**New Baking Contest Set to Debut on Food Network: ‘Sweet Deceit’**
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A new and intriguing baking competition, titled *Sweet Deceit*, is set to make its debut on the Food Network. Hosted by actor Josh Peck, known for his role in *Drake and Josh*, the show invites teams of three to embark on a unique challenge of discovering hyper-realistic cakes cleverly concealed in spooky environments. The anticipation builds as the programme is scheduled to launch on 5 October, featuring back-to-back episodes.
*Sweet Deceit* challenges competitors to locate these edible illusions hidden in various locations, with a chance to win a grand prize of up to £12,000. According to the network, the series consists of multiple rounds that increase in difficulty, pushing teams to work collaboratively in order to guess which items are cakes. The ultimate test comes when they must bite into their selected treats to confirm their guesses, all while aiming for the lucrative prize.
In a promotional trailer exclusively shared with PEOPLE, Peck enthusiastically states, “Let’s play a real game of trick or treat.” He elaborates on the premise of the show, revealing that the world’s most talented bakers will transform cake, sugar, and chocolate into sweets that appear so lifelike that they can be quite frightening. “But to find out if they’re right, they’ll have to take a bite — if they dare,” Peck warns.
Joining Peck for the series will be a rotating panel of expert cake artists, all well-versed in the art of creating edible illusions. The lineup of judges includes notable talents such as Jose Barajas, Jonny “Jonny Cakes” Manganello, Andrew Fuller, Ashley Holt, April Julian, and Liz Marek. These artists will assess the contestants’ efforts and bring their expertise to the proceedings, enhancing the excitement of the show.
The launch of *Sweet Deceit* is particularly timely, coinciding with the Halloween season. It is not the only baking-themed show making waves on Food Network during this spooky period. *Halloween Wars*, which premiered on 13 September, features returning all-star pumpkin carvers and cake artists as they compete while seeking redemption from past seasons. Jonathan Bennett serves as the host, guiding viewers through this Halloween-themed challenge.
Moreover, the *Halloween Baking Championship* kicked off its new series on 14 September, hosted by John Henson. This contest showcases contestants as they face challenges centred around Halloween-themed themes, including “Possessed Pests” and “Demon Masks”, further fuelling the seasonal excitement for fans of cooking shows.
Fans of Peck and baking enthusiasts alike can catch the premiere of *Sweet Deceit* on Monday, 5 October, at 10 PM ET/PT on the Food Network. For those who prefer streaming, the episodes will also be available on HBO Max the following day, expanding the accessibility of this exciting new series.
As the Food Network continues to embrace the spirit of Halloween with its array of baking competitions, *Sweet Deceit* promises to add an innovative twist to the genre. With the strategic challenges, expert guidance, and the thrill of uncovering cakes hidden in plain sight, the show is poised to offer viewers a deliciously entertaining experience.
With the combination of fun, creativity, and suspenseful moments, *Sweet Deceit* is bound to capture the interest of audiences, making it a must-watch for the upcoming season. As the show gears up for its premiere, viewers can look forward to the delightful surprises and challenges that await in the realm of edible illusions.