Justin Ellen on Netflix’s Is It Cake? – Behind the Scenes

Ever wondered what it’s like to compete on a Netflix baking competition? Well, I, Justin Ellen was on Is It Cake?, and let me tell you—it was WILD. From the intense time limits to the crazy hyper-realistic cake challenges, it was one of the most exciting, stressful, and life-changing experiences of my career.

If you’ve ever wanted a behind-the-scenes look at Is It Cake?—including how I got cast, what filming was really like, and how it changed my life—this is the blog post for you!

🎬 How Justin Ellen Got on Netflix’s Is It Cake? (The Casting Process)

Believe it or not, I found out about the show through my Instagram comments! Someone randomly commented, “Hi Justin Ellen! Want to be on a new baking show (aka ‘Is it Cake?’)? Check your DMs!” And honestly… I thought it was sketchy. At the time, I only had around 5,000 followers, and I wasn’t even a known name in the baking world.

But I checked my DMs, and sure enough, there was a message from a casting producer explaining the opportunity. At first, they couldn’t disclose the network or show name, but once I saw that the DM was from a real casting company, I knew it was legit.

💡 Tip: If you ever get a casting DM, do your research! Check the casting producer’s name, Google the company, and make sure it’s a legit opportunity before responding.

📌 How to Apply for a Baking Show Like Is It Cake?

If you want to get on a show like this, you don’t need to wait for a DM. Most baking shows have open applications that anyone can apply to! Casting producers regularly post about them on their Instagram pages and official casting websites.

The application process itself is long. The first step was a detailed form asking:
✔ Your baking background (Are you a professional or home baker?)
✔ Your story (Why do you love baking? What’s your unique angle?)
✔ Your experience (Do you bake full-time? Do you run a business?)
✔ Your personality (They’re looking for BIG energy!)
✔ Your best cake photos (They need to see your skills!)

Once I submitted, casting producers reviewed my application and scheduled a Zoom interview. They told me exactly what to prepare so I wouldn’t be caught off guard.

💡 Biggest Tip for Casting Calls: Show your personality! Everyone can bake, but not everyone has a unique, fun, engaging personality. That’s what makes you stand out.

After the interview, the producers recorded my Zoom call and submitted it to the network for final approval. A few weeks later, I got the life-changing call—I was going to Los Angeles to film for Netflix!

If you’re looking to compete on a baking or cooking show, check out casting companies on Instagram, like @js_casting.

🏆 Prepping for the Show – What Happens Before Filming?

Before heading to LA, I had one major concern: What if I failed? I was competing against much older, more experienced bakers. But I reminded myself:

“Even if I don’t win, I’m competing on a Netflix baking show. How many people can say that?”

Once I arrived, the Netflix production team was amazing. They made sure I felt comfortable, safe, and prepared. When I told them I was nervous about flying alone for the first time, they even offered to fly my mom out with me.

✨ Fun Fact: Everything—flights, hotels, food—was paid for, AND we got a stipend for our time.

Since this was Season 1, we had no clue what to expect. We were simply told: “This is a hyper-realistic cake competition.” So before filming, I practiced nonstop, making cakes, cakes, and more cakes just to be ready.

🎥 Filming Day – What It’s REALLY Like on Set

The set was INSANE. From the outside, it looked like just a random warehouse, but inside? It was like a full-blown Hollywood movie set! Is It Cake was everything little Justin Ellen dreamed of—and more.

✔ Fully stocked baking stations with every tool and ingredient imaginable.
✔ Huge cameras everywhere. (No escaping them!)
✔ Bright lights, multiple takes, and high-pressure competition.

As soon as I walked in, I felt overwhelmed. It was my first time on TV, and I was just 18 years old competing against seasoned bakers. But my biggest goal? Have fun and enjoy the moment!

📌 The Is It Cake? Competition Experience

• YES, the time limits are real.
• YES, the stress is real.
• YES, the competition is intense.

But Netflix is NOT a reality show trying to create drama. Their goal is to make every contestant shine. The pressure was high, but the production team was always supportive.

🎂 The Cakes Justin Ellen Made on Is It Cake?

I competed in two challenges:

🥩 A raw steak cake (with edible plastic wrap and a foam tray!)
🧰 A tackle box cake (which I originally thought was a toolbox—oops!)

Both cakes had to be hyper-realistic AND delicious. If I could fool the judges, I had a shot at winning. And guess what? I did fool the judges! 🎉

Of course, I used my famous Vanilla Cake recipe and our viral Buttercream recipe! But for a unique spin, I added raspberry compote and mixed white chocolate into the buttercream. Let’s just say—WOW!

Unfortunately, I don’t have any photos of my cakes—so you’ll just have to watch the show!

🌟 Life After Is It Cake? – How Justin Ellen’s Is it Cake Experience changed his career.

After filming, I had to keep it all a secret for nearly a year. No one could know the results until the show aired.

But the moment Is It Cake? dropped on Netflix? My life changed.

🚀 My social media BLEW UP. Tens of thousands of followers overnight.
📺 Press appearances on CNBC, The Sherri Show, and more.
🎂 My cake business exploded. So many orders, I could barely keep up!

One thing I didn’t expect? People recognizing me in malls, airports—even out of the country!

The biggest gift from this experience? The lifelong friendships I made with other contestants. To this day, we support each other, share advice, and push each other forward.

On top of it all, I scaled my business to well over $100,000. With or without TV, this is easily possible, and I share all my secrets here.

🎤 Would I Do It Again? My Advice for Future Contestants on Baking Shows

100% YES. Even though I was stressed (on the verge of tears at times!), I would do it all over again.

💡 My #1 Advice for Getting on a Baking Show?
✔ Share your story. Being a great baker isn’t enough. Your personality is what makes you unique.
✔ Breathe and stay calm. When you’re under a time crunch, just take a deep breath and reset.
✔ Take the risk! Even if you don’t win, the exposure, networking, and opportunities can change your career.

📢Would You Compete on Is It Cake??

Competing on Is It Cake? was one of the best decisions of my life. It challenged me, pushed me outside my comfort zone, and opened doors I never imagined. Looking back, I wouldn’t be where I am today without Is It Cake?. It truly helped shape Justin Ellen into the baker and creator I am now.

Thinking about auditioning for a baking show? Drop your questions in the comments, and let’s chat!

📌 Want more behind-the-scenes content? Follow me on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more cake madness!