Do I need prior baking experience to join?

No, the class is designed for all skill levels, including beginners.

Are ingredients provided or should I bring my own?

All ingredients and equipment are provided as part of the class.

Can I bring someone to watch if they don’t want to bake?

The workshop is hands-on and requires participant engagement; observers are generally not permitted.

Is the class suitable for children?

This class is geared toward adults and older teens due to the equipment used.

What happens to the cakes we bake?

You get to take home the cakes you bake during the session.

Is parking available near the venue?

Yes, there are paid parking options nearby but check the location details when booking.

Master Cake Baking from Scratch with Baker Bettie in Chicago | Food Tour | Workshop

Chicago, Illinois, known for its vibrant food scene and rich culinary traditions, is home to an exciting hands-on experience perfect for aspiring bakers: Cake Baking 101 with Baker Bettie. Hosted by Kristin "Baker Bettie" Hoffman, a renowned pastry chef and baking instructor, this 2.5-hour workshop invites you into the world of classic cake making with a friendly and expert guide. Whether you're a novice or looking to sharpen your skills, this intimate class offers a rare opportunity to learn the fundamentals of baking fudgy chocolate sheet cake and vanilla pound cake, along with the art of crafting luscious buttercream frosting. Step into Baker Bettie’s well-equipped kitchen in Chicago, where each ingredient and technique gets a personal touch as you create your own cakes from scratch.

What sets this class apart is the combination of practical baking instruction and a creative environment that encourages experimentation. You won’t just follow a recipe; you'll delve into understanding how each element—from the balance of fat and sugar to the importance of mixing methods—affects texture and flavor. Baker Bettie’s approachable teaching style breaks down baking science into manageable and fun lessons, making it accessible for all skill levels.

Situated in the heart of Chicago, this workshop also offers a glimpse into the local baking culture, reflecting the city’s deep appreciation for craft and culinary mastery. Attendees leave not only with their freshly baked cakes but also valuable techniques and confidence to recreate and innovate recipes at home. This class is uniquely positioned as both a culinary adventure and a creative outlet, perfect for visitors or locals aiming to deepen their connection to Chicago’s foodie landscape.

Beyond the luscious cakes and creamy frostings, the class fosters a sense of community among participants, making it more than just a baking lesson – it’s an immersive experience that honors the joy of baking and sharing great food. Plan your trip to coincide with this workshop and discover why Baker Bettie’s class is a standout experience in Chicago’s array of food tours and cooking classes.

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.