Learn how to bake like a professional pastry chef! James Beard Award-winner Stephen L. Durfee shares a comprehensive guide to making cakes, pies, éclairs and so much more. The results are desserts that taste as incredible as they look.
Class Sessions
Handle With Care: Basic Doughs
36:24
Start class by learning how to organize your workspace. Chef Stephen Durfee shares his methods for proper measuring. Then master techniques for creaming butter, sugar and eggs to just the right consistency as you make delectable cookies and pound cake.
Mixing It Up: Methods for Cakes
41:08
Cakes all require one of several mixing methods. In this lesson, learn what those methods are as you make a rich devil's food cake. Then create several egg foam cakes as you learn the right way to whip your eggs and cool your cakes.
Blue-Ribbon Winners: Pies & Biscuits
37:34
Confidently make a buttery pie crust as you learn how to mold it using your hands or pastry tools. Then experiment with blind baking and make an attractive lattice top. Plus discover the secrets to tender, flaky biscuits and golden-brown scones.
Lighter Than Air: Cream Puffs
37:00
Work with cream puff pastry next. Learn surprising applications for this dough and make tempting chocolate éclairs, cream puffs and deep-fried Mexican churros. Then get tips on whipping up pastry cream, chocolate ganache and caramel topping.
Simple to Elegant: Custards
42:48
Wow your dinner guests! Make luscious, egg-based custards and master the tricky art of baking eggs on the stovetop or in the oven.
Final Touches: Mousse & Dessert Sauces
37:18
In your final lesson, learn how to make your own whipped cream, chocolate mousse, dessert sauces and vanilla bean panna cotta. Then Chef Durfee demonstrates the best ways to unmold, plate and present your desserts with flair, just like a professional chef.
Your Instructor
Stephen Durfee
Stephen L. Durfee is a certified executive pastry chef and a pastry instructor at The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone. He received a James Beard Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef and has been named one of the top ten pastry chefs in America. Chef Durfee has also competed in the National Pastry Team Championships and the Coupe de Patisserie.
Bonus Material
Baking Pastries and Desserts - Course Guidebook
Metric Conversion Guide: Cooking
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
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