00

2 votes

#6 - Kate Walsh's Billionaire Boyfriend

Season 6 - Episode 10 - Aired 7/15/2012

The bakers compete for the opportunity to serve cupcakes at a VIP party celebrating the release of “Private Practice” star Kate Walsh’s fragrance, Billionaire Boyfriend. Kate Walsh judges.

Watch Now:Amazon

6.00

1 votes

#7 - America's Cup-Cake

Season 6 - Episode 16 - Aired 9/2/2012

Four cupcake makers fight to stay afloat and win the opportunity to have their cupcakes featured at an exclusive party honoring the oldest trophy race in sports, the America’s Cup.

Watch Now:Amazon

6.00

1 votes

#8 - Big Time Rush

Season 7 - Episode 1 - Aired 10/7/2012

It's going to be big time competition as four bakers fight for the chance to serve their cupcakes backstage at an exclusive party for the boys of Big Time Rush.

Watch Now:Amazon Apple TV

6.00

1 votes

#9 - Mary Poppins

Season 7 - Episode 2 - Aired 10/14/2012

Bob gives Spencer advice on how to handle an argument with Teddy; Amy uses a baby monitor to help improve Charlie's relationship with Toby.

Watch Now:Amazon

6.00

1 votes

#10 - Cody Simpson

Season 7 - Episode 3 - Aired 10/21/2012

Mother knows best as four mother-daughter teams compete for the chance to go backstage with pop idol Cody Simpson and serve their cupcakes at an exclusive fan event.

Watch Now:Amazon Apple TV

6.00

1 votes

#11 - Magical Cupcakes

Season 7 - Episode 4 - Aired 10/28/2012

Bakers will be trading in their whisks for wands as they duke it out to win the opportunity to have their cupcakes center stage at an exclusive event at the world famous Magic Castle in Los Angeles.

Watch Now:Amazon Apple TV

6.00

1 votes

#12 - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Season 7 - Episode 5 - Aired 11/4/2012

Four bakers, all husband and wife teams, will have to become ninjas in the kitchen in order to win the battle to serve their cupcakes at a cast and crew party for the new animated series.

Watch Now:Amazon Apple TV

6.00

1 votes

#13 - Cheerleader Cupcakes

Season 7 - Episode 6 - Aired 11/11/2012

Cupcakes will fly as four competitors fight for the chance to serve their cupcakes at a huge celebration honoring the country's best cheerleaders.

Watch Now:Amazon Apple TV

6.00

1 votes

#14 - The King of Cupcakes

Season 7 - Episode 7 - Aired 11/18/2012

A whole lotta shakin' will be going on in the kitchen as four cupcake makers fight for the chance to serve their cupcakes at an exclusive party in Memphis celebrating The King, Elvis Presley.

Watch Now:Amazon Apple TV

6.00

1 votes

#15 - Cupcakes On Parade

Season 7 - Episode 8 - Aired 12/6/2012

'Tis the season for cupcakes as four bakers compete for the opportunity to serve their cupcakes at a VIP party for the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade in Chicago.

Watch Now:Amazon Apple TV

6.00

1 votes

#16 - San Diego Zoo

Season 7 - Episode 9 - Aired 3/3/2013

The fur will be flying as four bakers fight for the opportunity to serve their cupcakes at a members only party at the world famous San Diego Zoo.

Watch Now:Apple TV

6.00

1 votes

#17 - The All-American Rejects

Season 7 - Episode 10 - Aired 3/10/2013

Four returning bakers, all looking a second chance to win Cupcake Wars, will have to hit just the right note if they want to have their cupcakes featured at a VIP party for the platinum selling band, The All-American Rejects.

Watch Now:Apple TV

6.00

1 votes

#18 - The Young and The Restless

Season 7 - Episode 12 - Aired 3/24/2013

Expect lots of twists and turns in the kitchen when four cupcake makers face off to for the chance to be featured at an exclusive cast and crew party celebrating the 10,000th episode of the classic soap, The Young and the Restless.

Watch Now:Apple TV

6.00

1 votes

#19 - South Beach Wine and Food Festival

Season 8 - Episode 5 - Aired 5/5/2013

Cupcakes for the South Beach Wine and Food Festival in Miami are prepared by four returning bakers. Jeff Mauro, host of "Sandwich King," is the guest judge.

Watch Now:Apple TV

6.00

1 votes

#20 - Cosmic Cupcakes

Season 8 - Episode 7 - Aired 5/19/2013

Cupcakes for a black-tie gala celebrating the space shuttle Endeavour's arrival in Los Angeles are created by the four competing bakers

Watch Now:Apple TV

6.00

1 votes

#21 - The Harlem Globetrotters

Season 8 - Episode 8 - Aired 5/26/2013

Guest judge Herbert "Flight Time" Lang helps decide which of the four competing bakers gets to serve their cupcakes at a Harlem Globetrotters fan event

Watch Now:Apple TV

6.00

1 votes

#22 - Blue Man Group

Season 8 - Episode 12 - Aired 7/7/2013

Cupcakes in honor of Blue Man Group are created by contestants who appeared on the show before as baking assistants.

Watch Now:Apple TV

6.00

3 votes

#23 - Breeders' Cup

Season 9 - Episode 14 - Aired 12/28/2013

It's the mother of all horse races, as four cupcake bakers vie for the chance to have their cupcakes at the center of the legendary Breeders' Cup World Championships. To get there, they must win over guest judge Bo Derek, iconic actress, model and Breeders' Cup Ambassador. At stake is a $10,000 prize.

6.00

1 votes

#24 - Fran Drescher's Cancer Schmancer

Season 8 - Episode 9 - Aired 6/9/2013

Four vegan competitors will battle it out for the opportunity to serve their cupcakes at an exclusive party for iconic television star — and guest judge — Fran Drescher's charity, Cancer Schmancer.

Watch Now:Apple TV

6.00

1 votes

#25 - Cupcakes 'R' Us

Season 8 - Episode 10 - Aired 6/23/2013

Four imaginative bakers are going to have to unleash their inner child as they compete for the chance to serve their creations at a black tie awards gala for the Chicago Toy and Game Fair. Toy inventer Nancy Zwiers serves as the guest judge.

Watch Now:Apple TV