⁠"Done with this season" - Spring Baking Championship fans react to Priya Winsor's victory in Season 11

Food Network's Spring Baking Championship wrapped up its eleventh season on May 19, 2025, crowning Priya Winsor as the winner of the $25,000 prize. The finale featured three bakers; Priya, Lisa, and Raveena, crafting elaborate Marie Antoinette-inspired hair cakes with floral flavors.

While judges praised Priya's intricate chocolate design and balanced flavors, viewer reaction has been decidedly mixed. Social media platforms erupted with disappointed fans expressing frustration over the season's outcome, with many claiming they abandoned the show weeks earlier after fan-favorite Corey's elimination.

The backlash highlights a growing disconnect between judge decisions and audience preferences that has characterized this season. Despite creating visually stunning desserts throughout the competition, Priya's victory has sparked debate about whether technical execution and flavor should outweigh consistency across multiple challenges.

As the dust settles on another season, the controversy leaves Food Network executives with questions about the show's judging format moving forward.

Spring Baking Championship fans take to social media to comment on Priya’s Season 11 win

The viewer response to Priya's win reveals distinct opinions amongst the show's fanbase.

On the one hand, critics argue that Priya's journey through the competition didn't warrant the top prize. Many point to her multiple appearances in the bottom ranks throughout the season, questioning how a contestant who repeatedly struggled could ultimately triumph. These Spring Baking Championship viewers frequently mention Lisa's consistent performance throughout the season as more deserving of recognition.

“And with that news, I’m done with this season” one fan commented on X.com

“Not impressed that they eliminated Corey and then Mary- Francis. JusticeforLisa. I don't think Priya should have won. Lisa has been top baker all season.” another fan said.

“Didn’t watch this sh-t since Corey was sent home but if Prya won, I’m not shocked. They picked her from week one, she was in the bottom almost every week and they refused to send her fake ass home. This was my final season of this bs.” a fan wrote.

“Didn't even watch the full episode just watched the end to see the who won cause after Corey left I lost interest” a viewer commented.

“Have to say, don't agree w/final results. We think Raveena should've won! Love watching each season though!” another fan wrote

The elimination of contestants Corey and Mary-Frances earlier in the season appears to have been a turning point for many viewers. Their departures prompted some fans to stop watching altogether, only tuning in for the final results out of lingering curiosity.

“Corey being eliminated from #SpringBakingChampionship was a joke! I cannot believe this smdh” a viewer said.

“Knew when Corey was eliminated Pria would win. Agree Raveena should have won.” a fan said.

“Called that in week one. Those judges were all up her ass from the beginning” a viewer declared.

“I don’t even care who wins anymore. Bring back Corey and Mary-Francis!” another fan commented.

On the other hand, some supporters appreciated Priya's creative vision and technical execution in the finale challenge. These Spring Baking Championship viewers focused on the specific requirements of the final task rather than season-long performance.

“Pria that cake looked amazing, congrats. You all did a great job.” a fan said

The Marie Antoinette challenge

Spring Baking Championship finale challenge pushed contestants to blend baking skills with architectural design elements.

Each Spring Baking Championship finalist had to construct a towering cake resembling the elaborate hairstyles of 18th-century French nobility, specifically Queen Marie Antoinette. The task required not only structural integrity but also the incorporation of floral flavors, testing both technical and flavor development skills.

Raveena impressed with her design concept but fell short on texture, delivering a crumbly cake that judges deemed inappropriate for such an advanced stage of competition. Lisa's visual presentation earned praise, but her pistachio flavor failed to shine through, creating a disconnect between appearance and taste.

Priya's chocolate creation featured the most intricate design elements of the three finalists. While judges noted issues with her cake-to-filling ratio, they ultimately determined that her flavors worked harmoniously together, giving her the edge in the final decision.

The controversy surrounding Priya's win speaks to larger questions about reality cooking competitions.

Food Network now faces the challenge of addressing viewer frustration while maintaining the integrity of their judging process. The significant backlash against this season's outcome could potentially impact viewership for future installments if left unaddressed.

With Spring Baking Championship gearing up for its twelfth season, one big question’s lingering like a soggy-bottomed tart: is it better to be consistently great or just peak at the right moment? Recent eliminations have sparked chatter about whether the show's structure rewards flash-in-the-pan finales over week-to-week excellence.

Spring Baking Championship fans aren’t shy about voicing their opinions (especially when their favorite baker gets sent packing after one bad bake), and the disconnect between what judges decide and what viewers want is starting to feel more baked-in than the show’s signature challenge.

If producers want to avoid a future recipe for ratings trouble, it might be time to revisit the show’s judging ingredients. Because if consistency doesn’t count for much, you have to wonder, what’s really cooking in that tent?

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You can watch Spring Baking Championship in the U.S. on Food Network or stream it on Max, Hulu, Discovery+, or Food Network GO.