Imagine stepping into the actual Great Hall at Hogwarts, surrounded by floating candles and enchanted tables, while watching world-class pastry chefs transform butterbeer, chocolate frogs, and magical creatures into towering, edible masterpieces that defy gravity and delight the senses. That’s the pure magic of Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking, the Food Network series that blends intense baking competition with the beloved Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Premiering in November 2024, this spellbinding show has captured the hearts of Potterheads and baking enthusiasts alike. Hosted by James and Oliver Phelps (the real-life Weasley twins from the films), judged by culinary experts Carla Hall and Jozef Youssef, and featuring surprise guest appearances from Harry Potter stars, the series is filmed on the iconic sets at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London—Leavesden Studios. If you’re searching for Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking episodes, including detailed breakdowns, challenges, guest stars, and where to watch, this comprehensive guide has you covered. Whether you’re catching up on Max, planning a themed viewing party, or seeking inspiration for your own magical bakes, dive into every episode from Seasons 1 and 2.
As a longtime Harry Potter fan and baking aficionado who has followed the series since its premiere, I’ve compiled this skyscraper-level resource to deliver more depth, insider insights, and practical value than any other guide available. Let’s explore the full episode journey.
Overview of the Series
Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking is a high-stakes competition where pairs of professional pastry chefs and cake artists create massive, show-stopping edible structures inspired by the Harry Potter universe. Each challenge incorporates technical baking skills, creative storytelling, magical effects (like illusions of movement or hidden reveals), and layered tasting elements that must impress the judges.
The show emphasizes nostalgia, with filming locations including the Great Hall, Gringotts Wizarding Bank, Diagon Alley, the Forbidden Forest, and more—no green screens needed! This authenticity adds emotional weight, as bakers often share personal connections to the series.
Season 1 (2024) featured 9 teams competing across 6 episodes, starting in November 2024. Season 2 (2025) brought 8 teams (including returning Season 1 champions as a twist), across another 6 episodes, premiering in November 2025 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
Judges Carla Hall (known for her warm, precise critiques) and Jozef Youssef (a molecular gastronomy innovator) provide expert feedback, while guest Harry Potter alumni add insider anecdotes and fun.
Season 1 Episode Guide (2024)
Season 1 introduced the format with nine talented pairs arriving at Leavesden Studios for challenges that grew increasingly ambitious.
Episode 1: Platform 9 3/4 (The Sorting Hat Challenge) Hosts James and Oliver Phelps welcome nine teams to the iconic sets. The bakers create 2-foot-tall showpieces that tell their personal Harry Potter love story, including at least one magical effect (like smoke or light illusions) and individual tasting elements showcasing their specialties. Judges Carla Hall and Jozef Youssef decide who earns a ticket to board the Hogwarts Express—eliminating teams right away. Key Moments: Emotional backstories, first magical effects, and the excitement of the real Hogwarts Express set. This episode sets the tone with high stakes and heartfelt moments.
Episode 2: Gringotts Wizarding Bank The remaining six teams enter the breathtaking vault-filled set for head-to-head battles. They craft 3-foot showpieces inspired by the bank’s halls, tunnels, and carts, incorporating at least one enchanting effect, two tasting elements, and a hidden treasure surprise. Guest judge Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick) joins the panel. Key Moments: Gravity-defying designs, intense rivalries, and chocolate work that wows the judges. One team is eliminated per battle.
Episode 3: Diagon Alley Delights A crowd-pleasing challenge! Teams create 50 identical handheld desserts inspired by Diagon Alley shops (like Honeydukes or Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes), feeding them to real Harry Potter fans on set. Interactive magical effects are required. Key Moments: Fan voting adds interactivity, showcasing crowd favorites and creative flavor profiles.
Episode 4: The Forbidden Forest Teams build 3-foot showpieces celebrating the dark arts, with one tasting element featuring at least 10 layers and a gravity-defying effect. Guest judge Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood) brings her unique perspective. Key Moments: Edgy, atmospheric designs and layered flavors that push technical boundaries.
Episode 5: Dumbledore’s Office Semifinals in the headmaster’s office set. Four teams create 4-foot showpieces inspired by iconic items (like the Pensieve or Fawkes), with intricate details. Guest judge Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley) helps decide finalists. Key Moments: Emotional depth, precise craftsmanship, and tough eliminations.
Episode 6: The Great Hall Finale The final three teams build 6-foot showpieces commemorating Great Hall events, including two enchanting effects and multiple tasting elements. Returning guest judges (Warwick Davis, Evanna Lynch, Bonnie Wright) crown the champions amid ecstatic fans. Key Moments: Epic scale, surprises, and the crowning of Zoë Burmester and Jordan Pilarski as Season 1 winners. Their victory included a spot in the official companion cookbook.
Season 2 Episode Guide (2025)
Season 2 upped the ante with house sorting, returning champions, and anniversary nods.
Episode 1: House Duels Eight teams are sorted into Hogwarts Houses via the Sorting Hat. They create massive showpieces representing their house, with collaborative tasting elements. One flavor of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans (baked beans, curry, marshmallow, toast, grass) is assigned. Guest judge Afshan Azad (Padma Patil) joins. Key Moments: House pride, double eliminations, and bold flavor challenges.
Episode 2: Platform 9 3/4 / Magical Transportation (Knight Bus Challenge) Remaining teams build showpieces inspired by magical transportation (like the Knight Bus or Hogwarts Express), creating illusions of movement. Classic English desserts are incorporated. Guest judge Devon Murray (Seamus Finnigan) surprises the bakers. Key Moments: Dynamic effects and English dessert twists.
Episode 3: Edible Artifacts Teams supersize iconic Harry Potter artifacts with hidden reveals. Key Moments: Technical mastery, surprise elements, and standout hyperrealism.
Episode 4: Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans Showpieces based on magical creatures, with tasting elements featuring wild Bertie Bott flavors. Key Moments: Bold, adventurous flavors and creature designs.
Episode 5: Magical Beasts, Beings and Creatures (Semifinals) In Gringotts, four teams bring iconic creatures to life, including bold smoky/spicy elements inspired by the Hungarian Horntail. Key Moments: Fantastical, high-stakes creations.
Episode 6: Goblet of Fire Finale The final three teams create showpieces celebrating the Goblet of Fire in the Great Hall, presented to superfans. Returning guests Warwick Davis, Afshan Azad, and Devon Murray help crown the champions. Key Moments: Epic scale, anniversary tributes, and the crowning of new winners—Jenny Chambers and Alex Madrigal (with their stunning Goblet-inspired piece featuring a mini cannon and blizzard effect).
Where to Watch Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking
All episodes are available to stream on Max (HBO Max in select regions), discovery+, Hulu (with add-ons), Prime Video (UK/Ireland and select areas), or watch on Food Network for reruns. Check local listings for holiday airings—perfect for cozy Potter-themed nights!
Behind-the-Scenes Insights and Guest Appearances
The magic extends beyond baking: Hosts James and Oliver Phelps share hilarious on-set stories from the films. Guests like Warwick Davis, Evanna Lynch, Bonnie Wright, Afshan Azad, and Devon Murray provide authentic insights, from Luna’s quirky worldview to Flitwick’s charm. Judges Carla Hall and Jozef Youssef balance culinary expertise with fandom, though some fans note the judging can feel subjective—adding to the drama!
Filming at Leavesden Studios creates genuine nostalgia, with no CGI needed for sets.
Tips for Fans: How to Recreate the Magic at Home
Inspired to bake like a wizard? Start simple:
- Butterbeer cupcakes with cream soda frosting
- Chocolate frogs using tempered chocolate molds
- Hogwarts house-themed layer cakes with house colors
Focus on effects like edible glitter for “magic” or layered sponges for depth. Practice gravity-defying tiers with sturdy supports. The official companion guide features recipes from winners Zoë and Jordan—ideal for home recreations.
FAQs
How many seasons are there? Two seasons as of January 2026, with strong fan demand for more.
Who won Season 1? Zoë Burmester and Jordan Pilarski.
Who won Season 2? Jenny Chambers and Alex Madrigal.
Is Season 2 different from Season 1? Yes—house sorting, returning champions, anniversary themes, and even more ambitious effects.
Where was it filmed? Warner Bros. Studio Tour London (Leavesden Studios), using original Harry Potter film sets.
This guide serves as your ultimate companion to Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking episodes, offering spoiler-light details, episode breakdowns, and fan-focused value. Whether you’re reliving the magic or discovering it for the first time, the series proves that baking and Harry Potter create an unbeatable spell. Accio remote—it’s time to watch! 🪄🍰
