Des Moines Baker Joined Halloween Wars Judging Panel
Local baker Andrew Fuller has transitioned from competition show winner to judge on the Food Network.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Desserts
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Des Moines-based baker Andrew Fuller has taken on a new role as a judge on the Food Network program Halloween Wars. Fuller previously gained national attention after winning the first season of the television show Is It Cake? in 2022.
Why it matters
The shift highlights a career progression common among successful reality television competitors, who often move from the contestant floor to industry expert panels. Fuller's new judging role places him as a prominent figure in the professional baking competition landscape.
Fuller is known for incorporating tonka beans into coffee and cake batters for vanilla flavoring, an ingredient currently illegal to sell in the United States.
The players
Andrew Fuller
A Des Moines-based baker who gained national recognition after winning the inaugural season of the reality series Is It Cake? in 2022.
Food Network
A prominent cable television channel that specializes in culinary-themed programming and competition series.
The details
Fuller, who has also appeared on the program Sweet Deceit, is now expanding his presence on the Food Network by serving as a judge. While his professional career continues to grow through television work, he expects to move out of Des Moines due to the increasing volume of work occurring outside of his home state.
Timeline
2022: Fuller won the first season of the show Is It Cake?
2025: Fuller was contacted to join the judging panel for Halloween Wars.
Fall 2026: Fuller currently appears on two separate Food Network programs.
October 11, 2026: The next episode of Halloween Wars is scheduled to air at 8pm.
Culture Shift
This transition reflects the broader trend of successful competition show alumni parlaying their wins into long-term industry roles within the entertainment sector. It mirrors the common industry evolution where recognized faces pivot from on-screen rivalry to authoritative roles as judges and experts.
Fans in Des Moines may see less of the local baker as his professional responsibilities increasingly draw him away from his Iowa home base. His career path serves as a practical look at how national television success can change a professional’s life and residence.
The takeaway
Fuller’s career shift demonstrates how reality show wins can serve as a springboard for professional roles within the broader entertainment industry. This trajectory suggests that aspiring culinary stars may find long-term success by leveraging specific television appearances into expertise-based positions.
What happens next
The next episode of Halloween Wars, featuring Andrew Fuller as a judge, is scheduled to air on October 11, 2026, at 8pm.
Further reading
For more on the local baking scene, visit Desserts.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Axios.
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