TLC Launches a Prime-Time Food Fight With "ULTIMATE CAKE OFF"

Competition series turns up the heat as bakers create outrageous cakes

Los Angeles, CA � Building off the success of CAKE BOSS, cable TV's #1 food show, TLC takes a bite out of the competition genre with the new series ULTIMATE CAKE OFF. Airing as a sneak-peek on August 3, and then continuing weekly starting August 31, each of the series eight episodes pits three different cake artists against each other as they create edible masterpieces in hopes of winning $10,000 and having their cakes featured at a marquee event.

In each episode, three contestants meet their new client who set the stage for the competition � events range from the opening of a new shark exhibit at the Long Beach Aquarium to Legoland's 10th birthday to the July 4th Celebration at the Reagan Library. With only nine hours, these competitors must make cakes that are at least five feet tall and are creative enough to win the taste of the client and take the prize. To add to the pressure, the contestants also face two mini-challenges � a skills test and a taste test � that could give one team the ultimate advantage: being able to sit out another team for 30 minutes.

The series is hosted by chef Michael Schulson, owner of Atlantic City's Izakaya. Joining Michael are judges Margaret Braun, an acclaimed sugar artist based in New York, and Leigh Grode, owner of Los Angeles' Cake Divas bakery.

The series fan site is http://tlc.com/tv/ultimate-cake-off/ultimate-cake-off.html.

ULTIMATE CAKE OFF is produced for TLC by Discovery Studios. Executive producer is Robin Feinberg.