Become a Baker or Pastry Chef

Do you love cooking up a batch of cookies or brownies to stave off the sweet tooth that acts up after meals? You can turn your love of Baking into a lucrative career when you earn your credentials as a Baking and Pastry Chef. Here's how.

What is Baking and Pastry?

Baking and Pastry is exactly what it sounds like. Chefs that specialize in this niche prepare mouth watering delights for diners in a variety of eateries. But Baking and Pastry chefs go way beyond the basic cookie and brownie. Baking and Pastry schools teach their graduates to become dessert artists. You will learn the advanced techniques of Baking and Pastry making that will prepare you for top of the line restaurants.

Opportunities in Baking and Pastry Arts

The simple fact is that people love to eat. Billions of dollars are spent by consumers who would rather eat out than cook themselves. This has created a high demand for Baking and Pastry chefs in the entertainment industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of Baking and Pastry chefs is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations over the 2004-14 period. Look for positions with hotels, cruise lines, and five star restaurants.

Desired Skills for Baking and Pastry Professionals

Technical Ability. Baking and Pastry schools prepare graduates in the most advanced Baking techniques for maximum success.
Creativity. Employers are always on the lookout for Baking and Pastry chefs that can come up with unique ways to present traditional food items.
Multi-tasking. Baking and Pastry chefs must be able to give equal attention to several tasks at once to ensure that each part of the meal is perfect.

The Road to a Career in Baking and Pastry

The fastest way to earn your credentials in Baking and Pastry is to earn one of the advanced degrees offered by cooking colleges in your area. Schools are actively accepting candidates with a strong desire to learn and succeed.

Baking and Pastry Arts Schools and Programs

	Who They Are: The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York What They Offer: Bachelor's degree in Baking and Pastry Arts Management and Associate degree in Baking and Pastry Arts What You Learn: In both programs, students gain experience in the preparation of breads, confections, pastries, and desserts, and learn about nutrition, menu planning, and food safety. The bachelor's degree program teaches marketing, finance, and management skills. Need to Know: Students gain experience in an 18 week internship.
	Who They Are: California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, California What They Offer: Associate degree in Le Cordon Bleu Patisserie and Baking What You Learn: The fundamental techniques and ingredients used in preparing baked goods, pastries, and confectionary items. Students get hands-on experience in bakery production as well as classroom instruction in nutrition, safety, and sanitation. Need to Know : Program could lead to a position in a restaurant, hotel, or supermarket bakery.
	Who They Are: California School of Culinary Arts in Pasadena, California What They Offer: Le Cordon Bleu Patisserie and Baking Diploma What You Learn: A full range of baking and pastry production skills. Learn to prepare old-world classics to the newest innovations in breads, pastries, and cakes. Need to Know : Complete this program in 30 weeks of day classes, or 45 weeks of weekend classes. The Buzz: Widely recognized Le Cordon Bleu system combines classical French culinary techniques with modern American technology.
	Who They Are: The Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago, in Chicago, Illinois What They Offer: Associate degree in Le Cordon Bleu Pâtisserie and Baking What You Learn: High-volume production techniques used in bake shops and restaurants. An emphasis is put on developing creativity and flexible thinking. The Buzz: An internship at the end of the program lets students transition easily from the classroom environment to the workforce.
	Who They Are: the Culinary Academy, Manhattan and Syosset New York What They Offer: Baking and Pastry Arts I and II What You Learn: Baking and Pastry I focuses on the production of breads, cakes and pastries, including Petits Fours and Pate a Choux. The second course covers specialty cakes and desserts, and includes menu planning and costing. Need to Know: Weekend classes are designed as 13 week continuing education courses for working chefs who want to broaden their knowledge.
	Who They Are:Orlando Culinary Academy in Orlando Florida What They Offer: Associate of Applied Science in Le Cordon Bleu Patisserie and Baking What You Learn: The skills needed to succeed as a baker or pastry chef in the food service industry. The program focuses on baking and pastry techniques used in the modern production kitchen.
	Who They Are: Keiser University - Center for Culinary Arts in Tallahassee, Florida What They Offer: Associate degree in Baking and Pastry Arts What You Learn: The art and science of baking, pastry preparation, and dessert making, Students learn to prepare items including breads, cakes, candies and cookies, and learn about nutrition and sanitation. Need to Know: The program also includes a complement of general education courses.
	Who They Are: Pennsylvania Culinary Institute in Pittsburgh, PA What They Offer: Associate of Specialized Technology in Le Cordon Bleu Patisserie and Baking What You Learn: A solid foundation in the fundamentals of preparing baked goods and pastries, along with an introduction to food science and kitchen management skills. The program helps students develop the skills needed to create everything from puff pastries and quick breads to magnificent show pieces. The Buzz: By earning the coveted Le Cordon Bleu diploma in addition to the degree, the graduate can have an edge in advancing his or her career.
	Who They Are: Kendall College, in Chicago, Illinois What They Offer: Certificate and Associate degree programs in Baking and Pastry What You Learn: The two year Associate degree program teaches baking science and hands-on production skills needed to produce breads, cakes, confections, and dessert items. Students have a chance to practice their skills in an internship. The certificate program provides an introduction to the bake shop, and can be completed in one year. Need to Know: Certificate students can enroll in the school's culinary arts or baking and pastry programs, while the school's Hospitality Management Bachelor degree is an option for Associate degree program graduates wanting to continue their education.
	Who They Are: Scottsdale Culinary Institute in Scottsdale, Arizona What They Offer: Certificate and Associate degree in Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Patisserie and Baking What You Learn: The preparation of baked goods, pastries, and show pieces, through a combination of demonstration classes and hands-on kitchen experience. After learning basic culinary skills, students go on to learn the production of artesian breads, European pastries, and chocolate/sugar confections. Need to Know : The 15 month associate's degree provides a comprehensive education, while the certificate program can help individuals in the culinary field explore this specialized area.
	Who They Are: Sullivan University in Louisville, Kentucky What They Offer: Professional Baker Diploma or Baking & Pastry associate degree What You Learn: How to prepare different types of baked goods and pastries in a retail bakery environment. The program also includes an introduction to basic culinary skills. Need to Know: Students have the opportunity to gain experience at the school's on-campus bake shop.
	Who They Are: Western Culinary Institute in Portland, Oregon What They Offer: Associate degree or certificate in Le Cordon Bleu Patisserie and Baking What You Learn: The fundamentals of patisserie and baking, along with advanced skills that can be used to start a career as a pastry chef or baker. Advanced courses include the preparation of wedding cakes and show pieces. Need to Know: The certificate program can be completed in as little as 36 weeks, while the degree program lasts 51 weeks.
	Who They Are: Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Minneapolis/St. Paul in Mendota Heights, Minnesota What They Offer: Associate of Applied Science in Le Cordon Bleu Patisserie and Baking What You Learn: Baking and pastry arts skills, including the production of breads, European pastries, and showpieces made of chocolate or sugar. The program also includes hands-on experience with baking and pastry equipment, and an introduction to basic culinary techniques. The Buzz: Students are encouraged to develop their own style throughout the 15 month program.
	Who They Are: Texas Culinary Academy in Austin, Texas What They Offer: Le Cordon Bleu Baking and Patisserie Certificate What You Learn: Traditional skills in the creation of baked goods and pastries, along with current techniques and trends in baking and patisserie. By seeing a variety of styles through demonstrations by chef-instructors, students learn to develop their own flair and style.

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	Culinary Arts Baking & Pastry

Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Schools
in AZ, CA, FL, GA, IL, MN, OR, PA, & TX
What They Offer: Le Cordon Bleu Patisserie & Baking
The Buzz: Hands-on program encourages students to develop their own technique.