FOOD NETWORK’S FAMED BAKERS RISE TO THE OCCASION IN CUPCAKE CHAMPIONS

Former ‘Cupcake Wars’ Winners Compete in Premiere May 13th at 8pm ET/PT

PLUS Food Network Introduces Food Network Cupcakes! App for iPad® at the end of April

NEW YORK – April 9, 2012 – The crème de la crème of the cupcake world take their skills to the next level when they return to Food Network for the sweetest competition yet in five-part special series Cupcake Champion premiering Sunday, May 13th at 8pm ET/PT.  Each week, four previous Cupcake Wars winners face off in three tasty elimination challenges until only one decorator remains and wins the opportunity to showcase their cupcakes at the winning gig.  For the four winners from each episode, the competition for the coveted title of Cupcake Champion and a $50,000 cash prize culminates in the finale on Sunday, June 10th at 8pm ET/PT. These decorated bakers pull out all the stops to impress judges Candace Nelson (owner, Sprinkles Cupcakes) and Florian Bellanger (chef and co-owner, MadMac).

“The flavors, creativity, and artistry that our Champions unleashed in this high stakes competition took cupcakes to a dazzling new level,” said Bob Tuschman, General Manager and Senior Vice President of Food Network.

Over the course of five exhilarating episodes, the finest?and Cupcake Wars approved?baking masters use their cupcake creativity competing to earn the Cupcake Champion title.  In the series premiere, bakers use their “Spidey” senses to channel the famous superhero and be the star attraction at a VIP party for the hit Broadway show, SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark.  Episode two brings the lovable characters of DreamWorks Animation’s Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wantedto life, with a special twist for the final two teams having their own Hollywood special effects designer to give their display some movie magic. In episode three, bakers aim to hit a high note with their school lunch-inspired cupcakes to serve at a wrap party for the Emmy® and Golden Globe® award-winning show, Glee!.  Episode four showcases the all-stars’ cupcakes for a party at Pixar Animation Studios, where bakers use Scottish-based ingredients inspired by the new Disney-Pixar movie BRAVE and create a royal castle filled with cupcakes.  In the star-studded finale, the champion bakers create a cupcake work of art inspired by the brightest Food Network stars. Guest judges (and Food Network Star regulars) Bob Tuschman and Susie Fogelson look for the “it” factor and the winner’s cupcake concoction is presented to Food Network Star mentors, Alton Brown, Giada De Laurentiis and Bobby Flay at the Food Network Cupakes! app for iPad® launch party.

For cupcake fanatics, Food Network will also be launching Food Network Cupcakes! app for iPad® available on iTunes at the end of April.  Food Network Cupcakes! appfeatures over 100 delicious and creative cupcake recipes including many from Food Network stars like Alton Brown, Bobby Flay, Anne Burrell and more!  The app also includes over 30 all-new exclusive cupcake recipes from the experts at the Food Network Kitchens.  Not only can cupcake lovers access recipes to satisfy their sweet tooth, but they’ll have exclusive decorating how-to videos at their fingertips. iPad® users can download Food Network Cupcakes! App for $2.99. For more information visit www.foodnetwork.com/cupcakes

“Food Network Cupcakes! takes Cupcake Champions fans into the kitchen to bring inspiration to life,” said Bob Madden, General Manager/SVP, Digital – Food Category, Scripps Networks Interactive. “Our fans of all ages look to Food Network for entertainment and ideas, and Cupcakes! is the first of many new apps that’ll give consumers fun, interactive know-how whenever and wherever they need it.”

Food Network Cupcakes!