Breads & Pastry Certification
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Welcome to MCAI's Breads & Pastry Certification Program
Our Breads and Pastry Program covers a full spectrum of baking essentials, from foundational skills to advanced pastry techniques, guiding students through both classic and modern methods.
What You'll Learn
By the end of the program, students will be equipped with professional knowledge and a versatile skill set to succeed in today’s fast-growing culinary industry.
Each week of this immersive course focuses on a different area of baking and pastry:
- UNITS 1-4: Foundational Skills
- Topics: Principles of the bakeshop, food safety, knife skills, and the art of quick and yeast breads.
- Skills Gained: Students develop a solid foundation, learning the essentials of sanitation, baking processes, and the science behind gluten and leavening agents.
- UNITS 5-7: Desserts & Pastry Techniques
- Topics: Creating pies, pastries, cookies, cakes, and frostings.
- Skills Gained: Explore a variety of mixing and baking methods, decorating techniques, and an introduction to classic and modern dessert styles.
- UNITS 8-9: Nutrition and Special Diets
- Topics: Preserving fruits, creating desserts for special diets, and understanding nutritional needs.
- Skills Gained: Learn how to adapt baking methods to health-conscious and dietary-specific recipes, ideal for today’s diverse culinary landscape.
- UNITS 10-11: Display & International Pastries
- Topics: Presenting pastries and breads for retail and catering, and exploring global dessert recipes.
- Skills Gained: Develop presentation techniques for restaurant-quality displays and explore recipes from around the world, enhancing versatility and cultural knowledge.
- UNIT 12: Final Practical Exam
- Exam Overview: Students will showcase their skills by creating individually plated desserts and a collaborative buffet-style display, bringing together everything they’ve learned throughout the course.
Why Choose MCAI?
Metropolitan Culinary Arts Institute is dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education in a supportive environment. With small class sizes and an entirely hands-on approach, our program ensures each student receives personalized guidance, preparing them to thrive in the fast-paced culinary world. MCAI is SCHEV-certified and ACF-approved, meaning our curriculum meets the highest industry standards.
Enroll Today!
If you’re ready to take the first step toward a fulfilling career in baking, apply to our Breads and Pastry Program. Gain the skills, confidence, and professional knowledge to succeed as a baker or pastry chef in today’s foodservice industry. Book a Tour!
State-of-the-Art Kitchen
Our cooking school features a state-of-the-art kitchen that is equipped with everything you need to create delicious meals. You'll have access to top-of-the-line appliances, cookware, and utensils.
Social Atmosphere
Our cooking classes are not only educational, but also fun and social. You'll meet other food enthusiasts and have the opportunity to share your passion for cooking.
Breads & Pastry Upcoming Semesters
Evening Semester starting in June 2025:
Breads & Pastry EVENING
21 Weeks (Evening) 2025
Start Date: SATURDAY, June 7, 2025
End Date: Friday, Oct. 24, 2025Â Â
IN-PERSONÂ
Part-time
- SATURDAYS 9AM - 5PM
- MONDAY - THURSDAY 6PM - 10PMÂ
Weeks Off:Â
- JUNE 30 - JULY 4
- SEPT 1 - 5
Total Weeks: 21Â
Total Program Hours: 480
- $19,900
Daytime Semester starting in September 2025:
Breads & Pastry DAYTIME
14 Weeks (Daytime) 2025
Start Date: Monday, August 25, 2025
End Date: Friday, December 5, 2025 (Graduation)
IN-PERSONÂ Full-Time
MONDAY - FRIDAYÂ 9AM - 5PM
DAYS OFF: September 22 - 26; November 24 - 28
Total Weeks: 14
Total Program Hours: 480
 $15,500
Evening Semester starting in January 2026
Breads & Pastry EVENING
21 Weeks (Evening) 2025
Start Date: SATURDAY, January 10, 2026
End Date: Friday, June 6, 2026
IN-PERSONÂ
Part-time
- SATURDAYS 9AM - 5PMÂ
- MONDAY - THURSDAY 6PM - 10PMÂ
Weeks Off:Â
- February 9 - 14; April 4 -10
Total Weeks: 21Â
Total Program Hours: 480
- $19,900