From a Brooklyn 2 Food Network:
From the heart of Brooklyn to the national stage, Kareem Youngblood’s journey to Spring Baking Championship is a testament to resilience, passion, and family legacy.
Born in 1985 during the crack and HIV epidemic, Kareem was raised by his grandfather in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. With his father absent and
his mother battling addiction—now over 30 years clean—Kareem found strength in his grandfather, the neighborhood’s unofficial patriarch, who made sure no one went hungry.
"Even though I wasn’t classically trained, my education came from life itself—I went to the University of Grandpa and YouTube," Kareem says. "He taught me everything I know about food—not the fancy stuff, but the real, soul-satisfying kind."
Now, that foundation has led him to Food Network’s Spring Baking Championship Season 11, where he’s set to showcase his talent, heart, and hustle.
A Story of Loss, Strength & Full-Circle Moments
Kareem’s journey isn’t just about food—it’s about loss, growth, and stepping into his purpose. His grandfather passed away on May 22, 2022, after a battle with kidney failure. The hardest decision of Kareem’s life was choosing not to put him on dialysis, knowing it would make his final days harder. Instead, he made a promise: one more sunny day—the same words from one of his grandfather’s favorite gospel songs.
After bringing him home for one last Thanksgiving together, Kareem stayed by his side until the end, personally washing and dressing him after he passed and carrying him to the funeral home van. Every last penny of his grandfather’s life insurance went toward what he calls his “grieve-cation”—a healing journey to Big Bend Summit and Cancún.
"My grandpa didn’t die for me to pay bills," Kareem jokes. But in truth, the trip helped him heal—Big Bend gave him clarity, Cancún reminded him to live again. Then, exactly two years later to the date, Kareem found himself competing on Spring Baking Championship. "It wasn’t just a baking competition—it was a full-circle moment," Kareem shares. "Everything I had been through led me to that kitchen."
Don’t miss Kareem as he bakes his heart out and brings his Brooklyn roots to the national stage! Mondays 8pm on Food Network
Host Jesse Palmer, Judges Duff Goldman, Nancy Fuller and Kardea Brown as seen on Food Network Spring Baking Championship
