From Frosting to Frights: Utah Bakers Compete for $25K on Halloween Wars

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — What happens when you mix three talented Utah bakers, a cup of friendly competition, a teaspoon of nerves, and a whole lot of sugar and spooky creativity? You get the perfect recipe for Food Network’s Halloween Wars.

Kylie Holt, Emerlie Miller, and Kimberly Rivers, three friends turned competitors, are baking up their biggest challenge yet, with $25,000 on the line.

(Courtesy//Kylie Holt)

“When I found out I was on Halloween Wars, I was screaming on the phone. I mean, this is like the big leagues of cake shows,” said Holt.

But even with the oven turned up and the pressure high, these friends still cheer each other on.

(Courtesy//Emerlie Miller)

“As soon as I saw I was competing against Emerlie, I was immediately terrified because she’s a jack of all trades, she can do everything,” Holt laughed. 

“And then when I saw I was also competing against Kim, my heart dropped. Her work is so clean. When she creates a wedding cake, it’s flawless!”

(Courtesy//Kimberly Rivers)

Each team on Halloween Wars includes a pumpkin carver, a sugar artist, and a cake artist, all strangers, mixed together to create a spooky edible display.

Easy as pie? Not even close.

“It is constant chaos, constant stress. Everything is always going wrong, so instead of being on plan A, B, C, you’re on plan X, Y, Z by the end of the show,” Holt explained.

Still, even under all that heat, these bakers don’t crumble.

“I feel like the pressure is almost what makes it fun! That’s what you remember,” said Rivers.

Challenge after challenge, elimination after elimination, the icing on the cake is that it’s about doing what they love, and having fun along the way.

“I want people to take away from watching our show that you can do anything. I never thought I would have that opportunity. Whatever your passion is, just go for it,” said Rivers.

Talent, friendship, and a touch of Halloween magic, now that’s one recipe that takes the cake.

If you need Holt, Miller, or Rivers for an occasion, or just have a sweet tooth, you can find them on Instagram: @kylieholtcake, @neosugarrush. @cakesinthecity.utah