Sponges have always terrified me. I knew there was a method that I was not doing, so was great to get this info. This is a great online course ... Loved it!
Cath, Perth
Discover the secrets to super light sponges – right in your very own kitchen!
Sponges is a fun and informative online baking course that will have you whipping up your own light and fluffy sponge cakes – all from your very own kitchen!
Guiding you through the process will be Anneka Manning, ready to share her more than 35 years of baking experience, knowledge and research, as well as her practical and handy tips and tricks.
The course includes a 2.5-hour masterclass pre-recorded video (which was previously recorded as a Live Session), which enables you to take part in this course entirely at your own pace. Not only does the video include full step-by-step instructions for making a Classic Hot Milk Sponge, but you will have the ability to bake along in your own time and have access to all the questions that were answered during the session.
This virtual masterclass is supported by printable recipes and resources, as well as individual technique videos, which will teach you everything you need to know to conquer your fear of these gorgeous, classic cakes at home and become your go-to sponge baking kit.
At the end of this class, you will walk away with fail-safe recipes, techniques and confidence you need to bake a gorgeous sponge whenever the mood takes you!
Dates
Sponges is a self-paced course and is now open for enrolment.
Please note: The video included in this course is a pre-recorded 2.5-hour video of a previous Live Session.
If you're interested in joining in a future LIVE class and would like to be notified when new dates are released, please fill out your details at the bottom of this page.
Give it a go! Anneka will have you making a sponge in no time.
Alison, Melbourne
Cost
$100
Who is this course suitable for?
This course is, quite simply, suitable for everyone. As this course is completed online, it is available to students from all over the world.
What will I get?
A 2.5-hour Live Session where you can bake along with Anneka Manning and learn how to make a Classic Hot Milk Sponge
Access to Anneka's 35+ years of baking experience and knowledge through The Kitchen Table and the ability to ask any baking-related questions
A thorough understanding of how to make sponges and how to apply what you’ve learnt to be able to troubleshoot in the future and ensure baking success
Invaluable printable information sheets, recipes and technique videos
Lifetime access to the video and course material
A chance to (virtually) meet like-minded people and share your baking with The Kitchen Table online group
Baking confidence, knowledge and skill to use regularly at home
What will I learn?
This class covers the various mixing methods and techniques used when making sponge cakes and includes the following recipes:
Classic Hot Milk Sponge
Raspberry Swiss Roll
Powder Puffs
Lemon Chiffon Cake
Sponge Fingers
Coffee & Almond Genoise (Gateau Moka)
Elderflower Gin Sponge
Included are also Anneka's top tips for beautiful sponges, how to remove sponges from cake tins, how to roll a Swiss Roll, and loads of clever ideas on how to embellish your sponge cakes.
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 watch the video and bake the recipes entirely in your own time. You will have lifetime access to all the recipes, videos and printable information sheets.
There is the option to connect with Anneka and other bakers via Facebook through BakeClub's exclusive The Kitchen Table membership groups. This way you can share your experience and support each other as your confidence and skills grow.
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. Sign up now for a 6- or 12-month membership and we’ll send you a copy of Anneka's book BakeClass (valued at $29.99), personally signed – straight to your door!
I totally enjoyed this value for money course which has renewed my love of baking. The recipes were fantastic and I will definitely be baking more from now on, utilising my newly acquired skills. This was a perfect course for me. Just Do It. You won’t look back.
Marlene Davies, Victoria
Learn to bake at home – in your own time!
Baking Basics is a fun and engaging self-paced online course where you will learn the basics of baking – in your own time, at your own pace – all from your own home kitchen!
Guided by Anneka Manning and her more than 35 years of baking experience, this course will cover ingredients, equipment and two simple mixing methods, and is packed full of hints, tips and tricks to make baking easy, more successful and therefore, much more fun!
This course will reconnect you with baking from scratch and emphasise the importance of using our hands to create something not only delicious but ready to share with someone in need of a little connection and care. Through this course, you will learn how baking can be a wonderful grounding and calming exercise that can help to reduce anxiety and stress, while providing endless enjoyment.
Designed to be completed in 14 days (but you can take as long as you like), this is the perfect online course for anyone looking for a structured way to learn how to bake.
Please note: Baking Basics is a condensed version of our Baking Foundations online course so we do not recommend it to those who have already completed Baking Foundations.
How to enrol
Baking Basics is a self-paced course and is now open for enrolment.
I completed this course with my daughter and we learnt so much and really enjoyed it! I was so impressed with the results we achieved. We absolutely loved the experience, can not fault the info, videos and all instructions. Nothing to improve in our eyes!
Nicole, Perth
Cost
$50
Who is this course suitable for?
This course is, quite simply, suitable for everyone, but it is aimed at beginners. As this course is completed online, it is available to students from all over the world.
What will I get?
14 downloadable course modules which will include invaluable information sheets, videos, recipes, checklists and infographics
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?
The Secrets to Baking Success
Measuring
Preparing Your Cake Tins
The Measure & Mix Method
The 10 Essential Baking Ingredients
All About Eggs
All About Butter
The Measure & Beat Method
The Top 10 Essential Baking Tools
Understanding Your Oven
Mixing Tools
Which recipes are included?
Melt & Mix Coconut Chocolate Cake
Honied Muesli Bars
Carrot & Parsnip Picnic Loaf
Classic Walnut Brownies
Pecan & Cinnamon Oat Biscuits
Mini Baked Jam Doughnuts
White Chocolate Butterfly Cakes
Cherry & Almond Friands
Zebra Cake
Easy Vanilla Cake
Zucchini, Parmesan & Basil Muffins
Mixed Seed & Fig Crackers
Rhubarb Sour Cream Crumble Cake
I have never done a cooking course online before and now I would highly recommend it! Though I’ve been baking for a long time I’ve actually never been taught the basics. It was great to start from the beginning and this has improved my baking. You will pick up lots of tips and the recipes are divine. I really enjoyed the course.
Vanessa Hasler, Melbourne
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 14 days or more 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, videos 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. This way you can share your experience and support each other as your confidence and skills grow.
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!
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.
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!