Iowa Baker Andrew Fuller Rises From 'Is It Cake?' Winner to Food Network Judge
Des Moines celebrity baker Andrew Fuller is having a breakout fall, appearing on two Food Network shows and proving that authenticity pays off in the competitive world of televised baking.
Fuller first captured national attention when he won the inaugural season of Netflix's Is It Cake? in 2022. Since then, his knack for crafting outrageously realistic cakes has led to Food Network competitions and speaking engagements around the globe.
From Competitor to Judge on 'Halloween Wars'
After his initial success, Fuller's management advised him to transition from TV competitor to judge. Last year, that advice paid off when Food Network called him to serve as a judge on Halloween Wars, a show Fuller calls the holy grail of cake competitions.
Whether I'm on it or not, it's the best. But now that I'm on it, it's even better, let's just be real, Fuller joked.
His schedule this fall also includes an appearance on another Food Network program, Sweet Deceit, alongside actor Josh Peck.
Handling Fame and Scrutiny in the Midwest
With greater fame comes increased public attention, and Fuller acknowledges the challenges. He avoids Reddit and steers clear of online comments, even though negative messages still affect him despite his proud identity as a queer, green-haired baker in the middle of the Midwest.
No matter how thick of a skin you might think you have, it is so true not to read the comments, Fuller said. I'm kind of in this place now where I have to protect myself a little bit for my mental health.
Representing Iowa Youth and Staying True
Fuller embraces his role as a representative of something a lot of people hate, but he insists he cannot be anyone other than himself. That approach is paying off, not just professionally, but also by helping Iowa youth feel accepted for being different.
I'm heading in this direction where I'm being rewarded for being myself, he said. I would feel like a fraud if I did anything else.
What's Next for the Des Moines Baker
Fuller still calls Des Moines home, though he expects to relocate eventually as work increasingly takes him out of state. When that day comes, he says Iowa will always remain his home, where his mother and his husband's family live.
Des Moines is a city that really celebrates anyone who has made something of their life here, he said.
Fuller's Des Moines Favorites
When asked about local traditions, Fuller is firmly in one camp: Beggars' Night over Halloween. He argues it gives residents more Halloween, similar to how Christmas Eve precedes Christmas Day.
His favorite local food spots include Centro, Zombie Burger, Black Cat Ice Cream, and A Dong.
As for his favorite ingredient, Fuller cites tonka beans, which are illegal to sell in the U.S. due to potential toxicity in large amounts. He shaves a small quantity into his coffee and cake batters for a vanilla-like flavor at home.
Once you've had it in something, you can't take your mind off of it, he said.
When to Watch Fuller on TV
The next episode of Halloween Wars airs Sunday at 8 p.m. on Food Network, with the following day's episode available on HBO Max.