There are some traditions that have a wonderful way of bringing families together. Whether it’s gathering around the kitchen table, sharing recipes passed down through generations or spending an afternoon creating something delicious, there’s something rather special about the memories we make through cooking and baking. And with the festive season quickly approaching, kitchens across the country are preparing to become a little busier as families begin bringing their favorite recipes to life.
Of course, for many children, some of their earliest memories of baking involve standing beside a parent or grandparent, helping mix ingredients, decorating cookies or eagerly waiting for something delicious to emerge from the oven. And while those little moments may seem simple, they often become the traditions we carry with us long after childhood.
Now, one of America’s longest-running baking competitions is preparing to return to television, bringing a little extra inspiration to families just in time for the Thanksgiving season!
CBS has officially announced that the beloved Pillsbury Bake-Off Classic is returning to primetime television, with actress and television personality Drew Barrymore stepping into the role of host. The special will air on November 23, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS and Paramount+, marking the competition’s first broadcast network television appearance since 2014.
And for a competition with a history stretching back more than seven decades, this year’s return is certainly a sweet occasion.
Originally introduced in 1949 as the Grand National Recipe and Baking Contest, the Pillsbury Bake-Off Classic has become a recognizable part of American culinary culture, celebrating the creativity and imagination of home bakers from across the country. Over the years, the competition has introduced audiences to countless recipes and baking traditions, while showcasing the extraordinary things that can happen when a little creativity meets a familiar collection of ingredients.
For its upcoming return, contestants will compete across five rounds of baking challenges, putting their individual skills and imagination to the test as they create everything from cookies to Thanksgiving-inspired pies. Each round will offer bakers an opportunity to put their own personal spin on familiar favorites, with the top contestant advancing to the ultimate Best in Bake finale.
And for the final challenge? The remaining bakers will be tasked with creating edible wreaths, transforming a familiar seasonal decoration into something delicious and imaginative.
The winner will receive a $25,000 cash prize alongside a KitchenAid equipment package, bringing an exciting conclusion to the competition.
Joining Barrymore for the special are celebrity chef judges Christina Tosi and Dook Chase, who will evaluate the contestants’ creations throughout the event. Barrymore also joins a remarkable history of personalities who have helped bring the competition to audiences over the years, including Bob Barker, Alex Trebek, Martha Stewart, Phylicia Rashad and Oprah Winfrey.
But beyond the competition itself, the return of the Pillsbury Bake-Off Classic offers something particularly enjoyable for families.
With the special arriving just days before Thanksgiving, it provides an opportunity for parents and children to celebrate the creativity of baking together, perhaps even finding a little inspiration for their own seasonal traditions. After all, while not everyone may be preparing to compete in a nationally televised baking competition, there’s something universally enjoyable about watching talented bakers transform familiar recipes into extraordinary creations.
And for younger viewers who enjoy helping in the kitchen, seeing the imagination and creativity involved in baking can be an entertaining reminder that cooking isn’t simply about following instructions. It’s also about experimenting, discovering new flavors and finding ways to make something uniquely your own.
The upcoming special is produced by Studio Large Eyes, Pantheon Media Group and Juma Entertainment in association with General Mills, bringing the historic competition back to the network where it spent decades as a familiar part of daytime television.
The Pillsbury Bake-Off Classic will air November 23 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS and Paramount+.
So, whether you’re a seasoned baker with a collection of treasured family recipes or someone who simply enjoys the excitement of seeing what comes out of the oven, it looks like this November is preparing to serve up a delightful helping of creativity, competition and delicious inspiration.
And who knows? Perhaps the next great family baking tradition will begin with a little inspiration from the Pillsbury Bake-Off Classic!
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