Disabilities & Access

Bakery Short Course

The bakery Short course will introduce you to the world of baking, covering the essential skills and techniques needed to create a variety of baked goods.

Baking is both an art and a science, and practice is key to becoming a skilled baker. Experiment with different recipes, ingredients, and flavor combinations to refine your skills and develop your own signature baked goods.

What You’ll Discover

Baking Fundamentals: You’ll gain a solid understanding of the basic principles of baking, including ingredient functions, mixing techniques, and the science behind leavening agents like yeast and baking powder.

Bread Making: Learn how to make various types of bread, from classic white loaves to artisanal bread, sourdough, and specialty breads like baguettes and challah.

Pastry Making: Discover the art of making different types of pastries, such as puff pastry, short-crust pastry, and choux pastry. You’ll create pastries for sweet and savory applications, including pies, tarts, and éclairs.

Cakes: Master the techniques for making cakes, including sponge cakes, butter cakes, and chiffon cakes. Learn about frosting and decorating cakes with various techniques.

Cookies and Biscuits: Explore the world of cookies, from classic chocolate chip cookies to delicate shortbread and biscotti. Learn how to shape, bake, and decorate cookies.

Doughnuts and Fritters: Understand the process of making doughnuts and fritters, including different fillings and glazes. Discover various styles, from traditional ring-shaped doughnuts to filled and twisted varieties.

Pies and Quiches: Learn to create both sweet and savory pies, quiches, and galettes. Explore different fillings, crusts, and decorative techniques.

Cake Decorating: Develop basic cake decorating skills, including frosting techniques, piping, and simple cake designs. You may also explore fondant and gum paste decorations.

Baking Tools and Equipment: Get familiar with essential baking tools and equipment, including mixers, ovens, measuring instruments, and specialty tools like pastry bags and tips.

Food Safety and Hygiene: Understand the importance of food safety and hygiene in a bakery setting, including proper handling, storage, and sanitation practices.

Recipe Development: Gain insights into adapting and creating your own recipes, experimenting with flavors, textures, and ingredient substitutions.

Hands-On Practice: Expect to spend a significant amount of time in the kitchen, applying what you’ve learned by baking a variety of items under the guidance of instructors.

Tasting and Evaluation: Part of the learning process often involves tasting and evaluating your creations, and discussing flavors, textures, and presentation.

Why Choose this Course

The bakery short course can be an excellent way to quickly acquire fundamental baking skills and explore your passion for baking. It’s a practical and hands-on learning experience that can be a stepping stone to a career in the baking industry or simply a rewarding hobby.

Quick Skill Development: Short bakery courses typically offer focused and intensive training, allowing you to acquire baking skills and knowledge in a shorter timeframe compared to longer culinary programs.

Hands-On Experience: Bakery courses often emphasize practical, hands-on learning, providing you with the opportunity to work with ingredients and equipment, honing your skills through actual baking.

Wide Range of Baked Goods: These courses cover a broad spectrum of baked goods, including bread, pastries, cakes, cookies, and more, enabling you to explore and specialize in your areas of interest.

Creative Outlet: Baking is a creative pursuit, and a bakery course allows you to express your creativity through the creation of visually appealing and delicious baked goods.

Culinary Career: If you’re considering a career in the culinary industry, a bakery course can be a stepping stone. Bakers and pastry chefs are in demand in various settings, including bakeries, restaurants, hotels, and catering services.

Entrepreneurship: Learning bakery skills can empower you to start your bakery business, whether it’s a small home-based operation, a food truck, or a traditional bakery. The course can provide you with the knowledge needed to manage a bakery successfully.

Personal Enjoyment: Baking is a hobby enjoyed by many people. Taking a short course allows you to enhance your baking skills for personal enjoyment and for sharing your creations with friends and family.

Professional Networking: Bakery courses often connect you with instructors and fellow students who share a passion for baking, providing opportunities for networking and learning from others in the industry.

Understanding Ingredients: You’ll gain a deeper understanding of baking ingredients, their functions, and how they interact in recipes, which can improve your overall cooking and baking skills.

Business Savvy: Some bakery courses offer insights into the business side of baking, including pricing, marketing, and managing costs. This knowledge can be valuable if you plan to open a bakery or related business.

Continued Learning: After completing the short course, you can continue to build on your skills by experimenting with recipes and techniques at home, expanding your baking repertoire.

Course Breakdown

SESSION	SESSION TITLE	SESSION OVERVIEW
Session 1	Introduction to Baking Baking Tools & Equipment	Explore the history and significance of baking in culinary traditions. Understand the role of a baker and different types of baked goods. Identify and become proficient in using essential baking tools. Learn about specialized equipment like mixers, ovens, and proofing cabinets. Practice proper maintenance and care of equipment.
Session 2	Baking Ingredients Baking Techniques	Explore key baking ingredients, including: Flour and its types Leavening agents (yeast, baking powder, baking soda) Fats (butter, margarine, oils) Sweeteners (sugar, honey, syrups) Dairy and non-dairy alternatives Flavorings and extracts Eggs and egg substitutes Master foundational baking techniques, such as: Mixing methods (e.g., creaming, folding, beating) Kneading and dough handling Proofing and fermentation Baking temperatures and times Pastry and pie crust techniques
Session 3	Types of Baked Goods	Explore various categories of baked goods, including: Bread and rolls Pastries (croissants, Danish, puff pastry) Cakes (sponge, chiffon, butter, pound) Cookies (drop, rolled, bar) Pies and tarts Muffins and quick breads Specialty items (e.g., éclairs, cream puffs)
Session 4	Gluten-Free Baking	Learn about the role of gluten in baking. Explore gluten-free baking techniques and alternatives for those with dietary restrictions.
Session 5	Baking Science	Understand the science behind baking, including the chemistry of leavening agents, fermentation, and browning reactions. Learn how to troubleshoot common baking issues.
Session 6	Pastry & Dough	Master pastry and dough techniques, including: Making and handling pie crust Preparing laminated dough (for croissants) Creating sweet and savory pastry fillings
Session 7	Baking for Special Dietary Needs	Explore baking for various dietary preferences, such as vegan, gluten-free, and low-sugar options. Learn ingredient substitutions and adaptations.
Session 8	Baking Presentation & Decoration	Develop skills in decorating and presenting baked goods. Explore techniques for frosting cakes, piping, and garnishing.
Session 9	Baking Business & Entrepreneurship	Understand the business side of running a bakery or working in a bakery. Explore pricing, menu development, and customer service.
Session 10	Practical Application & Recipe Development	Apply your knowledge by baking a variety of goods. Practice techniques and develop your own baking recipes.

 

Certificate of Completion Issued.