Baking is both a science and an art, and no matter your current level of expertise, there’s always room to improve your skills and expand your knowledge. With the rise of online learning, you can now access top-quality baking courses from the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced baker wanting to master advanced techniques, there’s a course that’s perfect for you. Here are some of the best online baking courses that will help you elevate your skills and bake like a pro.
1. The Great British Bake Off: The Professionals – Masterclass (via FutureLearn)
If you’re a fan of the popular show “The Great British Bake Off,” you’ll love this course. Created in partnership with the show, this course offers professional-level baking techniques, helping you master everything from bread making to intricate desserts.
What You’ll Learn:
- Techniques for baking advanced cakes and pastries.
- How to perfect your bread-baking skills, from sourdough to delicate loaves.
- Professional tips on presenting your baked goods like a true baker.
Why Choose This Course:
This course is perfect for those who want to go beyond basic baking and learn from some of the best in the business. It offers an exciting blend of practical skills and expert advice.
2. Skillshare: Cake Decorating for Beginners
Skillshare offers a variety of baking and cake decorating courses, and the “Cake Decorating for Beginners” class is a standout. This course is ideal for those who want to learn how to decorate cakes with ease and confidence.
What You’ll Learn:
- Basic cake decorating techniques like buttercream piping, fondant work, and flower creation.
- How to create beautiful, professional-looking cakes without needing specialized tools.
- Step-by-step instructions for creating stunning cake designs.
Why Choose This Course:
Skillshare’s platform is known for its hands-on learning approach, and this course is no exception. You’ll be able to try out the techniques taught and receive feedback from instructors and fellow students.
3. America’s Test Kitchen: Baking Techniques (via Online Cooking School)
America’s Test Kitchen is a trusted source for culinary expertise, and their baking courses are no different. The Baking Techniques course offers a comprehensive guide to mastering both basic and advanced baking techniques.
What You’ll Learn:
- Key baking principles, including mixing methods and the importance of ingredient ratios.
- How to make perfect pastries, pies, cakes, and cookies.
- Troubleshooting tips for common baking issues like dry cakes or uneven textures.
Why Choose This Course:
America’s Test Kitchen is renowned for its attention to detail and thorough testing, so you can trust that you’re getting the most reliable and up-to-date baking techniques.
4. Udemy: The Ultimate Cake Decorating Masterclass
If you’re looking to take your cake-decorating skills to the next level, the “Ultimate Cake Decorating Masterclass” on Udemy is the course for you. This class focuses on both foundational skills and advanced techniques.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to create intricate cake designs, including flowers, figures, and fondant decorations.
- Techniques for working with royal icing, buttercream, and chocolate.
- Tips on creating themed cakes for special events like weddings or birthdays.
Why Choose This Course:
With over 30,000 students enrolled, this highly-rated course offers practical advice and demonstrations that you can apply directly in your kitchen. Plus, you get lifetime access to the materials.
5. Rouxbe: Professional Pastry Arts
Rouxbe is a well-known online culinary school that offers in-depth courses for aspiring chefs. The Professional Pastry Arts course is perfect for those who want to go beyond basic baking and dive deep into the world of pastries.
What You’ll Learn:
- The art of making perfect pastries, tarts, cakes, and petit fours.
- How to make doughs, creams, and fillings like a professional pastry chef.
- Techniques for plating and presenting your pastry creations elegantly.
Why Choose This Course:
Rouxbe offers professional-grade culinary education with detailed video lessons, quizzes, and hands-on projects that can help you refine your baking skills and build confidence.
6. Bake with Jack: Baking Mastery (via YouTube)
If you prefer free courses and easy access to content, Bake with Jack on YouTube is an excellent choice. This channel offers a variety of tutorials for bakers at all levels.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to bake bread, pizza dough, and other savory baked goods.
- Mastering the art of baking without expensive equipment.
- Simple, no-fuss techniques for successful baking at home.
Why Choose This Course:
Jack’s tutorials are incredibly approachable for beginners and cover a variety of baking topics. Plus, as it’s free, it’s a great option for anyone looking to improve without spending money.
7. The Culinary Institute of America: Baking and Pastry Arts
The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) is a prestigious culinary school, and they offer online programs for those who are serious about baking and pastry arts. The Baking and Pastry Arts course is a professional-level program that covers all aspects of the craft.
What You’ll Learn:
- Fundamental baking techniques and methods for creating flawless pastries, breads, and cakes.
- How to work with a variety of ingredients like chocolate, sugar, and fruits.
- In-depth lessons on the business side of baking, including running a bakery or pastry shop.
Why Choose This Course:
CIA is one of the best culinary schools in the world, so you can be sure that you’re getting top-tier education. This program is perfect for those who are looking to pursue baking professionally or elevate their skills to a master level.
8. Teachable: Baking for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know
For those new to baking, Teachable offers a fantastic course designed to teach you the basics of baking with easy-to-follow steps. The “Baking for Beginners” course covers everything you need to know to start baking confidently.
What You’ll Learn:
- The essential tools and ingredients every beginner baker needs.
- How to bake cakes, cookies, and bread from scratch.
- Tips for avoiding common beginner mistakes and achieving perfect results.
Why Choose This Course:
This course is beginner-friendly, well-structured, and ideal for those who want a thorough, accessible introduction to the world of baking.
9. MasterClass: Christina Tosi Teaches Baking and Pastry
Christina Tosi, the founder of Milk Bar and an acclaimed pastry chef, offers a MasterClass that is perfect for those who want to elevate their baking skills with expert guidance.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to create signature desserts like Milk Bar’s famous compost cookies and crack pie.
- Techniques for mastering cookies, cakes, and other pastries with a fun, modern twist.
- Creative approaches to baking that push the boundaries of traditional pastry.
Why Choose This Course:
Christina Tosi is an industry icon, and learning directly from her is a unique opportunity. This class is ideal for those looking to bring a bit of whimsy and innovation into their baking.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn the basics or an advanced baker looking to refine your skills, these online baking courses offer everything you need to take your baking to the next level. With the flexibility of online learning, you can bake at your own pace and gain skills that will impress friends, family, and customers alike. Start your baking journey today and unlock your full potential!