Local baker Julian Jimenez, owner of Julian’s Patisserie and Café in Folsom, continues to wow judges and viewers as he advances to the fifth round of Food Network’s Spring Baking Championship.
Now in its 10th season, the nationally televised baking competition began with 13 talented contestants from across the country. As of Monday night’s episode, the field has been narrowed to nine — and Folsom’s own Jimenez remains in the running for the $25,000 grand prize and coveted champion title.
In the fourth round, which aired Monday, contestants were challenged to create desserts that resembled savory main courses in appearance, while still delivering standout sweet flavors. Jimenez drew the inspiration of a fish taco plate and rose to the occasion with one of the most visually creative desserts of the night.
“For my fish taco, I’m trying to use this cheesecake, and I’m going to turn it into a crème brûlée cheesecake,” Jimenez explained during the episode. “So it’s gonna give like a grilled effect.”
The final result featured a delicate tuile taco shell filled with crème brûlée cheesecake, strawberry compote to resemble salsa, and garnishes of candied citrus, apple and pear. While the judges remarked that the lime zest topping could have been further candied, they praised Jimenez’s attention to detail, ingenuity and bold execution — ultimately awarding him a place in the next round.
“I just want to knock their socks off,” Jimenez said during the preparation of his entry.
The Folsom native’s run on national television has quickly made him a local source of pride, as his fans and customers cheer him on from his East Bidwell Street bakery.
Those following his journey can catch Jimenez in the next installment of Spring Baking Championship, airing Monday on Food Network.
Advancement follows local business of the month honor
While his talents are captivating national audiences, Jimenez’s impact is also being recognized here at home. Last week, Julian’s Patisserie and Café was honored as the Small Business of the Month for March 2025 by Assemblyman Josh Hoover, representing California’s 7th Assembly District.
Founded in 2017 by Jimenez and his wife, Bailey, the patisserie has become a local treasure, known for its artisan croissants, fresh-baked pastries and elegant, handcrafted desserts. In a formal resolution, Assemblyman Hoover praised the business for “serving members of the community and representing the positive impact of family-owned businesses.”
The café has grown to include two locations serving the greater Northern California region, all while maintaining strong roots in Folsom. Hoover highlighted the family’s dedication to their craft and community, noting that “Julian and Bailey now own two successful locations, expanding their operations and serving a wider region.”
The recognition also honored the family effort behind the business, which is supported by Jimenez’s parents, Michael Jimenez and Susan Marangi, and his uncle, David Jimenez. Their shared dedication has helped Julian’s Patisserie flourish while remaining a warm and welcoming neighborhood hub.
Julian’s passion for pastry arts began in his grandmother’s kitchen and has since taken him around the world. He honed his skills aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines in Hawaii and later served as Executive Pastry Chef at some of Las Vegas’s most prestigious resorts, including the Bellagio, Cosmopolitan and Caesars Palace.
Despite the success he’s achieved on national stages, Jimenez returned to Folsom to open his dream café and share his artistry with his hometown. Alongside his wife Bailey and with the support of their children, Abby and Hudson Perrigo-Jimenez, the business continues to thrive.
“Julian and Bailey Jimenez have created more than just a bakery—they’ve built a community hub where people can come together over exceptional, handcrafted pastries,” Hoover said. “We are proud to recognize their hard work, talent, and passion, and we look forward to seeing their continued success both locally and on the national stage.”
In addition to his current run on Spring Baking Championship, Jimenez has previously competed on Holiday Wars, Cake Wars Christmas and Halloween Wars, showcasing his elite talent in sugar artistry, chocolate work and laminated dough. Now, with only nine contestants remaining, Folsom’s own will continue to represent the city with creativity and precision.
For more background on Jimenez’s growing acclaim, readers can revisit Julian’s Patisserie Earns National Recognition at FolsomTimes.com.
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