The ninth season of "Das große Promibacken" kicked off on February 19, 2025, with ten celebrity contestants trading their usual glitzy lives for the heat of the baking tent. This year, not only do the contestants battle it out for the coveted Golden Cupcake trophy, but they also compete for €10,000, which will be donated to charity. This exciting twist has raised the stakes, both for the contestants and the viewers, as they tune in to catch all the flour-filled challenges.
Hosted by the ever-charismatic Enie van de Meiklokjes, the show returns to its Wednesday evening slot, airing at 8:15 PM on Sat.1 with episodes available on Joyn the week before their television premiere. This format has proven to be exceedingly popular, and the anticipation for this season has been palpable.
This year's jury includes seasoned confectionery experts Bettina Schliephake-Burchardt and Christian Hümbs, who have both made their mark within the culinary scene. Schliephake-Burchardt, renowned for her elaborate cakes and mastery of desserts, has been part of the show since its inception. Meanwhile, Hümbs is celebrated for his accolades as "Pâtissier of the Year," showcasing both judges' stature and taste as they evaluate the contestants’ creations.
The contestant lineup this season features a diverse array of personalities, each bringing their unique flair to the competition. They include:
- Amira Aly (32) - Known for her work as a presenter and podcaster, Amira has also previously participated in the fifteenth season of "Let’s Dance," where she secured fourth place. She expresses her excitement, stating, "I believe the jury will be surprised by my baking skills."
- Bruce Darnell (67) - The veteran model and entertainer is famous for his roles as a coach and juror on various talent shows, including "Germany’s Next Topmodel." Darnell aims to bring his ability to stay calm under pressure to the baking tent.
- Manuela Wisbeck (41) - An actress with creative baking instincts, she plans to surprise the judges with unusual ingredients. Wisbeck humorously promised, "You might think: What on earth is parsley doing in my cake?"
- Nadine Angerer (46) - The former goalkeeper and European champion, she’s driven to achieve victory, asserting, "I want to win; that's my absolute goal."
- Pierre Littbarski (64) - This former football world champion has transitioned to the baking arena, admitting, "I never thought I’d be part of such a program. It presents quite the challenge!"
- Senna Gammour (45) - Former member of the girl group Monrose, she is swapping the microphone for baking utensils, admitting her limited experience with ovens, stating humorously, "The oven has only ever been storage for me!"
- Vincent Gross (28) - The Swiss singer expressed his self-awareness about his lack of baking skills, saying, "I’m very clear about my difficulties. I have no experience."
Sadly, the competition has not been kind to everyone. Early eliminations have already shifted the dynamic of the show, with two contestants, Ella Endlich (40) and Maxi Gstettenbauer (36), sent home after failing to meet the jury's standards. Ella humorously reflected on her experience, saying, "I’m here to learn how to bake—not because I can!" Meanwhile, Steffen Groth (50) followed suit after not impressing the judges with his baking prowess.
The elimination format keeps the tension high, as each week sees one contestant bow out just after the jury's evaluation. The episode on March 12 featured the contestants tackling three challenges - the technical test, Nussecken following Hümbs' recipe, as well as the decorative cake task, requiring them to create layered designs with color gradients.
Viewers are eager to see who continues to rise above the baking challenges and who may crumble under the pressure. Many are watching closely as the seasoned talent navigates the twists and turns of this cooking competition.
The climactic finale is set for April 9, 2025, when only three contestants will be left to beg for the judges' approval and strive for the title of winner. Contestants will battle not only for the impressive trophy but also for significant charity donations, making each bake not just about glory but also about giving back.
Fans can catch every succulent detail by tuning in weekly or streaming episodes on Joyn, providing access to those who cannot catch the live airings. This combination of competition, personality, high-stakes cooking, and charitable giving showcases the best aspects of reality TV; they bring drama and delicious delight together on one plate!