Is this class suitable for beginners?

Yes, the class is specifically designed for beginner bakers aged 16 and up, focusing on foundational techniques.

Can I take the pie and pastries home?

Absolutely—each participant takes home their own freshly baked pie and danishes made during class.

Are there any dietary restrictions accommodated?

This class uses wheat and dairy products and cannot accommodate major allergen substitutions.

What should I wear to class?

Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting flour on and closed-toe shoes for safety.

Can I gift my ticket if I can’t attend?

Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable to other dates, but you may gift your ticket to a friend.

Is the location accessible by public transport?

Bettie’s Chicago is centrally located in Lincoln Park with multiple public transportation options nearby.

Hands-On Pie & Pastry Class at Bettie's Chicago | Food Tour | Workshop

Bettie’s Chicago invites bakers and food lovers to step into a culinary adventure right in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant Lincoln Park neighborhood. Their Introduction to Pies & Pastries class offers a focused, 2.5-hour hands-on experience where participants master the craft of flaky crusts and elegant Danish pastries from the ground up. Unlike a casual baking demo, this class demands active participation, making it ideal for anyone 16 and older who wants to build real skills alongside a knowledgeable chef instructor.

What sets this class apart is its fusion of seasonal flair with fundamental technique. Students shape chocolate cream cheese danishes and a seasonal fruit pie—learning lamination basics, rough puff pastry, and the art of lattice tops. This is baking stripped of fluff and filled with practical know-how, perfect for seasoned cooks wanting to refine their skills or beginners eager for a solid foundation. The classroom atmosphere is small and intimate, ensuring personalized feedback and plenty of hands-on time.

Located at 853 N Larrabee St, Bettie’s sits within a lively neighborhood known for its mix of local shops, parks, and urban energy. While you’re in the city, take a break and visit nearby scenic spots like the Chicago Riverwalk or Lincoln Park Conservatory for a dose of greenery. Baking here becomes more than a hobby—it links you to Chicago’s dynamic food culture and creative spirit.

Each participant leaves not only with warm, fresh pies and danishes but also a toolkit of skills and recipes to replicate the experience at home. For travelers seeking something beyond traditional hikes or kayak trips, Bettie’s Chicago offers a unique blend of hands-on edible adventure and city culture that expands the definition of outdoor recreation to include culinary craft.

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.