Becoming a Pastry Chef: From Student to Professional
Last updated on Jan 9, 2017Jessica WieserNowadays, there are a lot of television shows about cakes, pastries, and desserts. It can be easy to fall into fantasies about sparkling sweet confections, drizzled with chocolate and sculpted from fondant. However, becoming a pastry chef is hard work. You'll have to create a variety of pastries and gain experience using different pastry supplies. In addition, if you don’t receive a scholarship, there can be a heavy financial burden.
Before you take the leap into a new career, it’s a good idea to do some research first. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to attend baking and pastry school, the best way to get a sense of the experience is to talk with someone who’s lived it.
We had the pleasure of interviewing Kajal Narang, who graduated from the pastry program at L’Academie de Cuisine and is now working as a pastry chef at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Her journey from pastry student to pastry chef required a lot of hard work and dedication. Through this interview, she gave us an idea of what it’s really like to attend pastry school, and what advice becomes especially useful as you enter a career in this industry.
Pastry Chef FAQs
We asked Kajal some of the most common questions an aspiring pastry chef might have before enrolling in a culinary program. Here’s what she had to say.
Q: How long is pastry school?
A: The pastry program at my school was only 1 year long and 6 months of that year was at an externship at a hotel, restaurant, or catering company of your choice. 6 months will give you the foundation you need, but it won't make you an expert in all things pastry (or savory). Working on your skills outside of school will only help you succeed further in the industry.
Q: What hours do pastry chefs work?
A: Sometimes I have 15 hour days because as soon as I get out of school, I go to work at a bakery. By the time I get off work, my back hurts and my feet are aching, but I live for that feeling. I thrive off of the exhaustion and it feels like an adrenaline rush. It takes up most of my day so I don’t sit around all day watching Food Network, just dreaming of making those dishes.
Q: How much experience is required going into pastry school?
A: I know there are some of you out there who don’t know whether or not to choose culinary school because of your level of experience. While experience is probably one of the most important things in food service, it is called culinary school for a reason; if you knew everything, then you wouldn’t be there. I’m not very experienced myself, but I learn new things every single day. I firmly believe that if you are passionate about cooking or baking, then culinary school is definitely the way to go.
Going to culinary school has helped me get a basic understanding and knowledge of pastry. It laid out a foundation for me that has ultimately helped to shape my career into what it is today. I was provided with the tools and knowledge from some great instructors to kick-start my career in the industry. I feel that going to culinary school has helped me learn and understand the functions of ingredients and which flavor profiles work and don't work together.
Q: What is the best part of pastry school?
A: The one thing that I love about the food industry, other than the food itself, is the people. I’ve never been at a school where I see ages range so widely. Anyone can enter the food industry at any age. I encounter people of all different skill levels and different walks of life, and it’s great! I personally love meeting new people, so working with my classmates or eating lunch with the culinary students is always a blast. I love hearing others’ opinions about food and school, because everyone’s view is different.
Additional Tips for Success in Pastry School
- Arrive early and help out whenever or wherever you are needed.
- Develop relationships with instructors as well as classmates. These are the people that will help you and motivate you to succeed in the industry.
- Keep up with the notes and homework. Making delicious pastries is only one part of culinary school; writing recipes and maintaining your notebook is a big part of your grade.
- Work hard and stay humble. Graduating from culinary school doesn't automatically make you a chef. Know when to ask for help and realize that the chefs that you are working with or learning from have worked long and hard to get to where they are today; learn as much as you can from them.
As you can see, becoming a pastry chef requires a lot of dedication, hard work, and long hours. But if you truly have a passion for the craft and are willing to put in the time and effort, pastry school can be a rewarding experience. We are glad to hear that Kajal is enjoying her career and we wish her all the best for her future.
Related Resources
What Is Sourdough Starter?
Composed of fermented flour and water, a sourdough starter is a leavening agent that uses naturally occurring yeasts and bacteria to make baked goods rise. While it's most commonly used to make the type of bread we know as sourdough, you can use a sourdough starter instead of yeast or baking soda to make delicious pizza dough, cinnamon rolls, and cookies. Whether you’re starting a bakery or operating a restaurant, learning how to make a sourdough starter will set you above your competition. We explain the basics about sourdough starters, how to make them, and how to keep them alive and usable. Skip to the sourdough information that most interests you: How to Make Sourdough Starter Sourdough Starter Recipe How to Use Sourdough Starter How to Store Sourdough Starter How Do I Know If My Sourdough Starter Is Bad? Sourdough Starter FAQ How to Make Sourdough Starter Use the following video to learn how to make your own sourdough starter: <iframe itemprop="embedURL" width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U74OBHxaZac?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> Sourdough Starter Recipe Bread leavened with a sourdough starter offers flavor complexity and digestive benefits from the fermentation process. Read on to learn how to make a sourdough starter. How Does Sourdough Starter Work? Sourdough starters begin working when you mix liquid and flour. Mixing liquid into flour activates the friendly bacteria and wild yeast living in both your flour and your surrounding environment. Once activated, these microorganisms produce carbon dioxide bubbles, which make your bread rise. Additionally, they generate flavor-rich lactic and acetic acids in your bread. Because it is an entirely natural process, sourdough starters take longer to leaven bread than store-bought yeasts. The extended fermentation time improves the flavor and texture of the bread. Additionally, bread leavened by a sourdough starter contains high volumes of folate, antioxidants, and comparatively lower phytate levels, which help the body absorb nutrients. What Special Equipment Do I Need? Non-Reactive Container - A non-reactive container is essential for storing your sourdough starter. We recommend using a non-reactive container made of see-through material so you can observe your sourdough starter’s progress. Select a minimum 1-quart capacity container to provide space for your sourdough starter to expand. Baker’s Portion Scale - You need a baker’s portion scale to ensure accurate ratios. Measuring cups leave too great a margin of error. Sourdough Starter Ingredients Whole grain flour contains wild yeast, which is vital for giving your sourdough starter life. There are many types of flour to choose from, so select the whole-grain flour that meets your flavor preference. Water between 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit creates a welcoming environment for good bacteria and wild yeast to live and grow. While some baking aficionados swear by distilled water, tap water will normally suffice. If your tap water has a chemical odor indicating heavy treatment, opt for distilled water. Sourdough Starter Directions Following a sourdough starter recipe is a lengthy, rather than complex, process. Since it is a living organism, cultivating a sourdough starter is much like growing a plant or caring for a pet; you have to feed and water it. Follow our step-by-step sourdough starter recipe instructions and cultivate a healthy and effective sourdough leavening agent. Day 1 To set up your sourdough starter, follow the steps below: Weigh 113 grams (just shy of 1 cup) of whole wheat flour and 113 grams (1/2 cup) of room temperature water. Combine flour and water in 1-quart capacity, see-through, non-reactive container. Stir until no dry flour remains. Loosely cover container. Leave mixture to rest for 24 hours. The room it occupies should be around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. What Should a Sourdough Starter Look Like on Day 1? On the first day, a sourdough starter should look like a wet dough with thoroughly incorporated flour. What Should a Sourdough Starter Smell Like on Day 1? On day one, the new sourdough starter will have a minimal aroma. It should smell like fresh, wholesome grains. Day 2 On the second day, follow these steps to continue developing your sourdough starter: Whether you begin to see bubbling or your starter is still dormant, discard 113 grams (approximately 1/2 cup). Add 113 grams worth of your chosen flour and 113 grams of water. Mix ingredients. Let rest at room temperature for 24 hours. What Should a Sourdough Starter Look Like on Day 2? Your sourdough starter may have slightly expanded or formed small bubbles by the second day, but it is perfectly normal for no activity to have occurred. What Should a Sourdough Starter Smell Like on Day 2? There should be no strong smells coming from your sourdough starter on day two. Day 3 <!--- <div class="right"> <img src="//cdnimg.webstaurantstore.com/uploads/blog/2020/7/sourdough-starter-recipe.jpg" alt="Sourdough starter rising over time" style="max-width:250px"> </div> ---> By day three, it's time to increase the sourdough starter’s feeding schedule to twice daily and optimize its feeding method. Before each feeding, stir thoroughly. Once stirred, reserve 113 grams of starter and discard remainder. Mix 113 grams of flour and 113 grams of water into 113 grams of remaining sourdough starter. Cover mixture and leave it to rest for 12 hours at room temperature before repeating. What Should a Sourdough Starter Look Like on Day 3? A sourdough starter should start showing visible signs of activation such as bubbling or expansion on day three. What Should a Sourdough Starter Smell Like on Day 3? A sourdough starter should omit a fresh, fruity aroma on the third day. Days 4, 5, and 6 The steps for activating your sourdough starter on days four, five, and six are to repeat the steps from day three. What Should a Sourdough Starter Look Like on Days 4, 5, and 6? By day five, the sourdough starter should have at least doubled in volume. Look for signs of activation such as multiple bubbles and small pools of surface water containing tiny bubbles. What Should a Sourdough Starter Smell Like on Days 4, 5, and 6? The sourdough starter should release acidic essences that are tangy but not overpowering by days 4, 5, and 6. Day 7 Evaluate your sourdough starter to determine your next steps. If your sourdough starter contains few bubbles and has barely expanded, repeat the steps from days 3-6 until your starter is bubbly and ready for use. Don’t be discouraged if it takes several weeks for your starter to activate completely. Remember, sourdough starters are dependent on the natural bacteria in your environment. If you live in an arid climate, expect your starter to take longer to activate than if you live in a humid or foggy location. Back to Top How to Use Sourdough Starter Here are the steps you need to take before you bake with your ripe sourdough starter: Feed your starter its normal diet of 113 grams of flour and 113 grams of water. Allow your sourdough starter to come to an active, bubbling state by leaving it to rest at room temperature for six to eight hours after you feed it. Bubbles should still be breaking the surface when you incorporate your sourdough starter into your recipe. The bubbles allow your sourdough starter to act as a fermented, natural leavening agent. How Do I Know When My Sourdough Starter Is Ready to Use? In baker's terms, a sourdough starter that is ready for use is considered “ripe”. Your sourdough starter is ripe when it doubles in size six to eight hours after being fed. To easily track your starter's expansion, place a rubber band around its container at the fill line. Then, feed your sourdough starter. Six hours later, check to see if the rubber band is now marking your sourdough starter’s midpoint. If it is, your sourdough starter is ripe and ready for use. How to Store Sourdough Starter With the proper storage and a little maintenance, your sourdough starter will live for decades. You can store your ripe sourdough starter at room temperature or in your fridge. Regardless of where you store your sourdough starter, you’ll need to continue feeding it. While your sourdough starter will usually revive even if it is left unfed in the back of your refrigerator for months, it will take time and care to bring it back to a ripe state. Discover the feeding schedule for each storage method below so you can maintain your sourdough starter. How to Store Sourdough Starter in Fridge To store a sourdough starter in the fridge, place it in a nonreactive jar with a tight sealing lid and follow a weekly feeding schedule. The sourdough starter should rest on the counter for 1 to 2 hours after being fed so it can begin to bubble before it is returned to the fridge. How to Store Sourdough Starter on Counter To store a sourdough starter on the counter, cover the nonreactive container with fabric and a rubber band or with parchment paper and the screw ring of a jar. Sourdough starters stored at room temperature remain highly active and require feeding every 12 hours. Since it is harder to keep unrefrigerated sourdough starters active, we recommend refrigerating your sourdough starter unless you are using it too frequently to maintain refrigeration. How to Feed Sourdough Starter If you want to keep your sourdough starter in a ready-to-use state, follow the appropriate feeding schedule for your storage method. Here are the simple steps for feeding a sourdough starter: First, measure 113 grams of the starter and separate it from the rest. Discard or bake with the remaining sourdough starter. Feed the 113 grams of sourdough starter by thoroughly mixing in 113 grams of water and 113 grams of flour. How Do I Know If My Sourdough Starter Is Bad? Similar to the kombucha fermentation process, cultivating healthy bacteria can sometimes give rise to bad ones. Here is how you can tell if your sourdough starter is bad: Smell: If your sourdough starter smells like acetone, it has likely gone bad. While your sourdough should smell sour it should be a clean sour smell that is strong but not unpleasant. Appearance: If your sourdough starter is visibly moldy or tinted with orange and/or pink, then it has gone bad. Note: If your sourdough starter is left unfed, the liquid layer on top of your starter will turn from clear to dark. This doesn’t mean your starter is bad, it’s just hungry! Give your sourdough starter a meal, and the liquid will return to a clear state. Sourdough Starter FAQ Developing a sourdough starter is a great way to set your restaurant or bakery apart. Because sourdough starters depend on local strains of yeast and bacteria, no two sourdough starters are exactly alike. Your sourdough starter will carry the unique flavor of both your region's flora and fauna and your restaurant’s specific microculture, resulting in bread that is truly your own. We've created a guide explaining the terms used in sourdough baking to help you get started. What Is Leavening? Commonly referred to as a leavening agent, leavening is the ingredient that makes baked goods rise. Leavening agents exist in both chemical and natural forms. Baking soda and baking powder are examples of chemical leavening agents. They are best suited to bakers’ confectionery such as cakes, doughnuts, and cookies. Yeast and sourdough starters are natural leavening agents used in loaves of bread, dinner rolls, and bagels. What Does Sourdough Bread Taste Like? Sourdough bread has a characteristically "sour" taste because sourdough starters are acidic. Bread leavened with a sourdough starter will have a complex flavor and porous texture that is simultaneously airy and chewy. Much like a fine wine, a sourdough starter only improves with age and will deliver more flavorfully robust and texturally light loaves over time. While all sourdough-leavened loaves of bread have similar textures and carry an acidic flavor, there isn't one kind of sourdough-leavened bread. Sourdough is famously associated with San Francisco's unbleached flour sourdough loaves, but you can use your sourdough starter to make a wide variety of bread types such as pumpernickel, wholewheat, or barely. Preferment Definition Preferment is a generic term used to describe the process of individually fermenting a portion of a bread loaf’s ingredients before adding them to the rest of the ingredients. Some varieties of preferments, such as pate fermentee, biga, and poolish, still use a commercial yeast strand to help leaven bread. In contrast, sourdough and levain are preferments that use an entirely natural leavening process. Sourdough Starter vs Yeast Both sourdough starters and yeast are used to leaven baked goods, but they are not the same substance and offer different benefits. The yeast used in baking is called saccharomyces cerevisiae, a Latinized Greek word meaning "sugar-fungus" because it eats sugar and converts it into carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide baking yeast releases gives baked goods light and doughy textures. A sourdough starter is a natural fermentation mixture of flour and water that captures wild yeast and bacteria from the environment. Unlike baking yeast, which provides a quick rise, a sourdough starter requires a longer fermentation process, resulting in a more complex and tangy taste. Additionally, sourdough starters enhance the nutritional value of bread by breaking down gluten and making it easier to digest. Back to Top While the steps may seem lengthy, cultivating a sourdough starter is a long-term investment that will pay off for years if properly maintained. Use your sourdough starter to make everything from sourdough bagels to tangy donuts. Since each sourdough starter is unique, you'll offer guests a flavor they truly can't get anywhere else.
How to Start a Home Bakery
If you want to start a baking business but owning a storefront isn't for you, operating a home bakery can be a great alternative. Starting a home bakery is also a good option for those looking to get started in the restaurant industry, and bakers at home due to coronavirus. Usually smaller in scale than retail or wholesale bakeries, home bakeries allow bakers to sell products that are made in their own homes. But there is more to starting a home baking business than just making bulk batches of cookies in your personal kitchen. To learn more about what it takes to open a home bakery, keep reading. Shop All Bakery Supplies How to Start a Bakery Business from Home Before you open your home bakery, there are some key factors that you need to consider. In this guide, we'll walk you through your first steps, beginning with researching legalities and ending with home bakery marketing strategies. Use the following links to navigate and learn more about a specific aspect of opening a home bakery: Home Bakery Laws Home Bakery Market Research Certifications, Licenses, and Health Requirements Marketing Your Home Bakery Costs: Initial and Ongoing Expenses Home Bakery Laws The most important step before opening a home-based bakery is to make sure that home bakeries are legal in your area. The laws surrounding home bakeries vary greatly from state to state, so you must do your research before investing in your home baking business. Before you begin, be sure to visit your state’s Department of Health website to see what is legal under laws that are often referred to as "cottage food laws." What Are Cottage Food Laws? Cottage food laws regulate whether or not you can produce low-risk foods in your home for sale. Often, these foods include certain baked goods, candies, pickled products, dry goods, and canned foods. Cottage food laws are designed for very small businesses, with many states putting a cap on how many thousands of dollars in revenue your business can make while still considered legal. Not only do these laws limit your sales and what kinds of foods you can make, but they also limit where you can sell your products. Many states specify legal venues, which may include farmer’s markets, events, roadside stands, online, or even your home. This being said, some states have strict limitations on these venues. For instance, what may be legal to sell at a farmer’s market in one county may not be legal in a neighboring county. Each time you sell your goods at a new venue, be sure to research whether or not it is prohibited first. Additionally, home bakeries may be restricted in certain jurisdictions even within states where they are legal. It is imperative to check your local zoning laws so that you are not fined or shut down for opening a baking business in an area that is zoned for residences. Certifications, Licenses, and Health Requirements Once you know that your state and jurisdiction will allow you to open a home bakery, you must look into what kinds of certifications, licenses, and health precautions are required. Some states do not require licenses for small-scale businesses under cottage food laws, but some states do mandate that you acquire certification and a business license. Changes to Your Kitchen Layout Depending on your home kitchen's current layout, you may need to make adjustments before your bakery can be opened for operation. Check with your state’s laws to see if any changes are mandatory, which may include the following: Installing additional sinks Creating separate food storage and food preparation areas from your personal kitchen area Adding a sprinkler system Updating your ventilation system or hoods Health Inspection Considerations Your state may also require owners of home bakeries to pass health inspections. These visits from Health Officers could assess everything from the equipment you use and your means of storage to employment practices and sanitation methods. Inspectors may also be on the lookout for prepared goods and ingredients being stored or served at proper temperatures. Food Safety Certification Another certification you may be required to obtain is a food safety certificate. There are many state-approved food safety courses available that educate you in proper food handling, storage, and preparation techniques to avoid the risk of cross-contamination and foodborne illness. While many states have numerous laws surrounding home bakeries, with the proper research and qualifications, you can open a safe and legal operation. Costs: Initial and Ongoing Expenses The next step in opening your home bakery is to come up with a thorough business plan. As you write this plan, you’ll have to consider your startup costs as well as your financial projections. Below, we list some expenses that you can expect as you prepare to open your bakery: Home Bakery Startup Costs Renovations Kitchen equipment License fees Insurance Beginning inventory or ingredients But just because there is a lot of required cost for starting your small business, that doesn't mean you can't follow a few tips to help save and cut down your spending. Here are some helpful pointers for saving your new business some money: Purchase smallwares, hand tools, and other bakery supplies in bulk online to save money. Buy your ingredients in bulk from farmer’s markets or wholesale retailers rather than from grocery stores. Take note of how much gas you're using. Try to limit your trips to replenish ingredients and supplies, and if you're planning to deliver goods, decide how large of a radius you’d like to serve. Start with crowd-pleasing recipes to make your first sales. As time goes on, experiment with more unique products to keep your customer base intrigued. After you've tallied your startup costs, apply them to your financial projections. To make financial projections for your bakery business plan, you must outline your ongoing costs and compare them to the success you expect as a result of your market research. Below, we explain how to find the target market for your home bakery. Home Bakery Market Research Your target market, or the population you are catering to, is one of the most important aspects of your business plan. With various types of bakeries to choose from, you have to find your niche while also complying with the product and venue restrictions that your state has in place. Here are some example target markets and suggestions for best capturing their business. Before you try to sell to these markets, be sure to check that they are legal venues within your home bakery’s jurisdiction. Offices or Corporate Buildings This market may like to serve food at their frequent meetings in the morning and afternoon hours. For these customers, you can deliver your baked goods on serving trays for easy sharing. Products for the Office or Corporate Building Market Assorted muffins Small pastries Bagels Doughnuts Schools From fundraiser events to PTA meetings and class parties, schools often have gatherings where your products could be served. Products for the School Market Assorted cookies Brownies Decorated cupcakes Restaurants If you live in a town full of family-style diners or other busy restaurants, then these establishments could be a great target market for you. Many restaurants want to serve dessert options, but they may not have the time or space to produce them. Products for the Restaurant Market Cakes Cheesecakes Pies Nut Breads Seasonal specials Regional desserts: cannoli, tiramisu, baklava Health-Conscious Customers Perhaps you live in a young, active, up-and-coming neighborhood. Your target customers may have gluten-free diets or want low-calorie treats to suit their busy lifestyle, and so this market is the perfect opportunity for you to offer unique dessert alternatives. Products for the Health-Conscious Market Granola Flourless cakes Nut breads Trail mixes Be sure to clearly label any allergens that may be present in your baked goods. Additionally, it may be a good idea to label items that are vegan-friendly. Marketing Your Home Bakery To get your bakery business off the ground, you need to make sure that your market knows you’re open for operation. Here are some ways you can market your home baking business. Word of Mouth By actively engaging yourself within your residential community, you not only market yourself, but you build relationships with customers. If these customers are satisfied with the consistent quality of your baked goods, they will return for more business and spread the word of your bakery. Online Marketing and Social Media Develop a website or create a Facebook page for your bakery. Tweet about upcoming specials and post pictures on Instagram of your products to gain followers who could become your customers. Sell at Local Events or Venues In this case, the quality of your products will speak for itself. The more that you make your quality baked goods visible at your venues of sale, the more you’ll build a customer base who may contact you for special orders. If you want to start a home baking business, there are several rules and regulations that you need to research before you begin investing. Check with your state and local governments to see if home bakeries are legal in your area, and then find out what kind of licenses are required. Once you have all legal matters sorted out, it's important to do market research and choose your business's niche. As you start your new home bakery, refer to this article for guidance through the opening process.
Baking Terms Glossary
If you’re new to baking, reading recipes can feel like deciphering a foreign language. Baking is an art form that comes with a tapestry of terms, causing aspiring pastry chefs to reach for a dictionary when trying to make a loaf of bread. Whether you’re a bakery operator wanting to communicate with your staff or a culinary school student, use our alphabetized glossary of baking terms and definitions to understand the language of dough. Skip to the baking terms that interests you: A-D Culinary Terms E-I Culinary Terms J-Q Culinary Terms R-Z Culinary Terms List of Baking Terms Here are what our industry experts think are the 150 most important baking terms every chef should know! A - D Baking Terms A Absorption: The ability of flour to absorb water during the mixing process. Acetic Acid: A byproduct of fermentation that contributes to the flavor profile of bread. Active Dry Yeast: Yeast that is granulated and needs to be rehydrated before use. Active Starter: A recently fed sourdough starter that is ready for use. Aerate: To incorporate air into a mixture, typically by beating or whisking, to create a light and fluffy texture. Airbrushing: A technique using an airbrush tool to apply a fine mist of color or edible paint onto cakes for a smooth and even finish. Alveoli: Alveoli are the air pockets in bread caused by fermentation and gluten development. Amylase: An enzyme that breaks down starches into sugars during fermentation. Ash Content: Ash content refers to the mineral content of flour, which can affect the flavor and color of bread. Autolyse: A resting period during mixing that allows flour and water to hydrate. B Baking Powder: A leavening agent commonly used in baking to help baked goods rise, baking powder typically contains a combination of baking soda, cream of tartar, and a moisture-absorbing agent, which react to create carbon dioxide gas when mixed with liquid ingredients. Baking Soda: Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a leavening agent used in baking that reacts with acidic ingredients such as buttermilk or vinegar to produce carbon dioxide gas, which helps baked goods rise. Bain-Marie: A method of gently cooking or keeping food warm by placing a food container in a larger pan of hot water. Baker's Math: The method bakers use to calculate ingredients based on the total flour weight. Baker's Percentage: The ratio of each ingredient to the total flour weight in a recipe. Banneton: A proofing basket that shapes bread dough. Basketweave: A decorative piping technique that mimics the look of woven baskets on the surface of a cake. Bassinage: Bassinage is the process of gradually adding water to dough during mixing. Batter: A batter is a liquid mixture of ingredients used to make cakes, muffins, and cake donuts. Bench Flour: Flour used to prevent dough from sticking to the work surface. Bench Rest: Allowing dough to rest on the work surface before shaping. Bench Scraper: A tool bakers use to divide and shape dough on the work surface. Blind Baking: Pre-baking a pie or tart crust with pie weights before adding the filling to ensure it is fully cooked and crisp. Bloom: The process of softening gelatin in a liquid before adding it to a recipe to ensure proper setting. Boule: A round loaf of bread with a tight crumb and crust. Bread Machine Yeast: Yeast specifically formulated for use in bread machines. Bulk Fermentation: Allowing dough to ferment in a bulk container before shaping. Buttercream: A creamy type of frosting made from butter, powdered sugar, and flavorings such as vanilla or cocoa, commonly used to decorate cakes. C Cake Border: A decorative edge or trim that is applied to the perimeter of a cake. Cake Flour: A finely milled type of flour with a lower protein content than all-purpose flour, resulting in a lighter and more tender cake crumb. Cake Layers: Individual cake rounds of the same size stacked on each other with filling in between to create a layered cake. Cake Tiers: Separate layers of cake stacked on top of each other in decreasing sizes to create a multi-tiered cake. Carry Over Cooking: Carry over cooking refers to the phenomenon where food continues to cook and increase in temperature even after being removed from a heat source. Chiffon Cake: A light and airy type of cake made with oil, eggs, sugar, flour, and baking powder, resulting in a moist and tender crumb. Cold Proof: Proofing dough in a cold environment to slow down fermentation. Commercial Baker's Yeast: Yeast used in large-scale bakery operations. Couche: A linen cloth used to support and shape proofing bread dough. Cornelli: A delicate lace-like piping design commonly used to create intricate cake patterns. Cream: To mix ingredients, typically sugar and fat, together until smooth and creamy. Crimping: A decorative technique used to seal the edges of a pie or tart crust by pinching or folding the edges of the dough, creating a decorative pattern and containing the filling. Crumb: The tender interior of a cake formed when the batter is mixed and baked, creating a soft and fluffy texture. For bread, it refers to its interior texture, including the size and distribution of air pockets. Crumb Coat: Crumb coat is a thin layer of frosting that seals in crumbs and creates a smooth base before applying the final frosting layer. D Damask: A pattern resembling elaborate, symmetrical designs often seen on fabric, used as a decorative motif on cakes. Deck Oven: A deck oven is a type of commercial oven that features multiple shelves or "decks" on which baking pans or trays can be placed, making it ideal for high-volume baking operations. Desired Dough Temperature (DDT): The ideal temperature for dough during mixing and fermentation. Desired Dough Weight (DDW): The target weight of dough for a specific recipe. Diastatic Malt: Malted barley flour that enhances fermentation and browning. Direct Method: Mixing all ingredients at once, both dry and wet, in a single bowl. Discard: Removing a portion of sourdough starter before feeding. Diving Arm Mixer: A diving arm mixer is a type of mixer with a rotating arm for kneading dough. Docking: Docking is pricking small holes in pastry dough, allowing steam to escape during baking and preventing the dough from puffing up too much. Dough Conditioner: Additives that improve dough handling and texture. Dowels: Wooden or plastic rods inserted into tiered cakes to prevent the layers from collapsing. Back to Top E - I Baking Terms E Edible Yield: Edible yield refers to the portion of a food item that is usable and consumable after processing or preparation. In baking, understanding the edible yield of ingredients helps bakers accurately calculate recipe costs and portion sizes. Emulsion: Two liquids dispersed in each other that don't naturally mix. Enriched Doughs: Doughs that contain added enriching ingredients other than the standard yeast, water and flour mixture such as fats, sugars, eggs, etc. Enrobing: A technique used in baking and confectionery to coat food items, such as cakes, cookies, or candies, with a layer of chocolate, icing, or glaze. This process adds flavor, texture, and visual appeal to the finished product. F Fermentation: The process of yeast and bacteria converting sugars into carbon dioxide and alcohol. Final Proof: The last stage of fermentation before baking. Firm Peaks: A stage in whipping egg whites or cream where the mixture holds shape when the whisk is lifted, but the tip bends slightly. Fluting: Fluting is a decorative technique used to create a scalloped edge on a pie or tart crust by pinching or pressing the dough between the fingers, creating a fluted pattern around the edge of the pastry. Fondant: A smooth, pliable icing made from sugar, water, and gelatin commonly used to cover cakes for a sleek and polished finish. Fork Mixer: A dough mixer with rotating tines for mixing dough. Frangipane: Frangipane is a sweet almond filling used in pastries like tarts and croissants. This filling is made with ground almonds, sugar, butter, and eggs, resulting in a rich and nutty flavor. Fresh Yeast: Live yeast used in baking that requires refrigeration. G Ganache: A rich mixture of chocolate and cream used as a frosting, filling, or glaze for cakes. Ghee: Ghee is a type of clarified butter commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking made by simmering butter to separate the milk solids from the fat, resulting in a rich, nutty flavor and high smoke point, making it ideal for sauteing and frying. Gelatinize: The process of starches absorbing water and swelling during baking. Gluten: Gluten is a protein found in wheat flour that develops when flour is mixed with water, giving dough its stretchy texture. Gluten development is crucial in achieving the proper rise and crumb structure in baked goods. Gold Leaf: Thin sheets of edible gold cake decorators use to add a touch of luxury and elegance to cakes. Grease: To coat a pan or baking dish with a thin layer of oil or butter to prevent sticking. Gum Paste: A pliable sugar dough that is often used to create intricate decorations such as flowers, figurines, and other embellishments for cakes. H Hand-Painted: A technique where edible colors are painted directly onto cakes for intricate designs and custom artwork. High Altitude Baking: High altitude baking refers to the process of adjusting recipes and baking techniques to account for the lower air pressure and higher elevation typically found at higher altitudes, ensuring baked goods rise properly and cook evenly. High Hydration Dough: Bread dough with a high-water content, resulting in a more open crumb structure and chewy texture in the finished loaf. Hooch: The liquid that forms on the surface of sourdough starter, indicating that it must be fed. Houndstooth: A two-tone textile pattern of broken checks, often replicated as a cake decoration for a classic and sophisticated look. I Icing: Typically made with powdered sugar, butter, and flavor extracts, icing can be spread, drizzled, or piped onto cakes, cookies, and pastries to add flavor and decoration. Icing Comb: An icing comb is a tool with ridged edges that creates textured patterns in frosting or icing on cakes and other baked goods. Impression Mat: An impression mat is a textured tool used to create decorative patterns or designs on fondant, gum paste, or other pliable cake decorations. Instant Yeast: A type of yeast that does not require proofing and can be added directly to the dry ingredients in a recipe. Isomalt: Isomalt is a sugar substitute used in baking and confectionery that has a lower glycemic index and is heat-resistant, making it ideal for creating sugar decorations and pulled sugar art. Back to Top J - Q Baking Terms J Jelly Glaze: A shiny, sweet glaze made from fruit juice, gelatin, and sugar that adds a glossy finish to baked goods and helps seal moisture for a fresh appearance. Jelly Roll Pan: A shallow type of baking pan with raised edges that prevents batters and liquids from spilling over the sides during baking, making it ideal for creating thin, even layers of baked goods. Jimmies: Also known as sprinkles, jimmies are small, rod-shaped confectionery decorations that add color and texture to baked goods. K Kataifi: Kataifi is a type of shredded phyllo dough used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines to create delicate, crispy pastries and desserts. It is often wrapped around fillings or shaped into nests before baking, or added as a crunchy ingredient in Dubai chocolate bars. Kitchen Scale: Kitchen scales are tools used to accurately measure ingredients by weight. Knead: Kneading is working and stretching bread dough to develop gluten and create the desired texture in the finished bread. Knock (as in knocking dough): To "knock" dough refers to the process of gently punching down risen dough to release excess gas and redistribute yeast and gluten, ensuring a uniform crumb structure and proper rise during baking. Kosher: A kosher food certification shows that products adhere to Jewish dietary laws and regulations. These laws dictate which foods are permissible and how they must be prepared and consumed, ensuring that the food meets specific religious standards. L Lactic Acid Leaven or Leavener: A type of sourdough starter that relies on lactic acid bacteria for fermentation, resulting in a tangy flavor profile. Laminate: The process of layering butter between sheets of dough and folding it to create flaky, buttery pastries such as croissants. Lattice: A lattice crust is a decorative pie crust design made by weaving strips of dough over the top of the pie filling, adding visual appeal to the pie and allowing steam to escape during baking. Levain: Levain is a pre-ferment made from mixed flour and water. It develops flavor and improves the rise of bread dough. M Macerate: To soak fruit in a liquid, typically alcohol or sugar, to enhance flavor and soften the fruit. Maillard Reaction: The Maillard reaction is a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that occurs during baking, resulting in the browning and flavor development of bread crust. Maltose: A type of sugar formed during the enzymatic breakdown of starch in flour, which provides food for yeast during fermentation. Marble: A technique where two different colored batters are swirled together to create a marbled appearance in baked goods. Marzipan: Cake decorators use this sweet almond paste to create flower, fruit, or figure embellishments. N Nappe: Nappe is a French culinary term that refers to the consistency of a sauce when it can coat the back of a spoon. In baking, achieving the right nappe consistency is crucial for sauces, custards, and creams. Nougat: Nougat is a confection made from sugar, honey, nuts, and egg whites. In baking, nougat is often used as a filling or topping for pastries, cakes, and candies. Nutmeg: Nutmeg is a warm, aromatic spice commonly used in baking to add depth of flavor to sweet and savory dishes. O Oxidation of Dough and Flour: Refers to the exposure of dough or flour to oxygen, causing undesirable changes in flavor, color, and texture. Oxidizers: Ingredients such as ascorbic acid or potassium bromate that help strengthen dough and improve its volume and texture. P Par-Baking: Also known as partial baking, par-baking involves baking a pie crust partially before adding the filling. It is used for pies with fillings that require different baking times than the crust or to ensure a fully cooked bottom crust. Pate Brisee: A type of pastry dough typically made with flour, butter, water, and salt that has a crumbly texture when baked, that complements savory pies and quiches. Patent Flour: A type of refined white flour with a high protein content, ideal for making bread with a strong structure and good volume. Pate Sucre: A sweet pastry dough that contains sugar, butter, flour, and sometimes eggs, resulting in a tender and slightly sweet crust which complements desserts like tarts and fruit pies. Petal Dust: Petal dust is a finely ground, edible powder that cake decorators use to add color and shading to sugar flowers and other cake embellishments. Phyllo Dough: Commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, phyllo dough is a thin and delicate pastry dough made by rolling out paper-thin sheets of dough and layering them with butter or oil to create a flaky texture. Piping: Piping is the technique of using a piping bag and various piping tips to apply frosting, icing, or other decorative elements onto a cake. Proofing: The final rise of bread dough before baking, allowing the yeast to ferment and the dough to develop flavor and structure. Puff Pastry: A light and flaky pastry dough made by layering butter between thin sheets of dough. When baked, the butter creates steam, causing the layers to puff up and create a delicate, crispy texture. Pulled Sugar: A technique where sugar is heated and stretched to create delicate, intricate cake decorations. Q Quenelle: A quenelle is a classic French culinary technique that shapes soft foods such as ice cream, mousse, or whipped cream into an oval or egg-like shape. Quick Bread: Quick breads are baked goods that leaven without yeast. They use chemical leaveners such as baking powder or baking soda to raise the dough or batter. Quick Mix Method: Combining both wet and dry ingredients at once. Back to Top R - Z Baking Terms R Rapid Rise Yeast: A type of yeast specially formulated to shorten the rising time of bread dough, making it ideal for quick bread recipes. Rough Puff Pastry: Rough puff pastry is a simplified version of traditional puff pastry that requires less time and effort to make. It involves layering butter and dough, then folding and rolling the dough multiple times to create flaky, buttery layers in the final baked product. Roulade: A type of cake made by rolling a thin layer of sponge cake or genoise with a filling, often served sliced to showcase the spiral pattern. Royal Icing: A hard, white icing made from egg whites and powdered sugar, commonly used for intricate decorations and piping on cakes. Ruffles: Layers of fondant or frosting that are gathered and pleated to create a textured, ruffled effect on cakes. S Sable Dough: Sable dough, pronounced SAY-bull, is a rich and crumbly pastry dough made with butter, sugar, flour, and sometimes egg yolks, resulting in a tender, buttery texture often used for making cookies and tart crusts. Score or Scoring: The act of slashing the surface of bread dough before baking, allowing for controlled expansion and a decorative crust pattern. Semolina: Semolina is a coarse durum wheat flour used in breadmaking to add texture and flavor to bread dough. Short Crust Pastry: A versatile pastry dough made with flour, butter, and water, resulting in a crumbly and tender crust commonly used for sweet and savory dishes. Shortening: Shortening is a fat used in baking to tenderize the crumb of bread and pastries, often in the form of vegetable shortening or butter. Sifting: The process of passing flour through a sieve to aerate it and remove any lumps, resulting in a lighter and more consistent texture in baked goods. Stretch and Fold: A technique used during bread dough fermentation to strengthen gluten and improve dough structure by stretching each side of the dough and then folding it over itself toward the center. Sugar Flowers: Intricate floral decorations made from sugar paste or gum paste to adorn cakes. Swiss Dots: Small, evenly spaced dots or circles piped onto cakes to create a classic and elegant design. T Tare Weight: Tare weight is the weight of a container or vessel deducted from the total weight to determine the net weight of ingredients. Temper: To gradually raise the temperature of a mixture by adding a hot liquid to prevent curdling or seizing; bakers typically temper chocolate or eggs. Tube Pan: A baking pan with a hollow tube in the center, designed to promote even baking and heat distribution in cakes like angel food and chiffon cakes. U Ube: A purple yam commonly used in Filipino cuisine, ube is used in baking to add a unique flavor and vibrant, natural color to desserts. Unsweetened Chocolate: Unsweetened chocolate, also known as baking chocolate, is pure chocolate liquor made from cocoa beans. It contains no added sugar and is commonly used in baking to add a rich, intense chocolate flavor to recipes. V Vents: Small slits or holes cut into the top crust of a pie to allow steam to escape during baking, preventing the filling from bubbling over and ensuring the crust remains crisp and flaky. Vital Wheat Gluten: A concentrated form of gluten protein added to bread dough to improve its elasticity and rise, particularly in low-protein flours. Vol-au-Vent: A puff pastry shell that is typically filled with savory ingredients like chicken, seafood, or vegetables and is known for its light and flaky texture. W Whip: Whipping ingredients means beating them rapidly, incorporating air, and increasing volume. It is commonly used in recipes for whipped cream, meringues, and frostings to achieve a light and airy texture. Whisk: A whisk is a kitchen tool used for blending, whipping, and beating ingredients together. Whisks come in various sizes and shapes, with wire loops that efficiently incorporate air into batters and mixtures. Work Surface: The work surface in a bakery refers to the countertop or table where baking tasks are performed. X Xanthan Gum: Xanthan gum is a thickening agent and stabilizer. It helps improve the texture and shelf life of baked goods, making them more elastic and less crumbly. Xerophyte: A xerophyte is a plant that has adapted to survive in dry conditions, making it ideal for use in recipes that require a drier environment. Xerophytes are often used to create unique flavors and textures in bread and pastries. Xylanase: An enzyme commonly used in baking to break down xylan, a complex sugar found in plant cell walls, resulting in a lighter and fluffier texture in the finished product. Y Yeast: A microorganism that ferments sugars in bread dough, producing carbon dioxide gas that causes the dough to rise and develop flavor. Yeast Nutrient: A supplement used in baking to provide essential nutrients for yeast growth and fermentation, yeast nutrient helps improve the overall performance of yeast, especially in high-sugar or low-nutrient doughs. Yeast Water: A natural leavening agent made by fermenting fruits or vegetables with water and sugar that can be used in place of commercial yeast to add flavor and complexity to bread and other baked goods. Z 0-0 Flour: Also known as double zero flour, this finely ground flour is often used in Italian baking for making pizza dough and pasta. Zest: Zest refers to the outer colored portion of citrus fruit peel, which adds flavor to baked goods. Only grate the colored portion of the peel, because the white pith underneath can be bitter. Back to Top Now that you know essential baking terms, you can confidently navigate any bakery recipe or kitchen conversation. Take your baking skills to the next level by putting your knowledge of these terms into practice. Whether you’re baking fresh sourdough loaves or artisanal French pastries, challenge yourself with the more complex techniques described and see the difference they make in the quality of your baked goods.
