Gourmandises Academie

Complete beginners looking to master French baking techniques will find their ideal learning environment at Gourmandises Academie, a specialist patisserie school based in Cambridge. The intimate class sizes of just five students maximum ensure personal attention, whilst the relaxed workshop atmosphere makes even challenging techniques approachable for newcomers to baking. The curriculum centres on authentic French patisserie, with seven distinct classes covering both fundamental skills and seasonal specialities. Students can choose between foundational pastry techniques or dive straight into specific French classics. The comprehensive pastry class teaches both sweet and savoury shortcrust pastry alongside frangipane filling and pastry cream, with students creating croustades, quiches and tartelettes whilst learning to avoid the dreaded soggy bottom. The choux pastry workshop focuses on mastering this temperamental dough to produce profiteroles, éclairs and religieuses, complete with chocolate and vanilla icings and craquelin toppings. Macarons receive dedicated attention through a masterclass that demystifies the notoriously tricky French meringue and macaronage technique using proven recipes. The fraisier and charlottes class combines delicate genoise sponge and sponge fingers with crème diplomate and flavoured pastry cream. Seasonal offerings include a Christmas pastry workshop covering both sweet and savoury canapés, from gougères to salted caramel preparations, and a festive baking class dedicated to creating an authentic Bûche de Noël with meringue buttercream decorations. Each five-hour class from £137 includes all ingredients, equipment, aprons and a homemade lunch, with students taking home their creations in presentation boxes. The academy suits beginners seeking structured learning in small groups, corporate events, and hen parties wanting an elegant activity.

Reviews

Location

69 Victory Way, Cottenham, Cambridge CB24 8TG, Cambridgeshire

A few things we think are worth having if you want to keep baking at home.

Equipment

Thermapen ONE Thermometer

Professional-grade instant-read. Essential for chocolate and patisserie.

~£70View on Amazon

Equipment

Matfer Bourgeat Exopat Mat

Professional silicone mat. Essential for macarons and laminated doughs.

~£25View on Amazon

Book

The Pastry School - Julie Jones

Stunning step-by-step patisserie from a self-taught British baker. Tarts, entremets, choux - all achievable at home.

~£28View on Amazon

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