ORLANDO, Fla. – With a swirl of passion fruit, a flash of tropical color and a mission to put Brazilian pastry on the map, Jean Carlos turned the set of Food Network’s “Holiday Baking Championship” into his own kitchen — dazzling judges and viewers and earning a Brazilian community award in Orlando.
Contestant Jean Carlos Araujo, portrait, as seen on Holiday Baking Championship, Season 12. (© 2025 Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. or its subsidiaries and affiliates. All rights reserved.)
Carlos, who has worked as a pastry chef for 10 years, said his passion for baking began in Brazil watching holiday cooking shows. “I started my career there watching TV shows … and I would get very inspired,” he said. “I said, I need to do something like this.”
On the Food Network competition, 12 bakers face weekly tests that evaluate both flavor and presentation. “Every single week we have a challenge to deliver our decoration and flavor from the holidays,” Carlos said. “I’m here to win. I’m here to take this title with me. I’m here to take the money.”
Carlos said he intentionally incorporated Brazilian ingredients and techniques into his desserts, using tropical fruit flavors and traditional treats to set his work apart. Judges responded positively, he said, and his efforts also earned recognition from Orlando’s Brazilian community.
“I was awarded with a Brazilian award here in Orlando,” Carlos said. “I’m very glad to represent all the Brazilian pastry community.”
Working on television, Carlos said, differs sharply from cooking in his own kitchen.
“Cooking in my own kitchen or at work and on TV is totally different. The pressure is on, especially because you have to cook under a clock,” he said, describing a moment when he faced the judges for the first time. “My legs was literally shaking.”
For part of the competition, contestants were split into two teams — Nice versus Naughty — and Carlos said teamwork helped keep morale high.
“Me and my teammates have a really strong bond,” he said. “We always checking with each other every single dessert to make sure our team will survive until the finale.”
Contestant Jean Carlos Araujo, baking process, as seen on Holiday Baking Championship, Season 12. (© 2025 Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. or its subsidiaries and affiliates. All rights reserved.)
Carlos encouraged aspiring bakers to persevere.
“Never give up … You need to believe in yourself. You need to trust in the things you can do,” he said.
Representing Brazil on an international platform, Carlos said, was especially meaningful.
“Being the only Brazilian on the show representing my country, it’s very special for me,” he said. “I want to show to the world what Brazil is able to do in pastry.”
Viewers can watch “Holiday Baking Championship” on Food Network on Mondays at 8 p.m., or stream episodes the next day on HBO Max or Discovery+.
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