In a MasterChef franchise world first, a dessert-themed season – MasterChef Dessert Masters – is set to take to the air in the second half of 2023.
The mouthwatering series will see contestants bring to life some of the most inventive and irresistible desserts Australia has ever seen, all for the top title of Australia’s first-ever Dessert Master, and the $100,000 prize money that comes with it.
WATCH NOW: MasterChef Dessert Masters Teaser Trailer. Article continues after video.
Veteran MasterChef judge Melissa Leong will judge the series alongside world-famous French-Swiss pastry chef Amaury Guichon.
Amaury said he had been “blown away” by the prowess of Australia’s purveyors of pastry during filming and was “excited to discover” the creative desserts contestants would bring to life.
“I am so happy to be in Australia to experience its unique pastry scene and be a part of Dessert Masters. What I’ve experienced so far, I haven’t seen in a long time – a tight-knit community of chefs who share great camaraderie, skills, and passion for their craft.”
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime cast of incredibly talented pastry chefs and it is an honour to be judging them. Their creations are so good, I think audiences will want to lick the television screen!”
“I feel very honoured to have been chosen to be part of this wonderful new adventure that will once again highlight our beautiful industry with all its craft and complexity.”
Melissa shared these sentiments, revealing that the talented contestants were “incredible.”
“Our cast for Dessert Masters is a loaded-to-the-gills, top-of-the-pops, créme de la créme of Australia’s pastry industry. It doesn’t get any better, more high calibre, and more magical than these chefs, who all bring their own unique take on sweet creations to their own worlds, and now, to ours.”
“Creating a memorable dessert takes years of practice, technique, and an exacting eye for detail. Throw people with these qualities into a place like the MasterChef kitchen and stand back…who knows what they will bring to life,” she continued.
“I am beyond thrilled – and honoured – to be working with such brilliant, talented, and generous people… but boy do I have my work cut out for me.”
WATCH NOW: Reynold wows the MasterChef judges with his Down The Rabbithole dessert. Article continues after video.
Who is competing on MasterChef Dessert Masters?
This 10-strong competitor list includes some pretty sweet talent (if we do say so ourselves), who are widely regarded as some of Australia’s top pastry chefs, chocolate connoisseurs, and baking experts.
Included in the batch is the following…
Kirsten Tibballs
There’s a reason Kirsten is known as the “Chocolate Queen” of Australia!
She’s the author of numerous sell-out cookbooks – Chocolate and its sequel Chocolate All Day – and has previously appeared on MasterChef as a guest judge.
Kirsten is also the founder of Savour School where she shares her knowledge of pastry and chocolate with first-timers through to sweet specialists.
Follow Kirsten on Instagram here.
Reynold Poernomo
After dazzling viewers with his desserts on MasterChef way back in 2015, Reynold is returning for a shot at the top title!
Dubbed the “Dessert King” of Australia by fans, Reynold is known for his wizardry in the kitchen, as well as for creating delicious desserts that are *almost* too good to eat.
He’s also the owner of dessert bars KOI and Monkey’s Corner, both located in Chippendale, Sydney.
Follow Reynold on Instagram here.
Anna Polyviou
She has just returned from a stint in the jungle on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! and now Anna is gracing the MasterChef kitchen with her dessert expertise.
Whilst Anna has won countless prestigious awards relating to her craft in the culinary industry, she says the pièce de résistance would be taking home the title of Australia’s first-ever Dessert Master.
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Follow Anna on Instagram here.
Adriano Zumbo
The name speaks for itself!
As one of Australia’s most celebrated pâtissiers, Adriano has numerous dessert stores in Sydney and Melbourne and has made numerous appearances as a guest judge on MasterChef.
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He introduced the nation to macarons and who can forget his iconic croquembouche?
The question is, will he melt under pressure?
Follow Adriano on Instagram here.
Jess Liemantara
Jess is another returning MasterChef contestant and was the youngest to compete on her season of the hit cooking show in 2020.
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One to watch, Jess is known for creating colourful cakes and picture-perfect pastries and is sure to delight the judges with her signature skills.
Follow Jess on Instagram here.
Morgan Hipworth
After launching his (now iconic) Melbourne bakehouse – Bistro Morgan – at the tender age of 15, Morgan has only gone from strength to strength in his culinary career, and is now known as “The Donut King.”
With an eye for visually striking creations and a penchant for unique flavour combinations, Morgan is sure to stand out amongst his industry idols.
You can follow Morgan on Instagram here.
Kay-Lene Tan
Currently working as an Executive Pastry Chef, and having trained under decorated chef Joël Robuchon, Kay-Lene is one to watch in this competition.
According to Kay-Lene, she plans to draw upon her extensive professional experience to trifle the competition.
You can follow Kay-Lene on Instagram here.
Andy Bowdy
With a mission to make cakes taste as good as they look, Andy has won the hearts (and stomachs) of sweet tooths everywhere, taking home numerous trophies and accolades for his efforts.
Now, he’s ready to break the chocolate mould and take home the title of Australia’s first dessert master.
You can follow Andy on Instagram here.
Rhiann Mead
From precise piping to baking to intricate sugar and chocolate work, Rhiann has a slew of pastry skills and techniques in her back catalogue thanks to her time spent at The Charles in Sydney and Bennelong restaurants as Head Pastry Chef.
One thing is for sure – Rhiann will certainly whip up the competition.
You can follow Rhiann on Instagram here.
Gareth Whitton
With over 15 years of experience creating desserts alongside some of the world’s most renowned pastry chefs and a former Head Pastry Chef at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in Melbourne, Gareth is sure to rise to the challenge of the MasterChef kitchen.
He’s also the not-so-anonymous founder and Pastry Chef at the iconic pastry staple store Tarts Anon.
You can follow Gareth on Instagram here.
When will MasterChef Dessert Masters premiere?
MasterChef Dessert Masters will premiere on 12 November 2023, airing on Channel 10 and 10Play.
