• Create delectable cakes, pies and pastries using modern equipment in a commercial kitchen

• Master advanced techniques in cake design; prepare custards, meringues, mousses and more

• Manage The Bake Shoppe at LCTI and whip up custom confections for customers

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Weddings, baby showers, birthdays — no matter the occasion, sweet treats make them special. In our Commercial Baking program, students learn how to create custom confections that are always in high demand. As they explore the business of baking, students are introduced to the following concepts and skills:

• Prepare cookies, breads, doughnuts, cakes, pies, custards, mousses, souffles, syrups, creams, sauces, etc.
• Develop and execute menus for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, receptions, etc.
• Use and maintain industry-standard kitchen equipment, such as ovens, mixers, doughnut fryers, etc.
• Price baked goods based on production cost calculations; manage inventory
• Maintain sanitary and safe food production facilities in keeping with government requirements

Students hone their skills by baking goods sold daily in The Bake Shoppe at LCTI or catering school events. Preparing goods like holiday cookies and fastnachts for themed bake sales is routine. With guidance from their instructor, students also tackle birthday cakes, wedding cakes and other orders from the public.

Once students master the fundamentals, they take on more advanced tasks, such as cake decorating with royal icing, rolled fondant, gum paste, air brush designs and more. Nutrition, food allergies and culinary sustainability are important elements of the program, too.

Our Commercial Baking program is accredited by the following organization:

American Culinary Federation Education Foundation

Industry Credentials

Commercial Baking students can earn the following certifications and credentials in high school:

• ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification
• S/P2 Culinary Certificate
• First Aid Certification via American Red Cross
• Pennsylvania Skills Certificate via NOCTI®

College Credits

The following schools have articulation agreements with LCTI that allow Commercial Baking students to earn college credit for work they complete in high school:

• Lehigh Carbon Community College
• The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College

Career Pathways

with credentials:

• Baker
• Dough Scaler/Mixer
• Pastry Chef

with credentials and experience:

• Bakery Manager
• Bakery Owner

with associate degree:

• Chef de Partie
• Executive Pastry Chef
• Sous Chef