Some of the best bakery schools in the world include The Culinary Institute of America, Johnson & Wales University, Central New Mexico Community and The French Culinary Institute.
These schools have comprehensive curriculum that will ensure you graduate as a top baker. Sometimes, Pastry and baking programs are advertised by the schools that provide them under several titles. Some schools use the phrases patissier and patisserie to identify their fields of study. Don’t be put off by the Euro-speak; they’re merely fancy phrases for baker and bakery.
Is Baker a good career?
Baking provides several opportunity to go beyond your beginning position. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, average bakers who work in grocery shops or restaurants earn a median annual pay of $23,140. With the right skills in this profession, you can own a bakery shop and earn way more than that.
Bakery Curriculum
Would-be bakers might choose from a variety of credentials. Certificates and diplomas are specialist degrees that are often completed in a year or less. Choose such a program if your objective is to gain the necessary skills and enter the workforce as soon as possible.
Pastry Arts Associate’s Degrees typically need a two-year commitment. While developing your baking skills is an important part of the curriculum, two-year degrees also demand expertise in subjects such as arithmetic, English, and communication. Because your pastry chef career may need you to supervise others, management skills are also taught. Beyond the Associate’s level, further courses, which often require learning under a renowned master baker, are offered.
You can be sure that these items will appear on your pastry school course at some time, no matter where you end up. Most curricula include cost control and inventory management, but if you eventually want to be an Executive Chef or Kitchen Manager, you’ll want to supplement your pastry training with some advanced management techniques.
Pastry & Baking Major Careers: Where Will I Bake?
Many competent pastry experts work in cafes, bistros, and upmarket bakeries, but chances for inventive patissiers abound in hotels, conference centers, resorts and spas, cruise lines, casinos, and all types of eateries.
Creative entrepreneurs can be found working in specialty pastry establishments such as cupcake shops, chocolate shops, and other stand-alone confectioneries. There are opportunities for respected bakers to work as private/personal cooks for high-profile clientele all around the world. Prestigious positions at places like the White House bakery are reserved for established industry standouts, but you can earn one if you have the skill and tenacity to get acknowledged in your area.
Also, keep in mind that a comprehensive pastry education may just be one aspect of your overall cooking knowledge. Pastry experts are emerging as managers, executive chefs, and even TV celebrity chefs in various aspects of the hospitality business.
Best Bakery Schools in the World
Through community or technical institutions, aspiring pastry chefs can get a certificate or an associate’s degree in baking and pastry arts. Some colleges and universities now have bachelor’s degree programs that mix baking and pastry arts with management or leadership. In this section, we’ll look at some of the best institutions that offer these types of programs.
Below are the top bakery schools in the world:
1. Culinary Institute of America
The Culinary Institute of America has three campuses in New York, California, and Texas, and its faculty includes over 150 experienced chefs. In culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, and wine & beverages, the institute provides certificate, associate’s degree, and bachelor’s degree programs. Aspiring pastry chefs can pursue a bachelor’s degree in baking and pastry arts management or an associate’s degree in baking and pastry arts. Internships, externships, and chances to work in the institute’s pastry restaurants are all part of both curricula.
2. Johnson & Wales University
Johnson & Wales University began as a business school in 1914 and has since expanded to provide undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as technology, teaching, and culinary arts. The university has campuses in Rhode Island, Florida, Colorado, and North Carolina. According to the 2017 US News & World Report rankings, Johnson & Wales was ranked 67th among the finest institutions in the north.
Students at the College of Culinary Arts can earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in baking and pastry arts. Students who enroll in the associate’s degree are given their own pastry toolsets. Students in both the associate’s and bachelor’s degrees must perform an internship, either locally or overseas.
3. CNM – Albuquerque, New Mexico
Central New Mexico Community College has an associate’s degree program in culinary arts with a specialization in advanced baking and pastry arts, as well as a baking certificate. This curriculum prepares students for jobs in the food service or hospitality industries, as well as business-related studies. The American Culinary Federation has accredited the school’s curriculum, and graduates of the associate degree are eligible for the Certified Culinarian certificate upon completion.
4. French Culinary Institute
The French Culinary Institute is a world-class pastry chef school founded by the great Jacques Torres. Culinary school campuses may be found in New York City and the San Francisco Bay Area. In those two US cities, it is presently known as The International Culinary Center. The program lasts six months for full-time students and nine months for part-time night students. The French Culinary Institute (FCI), now known as the International Culinary Center (ICC), charges between $38,000 and $41,000 a year.
5. The International Culinary Schools at the Art Institutes
This prestigious institute provides excellent baking and pastry training through its different colleges located in various locations. Many American cities have art institutes, including Denver, Houston, and Seattle.
Various international culinary schools are housed in each of the art institutes. Diploma and associate degree programs are accessible at reasonable prices and provide a high-quality training experience. You will be taken on courses in a variety of exotic cuisines, from French to Middle Eastern, after you have registered. You can pick that curriculum if you solely want to take Pastry Art classes.
6. Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts
One of the top culinary art schools for prospective chefs is Le Cordon. The headquarter is in Paris, France and many students who complete their degrees with honors perform well on a global scale.
You may apply for their pastry chef program in Hollywood, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Maimi, and other cities around the United States. You can choose between a 15-week diploma and a 30-month associate degree program. They cost €8,100 per year (plus €500 in application costs) and €22,800 per year (plus €1500 in application fees).
The Star Career Academy campus is located on Long Island, New York. This is one of the finest pastry chef schools in North America since the curriculum is extensive and comes highly rated by former alumni.
A certificate in Baking and Pastry Arts can be obtained as a full-time or part-time student. In Star Career Academy, you can pursue a variety of subspecialties in pastries and confectionery arts.
What distinguishes Star Career Academy is that it provides a wide range of occupational programs with acceptable entrance criteria.
8. Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
The authorized school curriculum is built on teaching the famed Auguste Escoffier’s cooking talents and methods. This bakery school focuses on culinary and pastry arts education for both beginners and experienced chefs.
The Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts has campuses around the United States and provides certificate and degree programs for aspiring pastry chefs. Furthermore, students have the right to obtain career assistance services long after they graduate. Tuition costs are around $22,110, excluding extra expenditures like lodging, registration, and so on.
9. Kendall College School of Culinary Arts
Some high-end pastry chefs working in affluent places may attest to Kendall College School of Culinary Arts’ influence on worldwide cuisine. Kendall College has a strong reputation both in the United States and worldwide. It is well-known for its active contributions to food and beverage sector innovation. The tuition for Baking & Pastry is $8,131, which does not include housing or application costs.
10. New England Culinary Institute
The New England Culinary Institute was formed in 1980 in England (as the name indicates); however, there is a branch in Vermont, USA. This culinary college is well-known for training world-class chefs who work in various luxury resorts, holiday homes, cruise ships, and hotels.
The tuition price without financial help is $40,221 but may be reduced by 30% if the undergraduate obtains government or institutional aid. They provide a range of courses, including baking and pastry, culinary arts, food and beverage administration, and so forth. Only a few years after its inception, it quickly rose to the top of numerous top culinary school rankings worldwide.
11. The School of Artisan Food
The School of Artisan Food is located in Nottingham’s Sherwood Forest in the United Kingdom. It is well-known for offering in-depth instruction in the art of bread making, cheese production, and a variety of other artisan crafts. The School of Artisan Food is one of Europe’s premier cooking schools for learning and honing talents.
So, if you are a chef interested in studying certain cooking techniques, you should think about enrolling in the school. The specialist education offered here is delivered in a welcoming manner, and several graduates have highly praised it.
12. Castello di Vicarello
Castello di Vicarello is regarded as one of the greatest pastry chef schools in the world. You may expect to receive expert culinary instruction as a registered member. The institute is a Castle Hotel in Tuscany, Italy, where wealthy visitors come to rest and enjoy the sun and wind of the Mediterranean environment.
They typically provide brief professional courses, such as diplomas. You will learn how to create superb Pasta and Bread at the castle. The Tuscan Kitchen also teaches pastry creation in a variety of areas. If all you want to do is improve your talents as an amateur home cook, this is a great place to be.
Top Bakery Schools Online
The ideal online baking class for you is determined by your individual expectations and availability. Nothing beats live lessons with an enthusiastic, experienced chef-instructor, but if that’s not feasible for your schedule or money, there are plenty of other fantastic possibilities here. below are some online bakery schools online you should consider:
1. King Arthur Flour
This reputable Vermont firm offers easy yet comprehensive live online seminars adapted from the in-person classes it has been running for years, covering everything from scones to pizza to sourdough. King Arthur Flour is more than simply a flour factory. It has been teaching hands-on baking workshops in Washington and Vermont for years and produces a user-friendly baking magazine and blog. Its online lessons are geared toward home bakers and include a variety of traditional baking classics as well as modern favorites.
2. America’s Test Kitchen
For years, this well-known brand has inspired faith in-home chefs with its attention to detail and flawless recipes. If you’re already a fan of ATK, you know you can rely on it to get you started in the baking industry. If you aren’t, don’t worry; you’ll be in good hands. America’s Test Kitchen is known for not making assumptions about kitchen literacy. Its recipes are disassembled and then recreated from the ground up to offer you the greatest outcomes possible.
3. Baker Bettie
Baker Bettie goes into the whys of baking concepts through a free online course available on her website and YouTube channel.
Baker Bettie has created an online cottage baking instruction enterprise. Kristin Hoffman was a chef and baking enthusiast before she became Baker Bettie, with her eye-catching antique Pyrex dish collection and signature red lipstick. While her YouTube channel provides lots of friendly advice through the basics of baking, those who prefer a more organized approach may appreciate her free online baking course. It will take three hours only to view the videos, but if you follow the curriculum, you will have hours of cumulative real-time baking.
4. Learn the Pastry Arts – The World of Cookies Udemy
This session will teach you the foundations of baking before diving into making homemade cookies. Have you ever been perplexed when baking cookies? Marko Ropke, a veteran pastry chef, wants to alter that. This 3-and-a-half-hour on-demand lesson covers crucial baking basics before you even get to the cookie section, providing you with a firmer foundation to get into cookie-making in earnest.
Chef Ropke incorporates his German heritage, traditional European training, and worldwide pastry experience into the lesson, providing insights into the history and science at work. The films are shot in a professional pastry kitchen, with cameras positioned at two different angles to provide a better visual view of the procedures involved. For $19.99, you receive downloaded videos and recipe PDFs, making this a low-commitment alternative for those interested in pastry.
This course covers the fundamentals of baking artisan loaves, from pre-ferments to large, lavishly adorned boules, with entertaining instruction from a master born into the bread business.
The 17 sessions in this pre-recorded course, led by third-generation baker Apollonia Poilâne, comprise roughly 3 1/2 hours and include a class workbook. You’ll master traditional French bread-baking techniques, such as rustic loaves, brioche, and pain de mie. Poilâne’s on-screen demeanor is assured and serene but not bored or disinterested.
This course does discuss sourdough, although it is not its primary focus. A one-time instruction from another site will be a better fit if you’re more interested in homestyle American loaves. The masterClass is a $15 per month yearly membership program. That grants you unrestricted access to all classes, with only a few exceptions being baking-related.
Best Culinary Schools
What should you look out for when choosing a culinary school? Culinary schools differ in their teaching methods. Different culinary schools cater to the demands of various types of pupils. With a little research, you’ll be able to select the best program for you. Consider including the following items on your list:
To watch lessons in action, pay a visit to the culinary school.
Speak with students and faculty members.
Examine the course descriptions and the curriculum.
Check to see if the cooking school is accredited.
Consider the student-faculty ratio.
Check to see whether the cuisine focuses on your hobbies.
Examine class schedules for flexibility.
Examine your options for internships.
Inquire how many grads get employment once they graduate.
Find out whether the grads are employed where you want to work.
Cooking Classes Los Angeles
Thinking of joining a cooking class in Lon Angeles? Well, below are our top two recommendations of some of the cooking classes in Los Angeles:
Chef Luana Class: learn the fundamentals of creating pasta from scratch.
Chef Luana will teach you how to make fresh pasta by hand and tasty handmade sauces in this hands-on lesson. Chef Luana was born and bred in Ascoli Piceno, Italy, in the rolling hills of the Marche region, and she knows a thing or two about truly delicious pasta.
From traditional tagliatelle to paglia e fieno (green and yellow pasta), old-world recipes and techniques will come to life in your hands as you work with genuine, high-quality ingredients to produce unique tastes and fresh, original pasta.
Join Chef Rebecca for a hands-on cooking session focused on Italian cuisine!
To make attractive, delectable meals, you’ll employ fresh ingredients and time-honored Italian culinary techniques. First, make Tuscan bruschetta with juicy heirloom cherry tomatoes drizzled with zesty balsamic. Then, make a typical Roman flatbread and top it with fresh basil pesto, creamy white sauce, and your favorite toppings. You’ll offer an arugula salad with a preserved lemon vinaigrette on the side. Finish the tour with warm little lemon-scented olive oil cakes.
Las Vegas Culinary Schools
We will easily recommend The Culinary Academy of Las Vegas (CALV) as the go-to place if you want to be a master in culinary arts. The Culinary Academy of Las Vegas (CALV) is the nation’s premier nonprofit hospitality training institute, offering 15 programs in the hospitality industry, digital and employability skills training, and language education. The academy aims to prepare people for rewarding, family-sustaining employment in the Las Vegas hotel sector.
Students obtain hands-on experience on our campus and through our applied learning locations and partners. The Westside Bistro is a full-service student-run restaurant located on the main CALV campus. Culinary Arts Catering and Events is a professional catering business that offers banquet services on-site at our Events Center or off-site at a location of your choice. We are The Smith Center for the Performing Arts’ preferred caterer and exclusive concessionaire. We also own and operate 500 Grand Cafe, located within the Clark County Government Center. The Culinary Academy of Las Vegas is a vital part of the community, helping to eradicate poverty and unemployment. Since its inception in 1993, we have trained over 55,000 students for high-quality, family-sustaining jobs in Southern Nevada.
How Much Does a Pastry Chef Make?
According to Income.com’s aggregate market statistics, the average pastry chef salary in the United States is $56,602, with most pastry chefs making between $49,017 and $80,644.1.
The position of executive pastry chef has more responsibilities. An executive pastry chef may be in charge of numerous pastry chef teams rather than simply one. A big resort, for example, may have an executive pastry chef who oversees the dessert programs at all of its on-site restaurants. According to Income.com, the average executive pastry chef salary is $69,607, with the majority earning between $55,895 and $83,672. 2
Can you make a living as a baker?
Yes, you can. Working at a bakery is the most convenient and long-term approach to make a career from baking. With the cottage food regulations, it’s fantastic to be able to bake from home and sell items, but it’s simply that much more effort for you to get started.
How long do I have to go to school to become a pastry chef?
It takes roughly two years to be a pastry chef. Associate’s degree programs typically take two years to finish, but a certificate or diploma in pastry arts takes roughly six months. A bachelor’s degree program includes extensive coursework and hands-on experience in practically every subspecialty.
How much does pastry chef school cost?
Most pastry chef schools cost a little bit over $40,000 yearly. This discourages many prospective pastry chefs. Attending one of the finest pastry chef schools listed below will cost you more than $40,000 a year. Tuition for a Bachelor’s degree may be more expensive owing to extra semester charges.
What major is required to become a pastry chef?
There are several courses available for Cuisine, but the ones that include baking, pastry, and confectionery are as follows:
BHM Catering Technology & Culinary Arts
Diploma in Pastry & Bakery
PG Diploma in Bakery and Confectionary
You can enroll as a full-time student or part-time, depending on your schedule. Most culinary school programs go from undergraduate to post-graduate level.
How do you apply to some of the top Bakery Schools
You can choose from the top bakery schools listed above. It is prudent to enquire about the range of culinary courses available and to chat with the support desk or a recent graduate from such schools.
Alternatively, you might go to culinaryschools.org, a decent school search engine website. You may browse across various areas, choose a school from your customized search results, and sort courses by duration.
How do you submit your application?
You can choose from the top 10 pastry chef schools listed below or from anybody in your area. It is prudent to enquire about the range of culinary courses available and to chat with the support desk or a recent graduate.
Alternatively, you might go to culinaryschools.org, a decent school search engine website. You may browse across various areas, choose a school from your customized search results, and sort courses by duration.
How to Train as a Pastry Chef
Below are practical steps on how to become a pastry chef:
1. Determine whether you have an inner desire to become a chef
As with any secular career, one must assess the potential of becoming a chef. You must decide in your heart if this is the vocation you want to follow in the future years. Research the sector after you’ve convinced yourself that this is the right profession for you.
2. Figure out what aspect of pastry arts you like:
Almost every chef you meet specializes on something. As a pastry chef, you may be expected to master one component and specialize in it. It might be bread, cakes, croissants, or another type of pastry. You have a choice!
3. Practice baking on your own:
Your enthusiasm and great desire to become a chef should drive you to bake on your own. You should spend your leisure time sampling sweets and confectioneries. You will undoubtedly be pleased you did! Remember that “practice makes perfect.”
4. Attend a culinary school or a pastry chef school
You need to develop your baking talents, and attending a pastry chef school is one method to accomplish so. Once you choose a suitable school and enroll, you can be confident that you will become a certified and internally acknowledged chef. For some pastry chefs, this appears to be the first and most significant step.
5. Obtain experience and apply for jobs
If you’re going to spend money teaching yourself, you may as well put in some effort. During your studies, you should try to obtain some real-world experience by participating in baking contests.
Essential Skills Required for Bakery and Confectionery Courses
Candidates who intend to pursue higher education in the subject of bakery and confectionery courses must be passionate about baking. They must also have outstanding presentation abilities so that the items they prepare seem appealing.
Here’s a summary of the abilities you’ll need to pursue bakery and confectionery courses:
Baking skills
Confidence
Multitasking abilities
Attention to detail
Commitment
Dedication
Creativity
Knowledge of ingredients
What Are Culinary Schools?
Culinary schools provide professional, recognized education in areas such as cooking, recipe creation, food decoration, and more. Culinary school will teach you all areas of food preparation and serving. Depending on what you studied, culinary schools provide various degrees and diplomas.
What Degree Do You Get at a Culinary School?
Culinary schools may be associated with becoming a chef, but these institutions really offer a variety of degrees. However, the sorts of degrees available at culinary schools vary depending on the institution and program you participate in.
Among the most popular culinary school programs are:
Culinary arts
Culinary management
International cuisines
Baking and pastry arts
Hospitality management
Restaurant management
Culinary school graduates have several work prospects. You can work as a chef, baker, food and beverage director, resort manager, or something completely different.
Do You Need to Go to Culinary School to Be a Chef?
In a nutshell, no. It is not necessary to attend culinary school to become a chef. In the culinary business, experience counts for a lot. Many chefs begin their start in the profession as line cooks or other kitchen aids.
Having said that, there are advantages to attending culinary school. You will graduate with a degree that displays your preparedness and education. A culinary school diploma will help you open doors while looking for a career as a chef.
Conclusion: Best Bakery Schools in the World
All of the bakery schools included here have one thing in common: they all believe in the systematic approach to ‘farm to table’ culinary education. All of the universities listed above educate students everything from where food comes from to how to prepare and serve meals at the table. An excellent pastry chef school will instill in pupils the importance of hygiene and food quality both within and outside of the kitchen.
FAQS: Best Bakery Schools in the World
Which country is best for studying pastry?
The best country for studying bakery is Switzerland, France, India and Peru.
What is the future of a pastry chef?
Statistics show that job growth for pastry chefs would increase by 25% between 2020 and 2030.
Which country pays chefs the most?
Switzerland pays chefs the most. According to a survey published in 2022, Switzerland is the top paying country in the world for chefs and head cooks – but this report was between 2019 and 2020.
Are online culinary courses any good?
Yes, they are! You may choose from authorized online baking programs or even digital pastry chef courses to help you polish your abilities from the comfort of your own home. All of these alternatives will have a curriculum tailored to your specific requirements, and you may always contact your professors if you have any questions.
Can I Learn Baking At Home?
You certainly can. With thousands of videos available online, you don’t need to attend a school to learn how to bake. Many would argue, however, that there is no alternative for learning from an expert in person. The benefit of being taught by someone who understands exactly what they’re doing is that your chances of success will be significantly higher.
