Can’t decide between Basics to Baker, Introduction to Patisserie, or Essential Bread & Patisserie? Hear more from Leiths Online's pastry mentor, Louisa.
Deciding between a delicate choux bun and a perfectly flaky, crisp mille-feuille isn’t easy — and neither is choosing the right baking or patisserie course.
We sat down with Louisa Bergese, Leiths Online’s expert pastry mentor, to explore the differences between our baking and patisserie courses, and to hear her advice on choosing the course that best matches your skills and ambitions.
Louisa: “It really depends on what you want to focus on — we offer both bread-making and pastry-focused options. If you’re starting out and just want to get to grips with the fundamentals, I’d recommend beginning with either Basics to Baker or Introduction to Patisserie.
They run between 10 and 12 weeks and are the perfect way to dip your toe in, experience online learning and come out with strong skills and recipes that support your learning. Think of them as building the perfect base - quite literally!
Over the course of 10 weeks, Basics to Baker teaches both the theory and techniques you need to become a confident bread maker. Examples include:
Introduction to Patisserie is a 12-week course that guides you through the essential skills of patisserie. Some of the things you’ll learn include:
Both courses are ideal if you’re looking for an accessible, amateur or intermediate level experience that still teaches all the essential skills — without the time commitment of a professional-level option.”
Louisa: “That’s when I’d suggest the Essential Bread & Patisserie Online Course — our most immersive and comprehensive course.
It runs over 24 weeks and has a professional edge in terms of both length and commitment. Most importantly, this course has the added option of being professionally accredited by Leiths with a 2-day, in-person practical and theory assessment. We encourage refinement whilst still building on foundational skills, but the course also covers more challenging techniques, including:
It’s perfect for confident home bakers who are ready to push themselves, as well as for professionals looking for a certification. You’ll finish the course being able to create desserts that wouldn’t look out of place in a French pâtisserie window. It’s intense but incredibly rewarding. You’ll receive personal feedback from your mentor and be encouraged to finesse your technique with each recipe, so that every element is spot on.”
Louisa: “I always say: be honest about where you are now and where you want to get to. If you have the willingness and time to commit, the Essential Bread & Patisserie course is fantastic — an all-encompassing experience that brings together everything you would want to cover if you were wanting a career in pastry. Even for the confident home cook, you’ll still greatly benefit from the deep dive into all areas of bread and patisserie on offer.
If you’re looking for something shorter that still teaches the Leiths way, then Introduction to Patisserie or Basics to Baker are excellent options.”
Whichever course you choose, you’ll gain access to step-by-step video lessons, dedicated mentor feedback, and a supportive online community of bakers to share your wins (and the occasional soggy bottom) with.
If you want to talk through your options with a member of our team, then please arrange a call on our website.
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