Sourdough is an in-depth, self-paced online course where you will learn everything there is to know about making and baking your own artisan sourdough bread.
From start to finish this course is all you need to know about sourdough bread making and you can do it in your own time! I particularly like the way you explain the science behind cooking as it helps me understand each step of the process better and where I might need to make adjustments ... All of it was wonderful!
Maria Hickey, Victoria
Discover everything you need to know about making your own sourdough – in your own time!
Sourdough is an in-depth, self-paced online course where you will learn everything there is to know about making and baking your own artisan sourdough bread – in your own time, at your own pace – all from your own home kitchen!
Made up of a combination of demonstration videos, printable recipes and invaluable information sheets that you can study at your own pace, this online course will take you through the entire process from making and maintaining your own sourdough starter through to proving, kneading, shaping, baking and even storing your bread.
Throughout the course, Anneka Manning shares her more than 30 years of baking experience, knowledge and research, as well as all of her practical and handy tips and tricks.
At the end of this course, you will walk away with all the knowledge, skill and confidence you need to be able to bake your own delicious sourdough bread at home.
I really enjoyed the journey of making sourdough from the starter, to the different feedings and the proving process. It has given me a different appreciation of this delicious bread! Anneka has a wealth of baking knowledge. As always, so professional and fun! I got all I expected from this course.
Corina Benjamin, Sydney
Cost
$150
Who is this course suitable for?
This course is, quite simply, suitable for everyone, but it is aimed at intermediate to experienced bakers. As this course is completed online, it is suitable for students from all over the world.
What will I get?
Four downloadable modules which will take you through the complete process of making your own sourdough
A thorough understanding of the sourdough process and how to apply what you’ve learnt to be able to troubleshoot in the future and ensure baking success
Invaluable printable information sheets and recipes
Baking confidence, knowledge and skill to use regularly at home – and the inspiration to get into the kitchen and get baking!
What will I learn?
What a sourdough starter is
How to make your own sourdough starter
How to feed, maintain, store and get the most from your sourdough starter
What a levain or pre-frement is
Key ingredients and equipment needed to make great sourdough bread
What is the most ideal way to knead and prove your sourdough
Using proving baskets and how to shape your sourdough without them
The secret to a crunchy crust and chewy texture (like the artisan ones you buy!)
I would recommend this course as an excellent introduction to baking sourdough bread with experience that could not be gleaned from just reading a recipe.
Sheila Zanyk, Canada
How does a self-paced course work?
This online course is completely self-guided. Upon enrolment, you will gain access to the course content which you can work through at your own pace. You can log on whenever it is convenient for you and complete the modules one day at a time.
You can take as long as you need to complete the course – it's up to you how quickly you want to work through the content. You will have lifetime access to all the videos, recipes and printable information sheets so you can dip in and out of it whenever it suits you.
There is the option to connect with other bakers via Facebook through BakeClub's exclusive The Kitchen Table membership group and via Instagram using #bakeschoolsourdough. This way you can share your experience and support each other as your confidence and skills grow.
Can I use my own sourdough starter if I already have one?
You are more than welcome to use your own starter if you already have one but we do recommend that you use a sourdough starter that is 100% hydration. A 100% hydration starter is made from, and fed with, equal quantities (by weight) of both flour and water, or 1 part flour and 1 part water (for example, 125g of starter is fed with 125g water and 125g flour).
So, is Sourdough for me?
Would you like to master the technique of making your own sourdough bread from scratch?
Would you love to be able to bake artisan-style bread at home?
Would you like to be guided and inspired by Anneka's 30+ years of baking experience in your own kitchen?
Do you have more time on your hands at the moment and keen to learn a new skill?
If any of these sound like you, then this course is the one for you!
I have tried making sourdough in the past, but never had consistent results. This course is a great way to start your sourdough baking journey and gives you a solid foundation to work from.
Su Shearer, Victoria
JOIN BAKECLUB'S 'INNER CIRCLE'!
BakeClub & Co. is BakeClub's exciting membership which brings together a worldwide community of like-minded bakers and will provide you with baking inspiration and exclusive content, personal guidance and fun, and ultimately make successful baking more accessible to you.
Anneka's enthusiasm and passion spoke to me and I now feel more confident with my understanding of baking and the actual baking! This course is very well organised and professionally presented...I thoroughly enjoyed each module's information and recipes. I am a fairly competent baker, however I bake the same style of recipes. The Baking Foundations course baked me out of my comfort zone and I thoroughly enjoyed it (as did family and friends!)
Karen, USA
What is Baking Foundations? Watch the video below to find out:
You are invited to Anneka's online kitchen!
Baking Foundations is a self-paced online course that will take you back to the fundamentals of baking – in your own time, at your own pace – all from your own home kitchen!
With Anneka Manning as your guide, you will learn the essentials of baking in a logical, fun and engaging way. Full of tips, tricks and relevant information – suited to the way we bake today – this course will teach you that success in baking always comes back to the foundations.
Made up of info sheets, videos, recipes, checklists and infographics, the course material will be delivered in six modules which you can study and enjoy at your own pace. The course will cover basic ingredients, equipment and mixing methods, exploring all the little things that you may never have been taught.
At the end of this course, you will walk away with all the skills, knowledge and inspiration you need to bake at home with confidence and success!
Please note: Baking Foundations is an extended version of our Baking Basics online course so we do not recommend it to those who have already completed Baking Basics.
How to enrol
Baking Foundations is a self-paced course and is now open for enrolment.
Baking Foundations got me cooking things I had previously thought were complicated and out of my league. Learning the simple mixing methods made the techniques of baking much clearer and simpler, and therefore less daunting. I made some great bakes I might not have tackled before because I had assumed they were more complicated than they really were and I now feel more confident with future bakes.
Alison, Melbourne
Cost
$150
Who is this course suitable for?
This course is, quite simply, suitable for bakers of all skill levels!
Beginners who want to start their baking journey and set strong foundations for their baking forever;
Intermediate bakers who would like to strengthen and improve their basic skills and extend their knowledge;
And experienced, more competent cooks, who would like to fill in all the baking "gaps" and learn things you may never have been taught (you don't know what you don't know, right?)
As this course is completed online, it is suitable for students from all over the world.
What will I get?
Six downloadable course modules which will include invaluable information sheets, videos, recipes, checklists, infographics and much more to support and inspire your learning
A thorough understanding of the basics of baking and how to use them to ensure baking success
Baking confidence, knowledge and skill to use regularly at home – and the inspiration to get into the kitchen and get baking!
What will I learn?
Each module will include a combination of baking theory and practical exercises. Fun and engaging tasks will help you put into practise what you have learnt while Anneka's fail-safe recipes will inspire you to roll up your sleeves and get baking!
Module 1: Why Do We Bake? The first module will explore why we bake (or why we should bake!) including the benefits that reach far beyond the kitchen walls. We will take a look at the ‘nasties’ that you will be able to avoid through your home baking, share personal stories and understand that baking is actually all about connecting.
Module 2: The Secrets to Baking Success During the second module, you will discover the 10 most important things to do before you start baking to ensure you will be on the most efficient road to baking success. You will also learn how to measure accurately and how to get the most from your recipes.
Module 3: The Measure and Mix Method The third module will explore the Measure and Mix Method – the perfect starting place if you are new to baking or just want to rebuild your baking skills from the ground up.
Module 4: The Baker’s Pantry The fourth module is all about understanding the basic ingredients most commonly used in baking. Essential to becoming a good baker, you will learn how to use these ingredients to get the most out of them, creating the ultimate baker’s pantry so that you are well equipped for whenever you want to bake.
Module 5: The Measure and Beat Method In our fifth module, you will learn the Measure and Beat Method. No-fuss, simple and quick, this method requires an electric mixer and is used for recipes with a high proportion of butter and sugar. Why? We’ll answer that during this module where you will also learn how to make the most out of recipes using this method.
Module 6: The Baker’s Kit Having a carefully selected collection of utensils and equipment will do a lot for your baking confidence and success. Our final module will include a comprehensive guide to oven settings, mixing tools and essential bakeware.
Anneka is so knowledgable, you find out so much! I wasn't sure how an online baking course would work but I think you do a fabulous job and it works really well. I really enjoyed the variety of recipes we got to cook and it was very interesting to see how they tied into each lesson. I would recommend Baking Foundations!
Sue-Anne, Sydney
How does a self-paced course work?
This online course is completely self-guided. Upon enrolment, you will gain access to the course content which you can work through at your own pace. You can log on whenever it is convenient for you and complete the modules one day at a time.
You can take as long as you need to complete the course – it's up to you how quickly you want to work through the content. You will have lifetime access to all the videos, recipes and printable information sheets so you can dip in and out of it whenever it suits you.
There is the option to connect with other bakers via Facebook through BakeClub's exclusive The Kitchen Table membership group and via Instagram using #bakingfoundations. This way you can share your experience and support each other as your confidence and skills grow.
So, is Baking Foundations for me?
Would you like to extend, strengthen and improve your baking skills?
Have you perhaps never considered yourself to be a particularly good baker but you would like to give it a go and see if baking is for you?
Would you like to be guided and inspired by Anneka's 30+ years of baking experience in your own kitchen?
Do you have more time on your hands at the moment and keen to learn a new skill?
If any of these sound like you, then Baking Foundations is the course for you!
The course was great. I have not had that much fun in ages, not because I live a boring life but because I learnt genuine skills and gained confidence in baking that I did not expect. When I come back to the Module 1 question, "Why do I bake?", I can now sincerely respond: I bake for my family successfully but also for me as I get great enjoyment from my skills!
Discover this no-fuss 'real' guide to the world of gluten-free baking – in your own time!
Gluten-free Baking Essentials is a self-paced online course that will introduce you to the tricky world of gluten-free baking and will give you an understanding of gluten-free ingredients and how to use them successfully – all from your own home kitchen!
Completed in your own time, at your own pace, this course will give you a thorough understanding of what can be substituted for gluten-based ingredients in your baking and introduce you to the best gluten-free flour options. You will learn how to make your own gluten-free flour blends and for which type of recipe each blend is best suited, as well as how to adapt recipes to gluten-free (and how to get the best results!). You will also receive an invaluable collection of gluten-free recipes that you can build upon and use on a daily basis including gluten-free bread, pastry, pizza base, muffins, biscuits and a special celebration cake.
Guided by Anneka Manning, she will share her more than 30 years of baking experience, knowledge and research, as well as all of her practical and handy tips and tricks.
By the end of this course, you will walk away with all the knowledge, skill and confidence you need to get the best out of recipes without gluten and enjoy successful – and delicious – gluten-free baking!
This course is, quite simply, suitable for bakers of all skill levels who want to expand their gluten-free knowledge and understand how gluten-free ingredients work and how to use them successfully in their baking. This course is not only for those who need to avoid gluten in their own diets, but also those who want to bake for family and friends who are gluten-intolerant.
As this course is completed online, it is suitable for students from all over the world.
What will I get?
An understanding of gluten-free baking, substitutions and gluten-free flour options
Downloadable and printable information resources including The Principles of Gluten-free Baking, A Guide to Gluten-free Flours, Starches and Other Ingredients, Making Your Own Gluten-free Flour Blends and Tips for Gluten-free Baking
An invaluable collection of delicious gluten-free recipes (many of which are also dairy-free) that you can build upon and use on a daily basis (see full list below)
Membership to BakeClub's exclusive The Kitchen Table online group which will provide ongoing support and inspiration
Gluten-free baking confidence, knowledge and skill to use regularly at home
Gluten-free Vanilla Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting
Gluten-free Zucchini, Feta & Pesto Galette
Seeded Gluten-free Crackers
How does a self-paced course work?
This online course is completely self-guided. Upon enrolment, you will gain access to the course content which you can work through at your own pace. You can log on whenever it is convenient for you and complete the modules one day at a time.
You can take as long as you need to complete the course – it's up to you how quickly you want to work through the content. You will have lifetime access to all the recipes and printable information sheets so you can dip in and out of it whenever it suits you.
There is the option to connect with other bakers via Facebook through BakeClub's exclusive The Kitchen Table membership group and via Instagram using #bakeschoolglutenfree. This way you can share your experience and support each other as your confidence and skills grow.
So, is Gluten-Free Baking Essentials for me?
Do you need to avoid gluten in your diet but still want to bake delicious things you can eat?
Do you want to bake successfully for family and friends who are gluten-intolerant?
Would you like to gain a thorough understanding of what can be substituted for gluten-based ingredients in your baking and gain the confidence to do so?
Would you like to be guided and inspired by Anneka's 30+ years of baking experience in your own kitchen?
Do you have more time on your hands at the moment and keen to learn a new skill?
If any of these sound like you, then this course is the one for you!
This is a fun and fascinating course where you will learn how baking works and how to apply that knowledge to improve your baking. Anneka's knowledge and guidance was key to me learning as much as I did. What a great teacher! The videos were simple, clear and easy to understand. Excellent learning materials that I loved reading. Great recipes – some have become favourites already!
Lesley Schoer, Coffs Harbour
What is The Science of Baking? Watch the video below to find out!
You are invited to Anneka's online kitchen!
The Science of Baking is a 6-week online course that will uncover the “why” behind the “how” of baking.
We will explore the most common ingredients and how they affect our baking when used in different ways. Once you understand the science of baking, you will be able to turn old baking failures into successes and troubleshoot as you bake from now on.
With Anneka Manning helping and encouraging you along the way, you’ll work through common baking mishaps – like why a cake hasn’t risen – and be guided through the science behind it, so you can apply this knowledge every single time you bake and ensure the best results.
The course will be delivered in 6 modules which are released weekly. Made up of videos, recipes, experiments, infographics and information sheets, you can download and print them off to study and enjoy at your own pace. The information will be presented in a fun and interesting way and will be backed up with practical projects, virtual live sessions with Anneka, online discussions and lots of support.
In just 6 weeks you will understand why you’re using particular ingredients and the science behind what happens when you use them to guarantee success whenever you bake. You’ll gain the confidence to try past failed recipes again as well as the skill to adjust recipes with success.
Understanding the science of baking will open your eyes to the bigger baking picture and truly transform the way that you bake from now on.
Dates
The Science of Baking will run from Friday 18th July – Friday 29th August 2025.
Cost
$350 (Half price for all BakeClub & Co. Members. Discount code will be available to members in June for booking.)
We will only be accepting a limited number of bakers for this course so that Anneka can provide personal feedback and timely answers to your baking questions.
My favourite part of the course was the structure for learning it offered. The course was presented in such a way that over the 6 weeks your knowledge grows and the process of baking starts to make more sense. I learnt such a lot from Anneka and the other participants. Anneka is so generous with sharing her knowledge. Questions posted on the online chat forum were answered in great detail ... I gained so much more than I expected and really enjoyed the 6 weeks. It was perfect.
Leanne Mahoney, Geelong
Live Session schedule
During the course, you will have access to weekly online Live Sessions with Anneka. During these Live Sessions Anneka will go over specific concepts covered in that week’s Module and you will also have the opportunity to ask her any related questions that have arisen for you as you work your way through the content.
The Live Sessions will take place at 8.00-8.30pm AEST on the following days:
Tuesday 22nd July 2025
Monday 28th July 2025
Wednesday 6th August 2025
Wednesday 13th August 2025
Tuesday 19th August 2025
Monday 25th August 2025
Who is this course suitable for?
Whether you’re an occasional cook or a diehard daily baker, there’s a huge amount to learn from The Science of Baking. If you are a beginner baker, we highly recommend that you complete our Baking Foundations online course first.
As this course is completed online, it is suitable for students from all over the world.
What will I get?
Six downloadable course modules which will include invaluable information sheets, videos, recipes, experiments, infographics and much more to support and inspire your learning
Personal and timely baking advice, guidance and inspiration from Anneka Manning
Access to a closed online forum where you will be able to chat with Anneka and your fellow students enabling you to learn from, connect with and share your baking journey with each other
Weekly online Live Sessions with Anneka (see schedule above) where she will go over specific concepts covered in that week’s Module and you will have the opportunity to ask her any related questions that have arisen for you as you work your way through the content.
A chance to learn about the science of baking surrounded (virtually) by like-minded people
A thorough understanding of the science of baking and how to apply what you’ve learnt to always ensure baking success
Membership to BakeClub's exclusive The Kitchen Table online group on completion of the course
Baking confidence, knowledge and skill to use regularly at home
What will I learn?
Each module will include a combination of baking theory and practical exercises including experiments and recipes. The experiments will bring the theory to life and really show you what is happening when we bake.
Module 1: Becoming an Observant Baker The first module will introduce you to the concept of the “why” of baking and how becoming an observant – and mindful – baker can change the way you look at baking and, ultimately, the success you will have. You will also be taken through the 7 stages of baking helping you to fully understand what happens to your bake while in the oven.
Module 2: How Leavening Works During the second module, we will explore what makes your baking rise and gives it lightness – we will look at what leavening is and how it works, the different types of leavening you can use in your baking and which ones are best used for particular recipes.
Module 3: Flour Proteins & Gluten Gluten (flour protein) is one of the three main structure-builders in baking and is the most complex in the way it works. This module will explore the many factors that control how and to what extent gluten is developed in your bakes, as well as touch on gluten-free flours and what to be aware of when using them in your baking.
Module 4: Sugars The fourth module will explore sugar including the nine important things that sugar does in your baking and how adjusting the amount or type of sugar in a recipe can really affect the results you get.
Module 5: Fats & Oils When it comes to fats in your baking, it is not only the type used but also its consistency and how it is combined with the other ingredients, which will help determine the final texture, volume and flavour of your bake. The fifth module will explain the role that fats play in your baking.
Module 6: Eggs The final module is all about eggs and its many roles. We will look at egg foams, how the freshness of eggs affect your baking as well as the science behind what happens when egg whites are whisked with sugar.
I could not recommend Anneka and her BakeClub team highly enough! The course was so informative, and the online resources were all of high quality and extremely useful. Anneka’s recipes are all delicious and well developed. Whether you bake a little or a lot, you will expand and improve your skills with BakeClub.
Abbey Gordon, Melbourne
How will I get the most out of this course?
To get the most out of this course, you need to set aside at least 3-4 hours a week to read the content, watch the videos, join the weekly online Live Session, do the experiments and bake the recipes. We know life sometimes gets in the way (you will have 6 months to access the course content too) but your baking won't improve and you won't enjoy the far-reaching benefits that this course can deliver if you don't put in the time and effort.
So, is The Science of Baking for me?
Would you like to understand the science behind baking and what is actually happening when you bake?
Are you interested in why some bakes don’t work as expected?
Would you like to extend, strengthen and improve your baking skills?
Would you like to become part of the BakeClub community?
Are you interested in meeting other like-minded people and sharing your love of baking?
If any of these sound like you, then The Science of Baking is the course for you!
My favourite part was being able to ask questions throughout the course based on the baking you were doing, or what you saw others doing. I absolutely respect Anneka's ability to be able to offer information in a very clear and concise manner and I got more than expected from the course. If you are interested in understanding what is happening when you bake, so that you can get better outcomes, then you must do this course!