Interested in taking an online baking class? Below are top online baking, pastry, food science, and food photography resources taught by experienced professionals. These recommendations highlight accessible courses, in-depth programs, and useful reference materials to help you improve your baking skills and deepen your understanding of technique and science.
I’ve taken many baking classes both in person and online and read extensively on baking science. The list below gathers the programs and resources I recommend if you want practical instruction, scientific context, or inspiration for photography and presentation.
Disclosure: This article includes affiliate links.
Online baking classes
- MasterClass: A MasterClass membership gives access to several high-quality baking and pastry courses, including:
- Dominique Ansel — French pastry fundamentals, from classic tarts to croissant techniques.
- Joanne Chang — Baking basics and baking science, with practical tips for home and professional bakers.
- Apollonia Poilâne — Traditional bread baking techniques from a third-generation baker.
- Skillshare: Skillshare offers a wide variety of baking lessons. Look for specialized classes such as macarons and gelato taught by experienced instructors like Marie Asselin.
- Chocolate Academy: Cacao Barry’s Chocolate Academy provides extensive pastry and chocolate courses online and in person. The program delivers professional-level guidance on chocolate techniques and pastry fundamentals—excellent value for the depth of content available.
- Studio (formerly Monthly): Studio offers focused classes from well-known pastry chefs. For example, Christina Tosi’s class covers cookies, pies, and cakes with hands-on demonstrations and clear technique explanations.
- Demi classes: Pastry professional Camilla Wynne teaches preservation and candied fruit methods, including marmalade classes. Her approach combines practical technique with flavorful applications.
- Virtual classes with Molly J. Wilk: Affordable, theme-based pastry classes covering specific confections like Opéra cake, Saint-Honoré, and éclairs. These focused sessions are great for learning one technique at a time.
Science of cooking and baking courses
- Harvard edX — Science and Cooking: A rigorous course that explores the physical and chemical principles behind cooking techniques.
- University of Hong Kong (Coursera) — Science of Gastronomy: A course that examines food science, flavor, and the processes that influence culinary outcomes.
If you prefer reading, consider baking science books to deepen your theoretical knowledge. Podcasts also offer ongoing inspiration and practical tips from bakers and culinary scientists.
Food photography courses
If you want to improve food styling and photography, these options are recommended:
- ACE Camps: In-person photography workshops with renowned instructors. These immersive camps provide hands-on instruction in lighting, composition, and styling.
- The Bite Shot: A mix of free resources and paid classes focused on food photography techniques, styling, and workflow—popular among food bloggers and content creators.
- Foodtography by Sarah Crawford: An online course tailored to bakery and food photography, covering practical shooting and editing techniques.
No matter your current level, there’s always room to learn and improve. Structured classes—whether technique-driven baking courses or science-based programs—accelerate progress and build confidence. Pair lessons with practice and reference books, and consider photographing your finished work to track progress and showcase your skills. Take an online baking class and enjoy the process of growing as a baker.