Specialty Desserts & Breads

AAS, Certificate

Specialty Desserts & Breads

The Specialty Desserts and Breads program is a five quarter (certificate) or six quarter (AAS degree) course of study. The program is designed for those interested in professional baking or in becoming a pastry chef. The comprehensive, hands on training covers all aspects of baking, pastry, chocolate and cheese production. All students take course in sustainability which is enhanced by our campus green house ‘hands on’ experience.

pastry students

Students are trained how to make rustic artisan breads and doughs, plated desserts, cakes and pastries. European specialties, such as tarts, mousses, truffles, and petit fours are also included along with wedding cakes and cake decorating. Your education also includes chocolate work with demonstrations on pulled and blown sugar, intricate decoration and showpieces. Classroom theory instruction is accompanied by hands-on experience teaching the student how to serve breads and desserts for two on-campus restaurants and our pastry shop.

As a final project, each student completes a "Chef of the Day" project where they are required to plan, cost, prepare and present a bread, breakfast pastry, savory pastry, candy, two tarts, and a plated dessert to demonstrate their mastery of skills and knowledge attained over the previous quarters.

Both the certificate program and the Associate of Applied science program in Culinary Arts are accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Institute.

Career Opportunities

Specialty Desserts & Breads is one of the fastest growing employment areas in the nation; positions are available throughout the United States. The demand for trained, qualified people is extremely high.

  • Catering
  • Cheese Production
  • Chocolitier
  • Cruise Line
  • Institutions such as Hospitals and Universities
  • Restaurants
  • Hotels
  • Private Clubs
  • Wedding Cake Designer

For Further Information:

Specialty Desserts and Breads Program
Seattle Culinary Academy
Seattle Central Community College
1701 Broadway, Room BE2120
Seattle, WA 98122
PHONE: (206) 934-5424
FAX: (206) 934-4323