Northern Kentucky Couple Shine on Hallmark’s Baked With Love Holiday

If you thought Hallmark’s holiday lineup couldn’t get any sweeter, think again. This season, the network’s latest baking competition, Baked with Love: Holiday, is sprinkling a little Northern Kentucky charm into the mix.

The show features a married couple from Cold Spring, Kentucky—Marko Adams and Steven Sunderman. They’re proving that love, creativity, and a dash of nostalgia just might be the ultimate recipe for success.

Competing for a grand prize of $50,000 and the chance to have one of their bakes featured in an original Hallmark Christmas movie, the duo is bringing decades of artistry and heart to the kitchen. With each episode, they’re not just whipping up desserts—they’re baking memories, heritage, and a lifetime of partnership into every dish.

The Sweetest Competition on Television

Hallmark’s Baked with Love: Holiday isn’t just another cooking show. It’s really a celebration of family, tradition, and the magic of the season.

Ten pairs of home bakers from across the country face off in a festive culinary showdown. Every challenge calls for creativity and a personal touch.

The show is hosted by Sister, Sister alum Tamera Mowry-Housley. The series is as heartwarming as it is delicious.

Each week, contestants present their bakes to a judging panel that includes Irish chef and BBC personality Anna Haugh and New York Times Cooking producer Vaughn Vreeland. The judges evaluate not only the taste and presentation of each creation but also the story behind it.

The bakers aren’t just following recipes—they’re sharing pieces of their lives. From family heirloom recipes to modern twists on classic desserts, every bake tells a story.

For Adams and Sunderman, that story is 40 years in the making.

A Love Story Baked to Perfection

Marko Adams and Steven Sunderman’s journey to the Hallmark kitchen began long before the cameras started rolling. The couple, who are preparing to celebrate their 40th anniversary, were recruited by Hallmark earlier this year.

Adams, 63, is a semi-retired visual designer who spent more than two decades crafting elaborate displays for Saks Fifth Avenue. His artistic eye for detail shines through in every cake and cookie he decorates.

Sunderman, 60, recently retired after serving as the executive director of Cincinnati’s May Festival for an impressive 28 years. That made him the longest-serving director in the festival’s 152-year history.

Together, they bring a unique blend of artistry, discipline, and heart to the competition. Adams describes the experience as “a whirlwind of fun and baking challenges,” and honestly, it sounds like it.

Competing on national television while juggling intricate recipes and festive pressure would test even the most seasoned baker. But for these two, it’s less about the stress and more about the joy of sharing their love for baking—and for each other—with the world.

Behind the Aprons: The Artistry of Adams and Sunderman

Their background in the arts gives Adams and Sunderman a distinctive edge. Adams’ design expertise translates beautifully into the aesthetics of their desserts.

Sunderman’s leadership and organizational skills keep their kitchen teamwork seamless. It’s a partnership that mirrors their marriage—balanced, supportive, and brimming with creativity.

When they step into the Baked with Love kitchen, they’re not just baking—they’re storytelling through sugar, spice, and everything nice. Each challenge in the series asks contestants to infuse their heritage, personal stories, and cherished family recipes into classic bakes with a holiday twist.

For Adams and Sunderman, that means drawing on decades of shared traditions. Whether it’s a recipe passed down from grandparents or a dessert inspired by their travels, their creations embody the spirit of the holidays and the beauty of long-lasting love.

Holiday Magic Meets Real Emotion

One of the most captivating aspects of Baked with Love: Holiday is how it mirrors the emotional warmth that Hallmark movies are known for. The show captures the same cozy, feel-good atmosphere that viewers expect from the network’s films—only this time, the stars are real people.

Watching Adams and Sunderman interact is a masterclass in teamwork and affection. Their playful banter, mutual encouragement, and shared laughter make them instant fan favorites.

It’s not just about the competition; it’s about connection. The couple’s authenticity resonates with audiences who see in them a reflection of what the holidays are truly about—love, family, and togetherness.

As they mix, bake, and decorate, they remind viewers that the best ingredients in life are the ones you can’t measure: joy, patience, and a generous helping of heart.

A Hallmark-Worthy Prize

At stake is a prize that’s pure Hallmark magic: $50,000 and the opportunity to have one of their winning bakes featured in an original Hallmark Christmas movie. Imagine seeing your dessert immortalized on screen, becoming part of the network’s beloved holiday legacy.

Each week, the winning recipe from the show is shared on Hallmark’s website. That means fans at home can try to recreate the magic in their own kitchens.

Whether it’s a spiced gingerbread creation or a delicate Yule log, these recipes invite everyone to join in the celebration of love and baking.

When and Where to Watch

Baked with Love: Holiday premiered on October 27 and airs new episodes every Monday night at 9 p.m. ET on the Hallmark Channel. For those who prefer to stream, episodes are available on Hallmark+ the following day.

It’s the perfect show to cozy up with a mug of cocoa, a plate of cookies, and maybe even a little inspiration for your own holiday baking adventures. And if you’re following Adams and Sunderman’s journey, you’ll want to tune in each week to see how they fare in the competition.

Will their artistry and heart win over the judges? Can their decades of partnership translate into a winning bake? One thing’s for sure—their story has already captured the hearts of viewers across the country.

The Recipe for Holiday Happiness

At its core, *Baked with Love: Holiday* isn’t just about baking. It’s about celebrating the bonds that make the season feel a little warmer.

Marko Adams and Steven Sunderman really bring that message to life. Their story is proof that passion, creativity, and love are ingredients that never get old.

• Show: Baked with Love: Holiday
• Network: Hallmark Channel
• Hosts and Judges: Tamera Mowry-Housley, Anna Haugh, Vaughn Vreeland
• Contestants to Watch: Marko Adams and Steven Sunderman of Cold Spring, Kentucky
• Premiere Date: October 27, 2025
• Air Time: Mondays at 9 p.m. ET
• Streaming: Hallmark+ (next day)

As the lights go up and the scent of cinnamon drifts through the air, why not tune in? You’ll get to watch a love story forty years in the making, unfolding in the sweetest way possible.

Honestly, with *Baked with Love: Holiday*, it’s never just about the winner. It’s about how love, creativity, and maybe a dusting of powdered sugar can turn any kitchen into something straight out of a Hallmark movie.