Let me take you back to some of my earliest lessons in baking by focusing on Classic French Desserts.
We’ll begin with a Charlotte Russe, making a classic sponge cake that we will use to make both a cake base and ladyfingers. You will also learn about Bavarian cream and how to make one flavored with fresh raspberries. We will put this all together into a cake so pretty you almost won’t want to cut into it…oh, but you will!
Next, Mocha Macarons with a Chocolate Caramel Filling! If you have never made French macarons you might be surprised to see it as our second-level class and defin itely not the hardest thing we will learn this month. That is because they are much easier to make than their reputation would have you think! I will teach you exactly how to make a perfect macaron – luscious and intensely delicious!
Finally, you will be ready to make a Classic French Croquembouche. This sweet, creamy, crunchy tower of cream puffs is traditionally made for weddings but we think it can add the perfect wow factor to any special gathering. Not only that, but they are fun to pull off and eat, and it sets the perfect tone for a lively celebration. As for the fussiness of making this – well, I will be taking you step-by-step and I promise that it is easier than it looks.
By the end, you will have gained some solid experience with some basics of French baking!
Class Sessions
Charlotte Russe
29:50
At the beginning of the 19th century in France, the famous chef Antoine Carême created this dessert by using lady fingers to line a mold and then filling the center with Bavarian cream. He originally called this dessert Charlotte à la Parisienne but later changed the name to Charlotte Russe to honor his employer and czar of Russia, Alexander I.
Mocha Macarons with Chocolate Caramel Filling
21:50
The macarons that we enjoy today, filled with buttercreams or ganache, began to show up in Paris by the early 20th century and the credit is claimed by both Pierre Desfontaines of the pâtisserie Ladurée and also by another baker at the time, Claude Gerbet.
Classic French Croquembouche
19:10
Croquembouche is a very special dessert traditionally reserved for weddings, religious holidays and other special occasions, and literally means "crunch in mouth." It is a tower of choux pastry buns, filled with custard and assembled into the shape of a cone with the aid of caramel.
Your Instructor
Gemma Stafford
For a decade, Irish-born chef Gemma Stafford has been bringing her passion for teaching people to bake with confidence to her online baking show and brand, “Bigger Bolder Baking.” Gemma’s unique combination of expertise, bold recipes, and approachable techniques have led to appearances as a judge on Netflix’s “Nailed It!”, Food Network’s “Best Baker in America,” and Hulu’s “Baker’s Dozen.”
Bonus Material
Classic French Desserts - Class Resources
Charlotte Russe - Resources
Charlotte Russe - Recipe
Mocha Macarons - Resources
Mocha Macarons - Recipe
Croquembouche - Resources
Croquembouche - Recipe
Bonus Recipe: Chocolate Pot de Crème
Bonus Recipe: Orange Tuiles
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Do I have to be a Member of Creative Cake Design to purchase a Class?
No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on Creative Cake Design content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great cake decorating ideos and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
How do I purchase a Class?
First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
How do I access/view my Class?
Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of Creative Cake Design. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
Do I have to take the Class right away?
No. Any Class you buy will be accessible to you always. You can view your Class whenever you want, and you can view individual Sessions in whatever order you like.
Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?
No problem. Most newer-model smartphones or other mobile/tablet devices with an internet connection are able to play the Class videos. Simply Log In to Creative Cake Design, and you can view any Class you’ve bought through the MY ACCOUNT section. Or, you can click on the “View Class” link within the email confirmation you’ll receive upon your purchase.
How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?
Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.
How does the Class Q&A Resource benefit work?
Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but Creative Cake Design contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
Why do you need my email?
We need it to acknowledge your purchase of a Class, and send you a confirmation of your transaction. Also, in order to maintain your permanent access to the Class videos, you’ll need to Log In to creativecakedesign.com. We guarantee that we will not share your email with any third parties. You may receive email updates from Creative Cake Design from time to time, with details of new Classes and updates. You can easily unsubscribe when you receive any email.
Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?
Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.
How do I contact Creative Cake Design?
If your question is about the Class content, please use the the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at creativecakedesign@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-833-363-1239. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
Explore Classes by Gemma Stafford
This site uses cookies and other technologies to track your use of the site that will allow us and our service providers and partners to enhance your experience and deliver relevant content to you. By agreeing to or closing this notice, you understand and agree to such use and data collection. For more information about our privacy practices and your choices, please visit our privacy policy and cookie notice.
