Chef Molly Coen can keep a secret.
The Carmel Valley Ranch pastry chef claimed The Ultimate Baking Championship title—and its $50,000 grand prize—in the final episode of the television challenge, broadcast Monday night on Food Network. Coen beat 15 other top pastry chefs along the way.
Three chefs made it to the finale, including Florencia Breda, a chocolatier from San Luis Obispo County, and Clement Le Deore of San Diego, making it an all-California contest. The finale asked the chefs to create a complementary trio of desserts based on a theme—in Coen’s case, Rock ’n’ roll after party.
Coen treated judges to a blackout entremet and a yuzu bonbon shaped and decorated to represent elements of a backstage party, as well as a cake formed into celebratory cigars. Each judge also received a chocolate VIP badge. After receiving their comments, Coen dropped a dessert mic.
All nine episodes of the series were recorded before Coen joined the Carmel Valley Ranch team toward the end of 2025. The chef told the Weekly in an earlier interview that through the interview process she could not reveal that she had even appeared on the show, much less claimed the overall victory. Nor did her new colleagues know until the first—and last—episodes aired.
But the resort and its restaurant, Valley Kitchen, is celebrating with Coen. Desserts inspired by those she created on The Ultimate Baking Championship will be on the menu throughout the summer. In addition, the onsite Market & Creamery will have a selection available to take home.