The Science of Baking

- Online Classes -


The Science of Baking is a 6-week online course that will uncover the “why” behind the “how” of baking.

The next course will take place from Friday 16th August – Friday 27th September 2024.

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, 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 16th August – 27th September 2024.

 

If you're interested in enrolling in a future course and would like to be notified when new dates are released, please fill in your details at the bottom of this page.

Cost

$350 

Student numbers

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 Facebook page 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

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
  • A chance to learn about the science of baking surrounded (virtually) by like-minded people
  • Access to a closed Facebook group 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
  • During the course, you will have access to two Facebook Live Q&As with Anneka (one in Week 3 and one in Week 6). This will give you the opportunity to ask her any baking questions that have arisen for you during the course
  • 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, 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.

Do I have to use Facebook to take part in the course?

A core part of The Science of Baking eCourse is the closed Facebook group which creates a sense of community during the course and also allows you to share your experience, receive timely support and generally communicate with Anneka and the other students. 

If you are not a Facebook user, or you’re apprehensive about joining the group, the course can still be completed without being a member however we do find that our students get more from the course if they do participate. The more you get involved with the group and share your experiences, the more value it will add to your The Science of Baking experience.

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!

Gina Hughes, Perth 

If you're interested in enrolling in a future course, please fill out your details below and you'll be one of the first to know when new dates are released.​