vcc.ca
BAKG 1040: Basic Cakes & Cookies
Effective date
September 2025
Department
Baking & Pastry-Artisan Int'l
School
Hospitality, Food Studies and Applied Business
Description
This course provides students with an introduction to baker’s math and the ingredients, processes, techniques, tools, and equipment used in the production of basic cakes and cookies.
A variety of techniques including basic cake and cookie mixing, makeup, baking, and finishing are explored. Emphasis is placed on methods of preparation and the quality of the finished products as well as critical thinking, time management, communication, and teamwork.
Credits
4.0
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe and apply the theoretical principles and production techniques to produce a variety of basic cakes, quick breads and cookies.
- Assess basic cakes, quick breads and cookies for consistency and quality standards.
- Apply industry standards and procedures essential for food and kitchen safety in the production of basic cakes, quick breads and cookies.
- Apply effective time management, communication, and teamwork skills needed to produce basic cakes, quick breads and cookies.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 20
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 80
Total Hours: 100
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 80
Total Hours: 100
Instructional Strategies
Lecture, demonstration, hands-on practice, group work, and independent study.
Grading System
Percentages
Passing grade
70%
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Lab Work |
60 |
Instructor observation of student’s technical, theoretical, organizational, reflective, and interpersonal skill development, and safety practices |
|
Participation |
10 |
Active engagement in classroom and lab activities |
|
Assignments |
10 |
Weekly reading assignments |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
20 |
Weekly theory quizzes |
Course topics
- Basic cake and quick bread classifications, production techniques, quality standards
- Basic cookie classifications, production techniques, quality standards
- Basic cake and cookie assembly, finishing, and decorating techniques
- Relationship between ingredients, techniques, environmental factors, and baking processes in the production of basic cakes and cookies
- Baking science: overview of baking ingredients, nutrition, and baking processes; heat transfer; formula balance; leavening agents
- Reflective practice: analyzing product outcomes of basic cakes and cookies based on inputs and quality standards, objectivity, generalizing, problem-solving, refining knowledge and skills
- Trade calculations: calculating baker’s percentages and new yields, converting units of measure within a system of measurement
- Production planning and time management: attendance & punctuality, reading and following a basic cake or cookie formula, preparing for production, direct vs. indirect production time, prioritizing work assignments
- Safety and sanitation: tools & equipment operation and care; principles of food safety; personal hygiene and safety practices; types of hazards and emergencies, safety procedures and regulations; accident prevention
- Professional communication: workplace safety, respectful communication, terminology, asking for information or clarification
- Bakery Management: inventory and receiving procedures, storage temperatures and procedures, waste management procedures; packaging and labelling; posting images of finished products on social media
Learning resources
Professional Baking, 8th edition
How Baking Works, 3rd edition
How Baking Works, 3rd edition
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.