What is the class duration?

The workshop runs approximately three hours from start to finish.

Is there an age minimum?

Yes. Participants must be at least 16 years old to attend.

Are tickets refundable?

All tickets are final sale and non-refundable; if you can’t attend you may gift your ticket to someone else.

Does the class accommodate allergies or dietary restrictions?

The kitchen uses wheat and dairy and regularly handles major allergens—contact the host before booking to discuss accommodations.

Can I photograph or film during the class?

Yes, photography is welcome; aim to capture the decorated top and close-ups of techniques before pies are boxed.

Will I leave with a finished pie?

Yes. Each student assembles and decorates their own spellbook pie to take home.

Hocus Pocus Spellbook Pie Baking Class in Chicago

At the heart of Chicago's seasonal pop-up baking scene, the "Hocus Pocus" Spellbook Pie class invites bakers and movie fans into a three-hour hands-on workshop where pastry meets playful Halloween theater. Held in Chicago, Illinois, this class teaches students to build a sturdy, flaky pie crust, craft a vibrant mixed-berry filling, and decorate the top to look like an edible spell book using food-safe colors and pastry techniques. Over three hours you'll move through tactile, focused steps: mixing and laminating butter into flour until the dough holds flakes that crisp in the oven; simmering blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries down to a glossy compote; and learning simple piping and cutout techniques to render pages, lettering, and symbolic motifs on a pie surface. The session emphasizes technique as much as creativity—scoring crusts for even bake, blind-baking where needed, and balancing filling acidity so each slice reads sweet, tart, and clean. What makes this offering stand out in Chicago's winter holiday roster is its cultural hook—an explicit nod to the cult film Hocus Pocus—and its theatrical finish. Instead of a standard lattice, each pie becomes an objet d'art: an edible book that you assemble and color, then take home to share. The class is designed for ages 16 and up, runs three hours, and is seasonal—timed for Halloween and the broader holiday period. Tickets are final sale; if you can’t attend you may gift your spot to someone else. Note that the kitchen uses wheat and dairy and may handle common allergens. This is not only an isolated cooking lesson but a social experience that taps into Chicago’s larger food culture. Bakers who come for the novelty discover practical skills—flaky pastry construction, compote consistency, decorative glazing, that translate to any home baking project. It’s also a great option for small friend groups looking for a festive indoor activity on a chilly October evening. Practical details: classes cap and language options are not specified; bring a sense of curiosity and appetite for hands-on work. Photography-friendly moments include the glossy filling and the decorated top before it’s boxed. For people staying in the city, this class pairs well with an evening walking loop through nearby Lincoln Park or a pre-class coffee at a neighborhood café. Whether you’re there for the movie riff, the pastry technique, or the Instagram-ready result, the "Hocus Pocus" Spellbook Pie is a clever, skill-forward way to celebrate the season and come away with a dessert that’s equal parts craft and comfort. Expect hands-on pacing, friendly instruction, and a tidy takeaway box; if you have dietary concerns contact the host before booking to confirm accommodations. The class runs about three hours and makes an excellent holiday gift or date night plan. Book early.

About Bettie's Chicago

Bettie's Chicago is a hands-on bakery and cooking studio in Chicago led by head chef Kristin “Baker Bettie” Hoffman. The studio offers a wide range of classes, workshops, and take-and-bake options for home bakers, food lovers, and groups. Participants learn techniques for breads, pastries, pies, and savory dishes with a focus on practical skills, approachable recipes, and small class sizes that enable personalized instruction.

Classes include introductions to bread baking, sourdough intensives, focaccia art, French breads, artisan pizza, homemade pasta, and seasonal favorites like pumpkin cinnamon rolls and apple cider donuts. Specialty workshops cover cookie pickups, cupcake and cake decorating, macaron making, and multi-day sourdough courses for intermediate bakers. Private events and corporate team-building sessions are also available by request.

Bettie's Chicago emphasizes hands-on learning: students mix, knead, shape, and bake during sessions and often take finished products home. The studio highlights ingredient quality, clear step-by-step guidance, and reproducible recipes so attendees can recreate results at home. Classes specify age recommendations and duration, and many allow dietary accommodations or vegan-friendly options.

The business is suitable for beginners through experienced bakers seeking focused technique work or creative culinary experiences. Reviews and event listings on reputable city guides and The Adventure Collective spotlight consistent class offerings and seasonal specialties. Booking information, class schedules, and pre-order pickup options are available through the studio’s online listings and partner platforms.

Gift certificates, group discounts, and private lesson packages make Bettie's Chicago a flexible option for celebrations, team building, and hands-on culinary education across skill levels.