CULA 1700 Basic Baking

This course introduces the student to the fundamentals of professional baking and production. The student will focus on preparing and presenting foundational breads, cakes, pies, cookies, and some specialty baked goods. The course will emphasize industry terminology, equipment and tool usage, function of ingredients, measurement conversion, recipe development, product production, proper storage, and evaluation of quality goods. This course prepares the student to adapt to fit the specific needs of many operations. Prerequisites: Completion of CULA 1500 and CULA 1515. (1 lect., 4 lab).

Credits

3 credits

Major Topics

  • Foundational concepts and skills in professional baking
  • Primary tools, equipment, techniques, and practices used in professional baking
  • Measurements, formulas, conversions, scaling, and recipe execution
  • Overview of different types of bread and production of common examples
  • Basic cake and pie types
  • Various styles of cookie
  • Alternative ingredients and production methods of common goods
  • Decorating, finishing, and plating techniques
  • Evaluation of finished baked goods

Outcomes

In order to successfully complete this course, the student will:

1. Describe the primary functions of bakery and pastry stations and the categories of food produced.

2. Demonstrate consistent recipe execution through proper measuring, combining, conversions, scaling, and cooking.

3. Identify the primary types of cakes and pies, their preparation methods, and service styles.

4. Describe the major categories of breads, their characteristics, flavor profiles, and production methods.

5. Compare the characteristics, production methods, and flavors of various types of cookies.

6. Examine how the usage of alternative ingredients in baked goods impacts nutrition, mitigates allergies, and manages preferences.

7. Prepare examples of basic breads, cakes, pies, cookies, and other baked goods from various culinary traditions.

8. Apply different types of decorating, finishing, and plating techniques to completed baked goods.

9. Evaluate selections of finished dishes for taste, texture, presentation, and quality.