Kristina Lavallee Named Lead Judge of Dessert Wars Orlando 2026, America's Largest Dessert Festival

The Cake Girl founder, celebrity cake designer, and award-winning entrepreneur will lead the judging panel at Dessert Wars Orlando on October 17, 2026.

ORLANDO, FL — Celebrity cake designer and award-winning entrepreneur Kristina Lavallee, founder of The Cake Girl in Tampa, Florida, has been named the Lead Judge of Dessert Wars Orlando 2026, taking place Saturday, October 17, at the Central Florida Fairgrounds in Orlando.

Billed as America's Largest Dessert Festival, Dessert Wars brings together talented bakers, dessert entrepreneurs, and passionate dessert lovers for an exciting competition celebrating creativity, flavor, and innovation. As lead judge, Lavallee will bring her extensive baking expertise, industry experience, and passion for entrepreneurship to one of the country's most exciting dessert competitions.

Who Is Kristina Lavallee, Lead Judge of Dessert Wars Orlando 2026?

Kristina Lavallee is a nationally recognized celebrity cake designer, entrepreneur, and founder of The Cake Girl, an award-winning custom cake bakery based in Tampa, Florida.

Known for creating extraordinary custom cakes, elaborate edible sculptures, and unforgettable celebration desserts, Lavallee has built a nationally recognized brand through creativity, determination, and an unwavering passion for her craft.

She has been featured on NBC's TODAY, Fox & Friends, Food Network, Telemundo's Hoy Día, People, Entrepreneur, TMZ, and Access Hollywood, among other national media outlets.

Her impressive celebrity clientele includes Cardi B, Tom Brady, Marcus Lemonis, Daymond John, Jason Momoa, and Jesse Cole, founder of the Savannah Bananas.

A graduate of the University of Central Florida's Rosen College of Hospitality Management, Lavallee's return to Orlando as the lead judge of Dessert Wars marks another exciting milestone in her journey from hospitality student to nationally recognized cake artist and business owner.

Under her leadership, The Cake Girl has earned numerous accolades, including being voted Best Cakes and Best Cupcakes in Creative Loafing's Best of the Bay awards for five consecutive years.

Bringing Expertise, Creativity, and Passion to Dessert Wars

For Lavallee, judging Dessert Wars is about more than tasting incredible desserts. It's an opportunity to celebrate the creativity, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit behind the businesses that make the dessert industry so special.

"Being selected as the lead judge for Dessert Wars is such an incredible honor," said Lavallee. "As someone who started baking from home and turned that passion into a business, I know firsthand how much hard work, creativity, and heart go into every dessert. I'm excited to meet these talented competitors, see what they've created, and celebrate the people behind the sweets!"

Lavallee's journey with The Cake Girl began in 2008 with a home-based baking business. What started as a passion for creating cakes evolved into a dessert truck, a Tampa storefront, national television appearances, celebrity collaborations, and a growing franchise brand.

Today, she continues to inspire aspiring bakers and entrepreneurs while demonstrating how creativity and perseverance can transform a passion into a successful business.

What Is Dessert Wars Orlando?

Dessert Wars Orlando is a competitive dessert festival featuring dessert vendors, creative sweet treats, and a celebration of the baking industry. The event is promoted as America's Largest Dessert Festival and gives dessert businesses an opportunity to showcase their creations before attendees and judges.

From innovative flavor combinations to beautifully presented desserts, competitors bring their best creations to the table in pursuit of recognition and top honors.

With Kristina Lavallee serving as lead judge, the 2026 Orlando event will bring together dessert creativity and professional baking expertise for an exciting afternoon of competition.

Dessert Wars Orlando 2026: Date, Time, and Location

• Event: Dessert Wars Orlando 2026

• Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026

• Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

• Location: Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32808

• Lead Judge: Kristina Lavallee, Founder of The Cake Girl

Frequently Asked Questions About Dessert Wars Orlando 2026

Who is the lead judge of Dessert Wars Orlando 2026?

Kristina Lavallee, celebrity cake designer, entrepreneur, and founder of The Cake Girl in Tampa, Florida, is the lead judge of Dessert Wars Orlando 2026.

What is Dessert Wars?

Dessert Wars is a dessert competition and festival that brings together talented dessert makers and vendors to showcase their creations. The event is promoted as America's Largest Dessert Festival.

When is Dessert Wars Orlando 2026?

Dessert Wars Orlando 2026 takes place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, at the Central Florida Fairgrounds in Orlando, Florida.

Why was Kristina Lavallee selected as lead judge?

Lavallee brings extensive experience as an award-winning cake designer, bakery founder, and nationally recognized baking personality. Her background in custom cake design, dessert innovation, and entrepreneurship makes her a valuable voice on the judging panel.

Where is The Cake Girl located?

The Cake Girl is an award-winning custom cake bakery located in Tampa, Florida, specializing in custom celebration cakes, wedding cakes, cupcakes, and elaborate edible creations.

About The Cake Girl

Founded by celebrity cake designer Kristina Lavallee, The Cake Girl is an award-winning Tampa bakery known for its extraordinary custom cakes, wedding cakes, cupcakes, and creative dessert experiences.

From celebrity celebrations and national television appearances to community initiatives and franchise expansion, The Cake Girl continues to make its mark on the baking industry while helping people celebrate life's sweetest moments.

Learn more about The Cake Girl at TheCakeGirl.com.

For more information about Dessert Wars Orlando 2026, visit the official Dessert Wars event listing.