Well…virtually 😊 Let’s start with the fact that we are massive GBBO fans, from back in the Mary Berry, Mel, and Sue days. The entire family watches it, we talk about it, have opinions on whether the bakes are reasonable for the amount of time given…on and on. So, following quite a few on social media, there’s always a twinge of jealousy when they mention they will be presenting at an event or teaching a class – in the UK of course. Not that traveling to there for an event is out of the question, but seeing an option for a virtual baking class was a much more reasonable way to go. Luckily for us it was with one of our favorite bakers – Matty Edgell, winner in 2023. Seeing the classes were open around the world, I knew I would try it out given the chance.
So how does Matty’s class work? Let’s break it down a bit –
- The current list of classes he offers is available on his website under the section – Matty Baking Academy. Right now it looks like they are listed about a month at a time.
- All classes are from 5:30pm to 7:30pm (GMT) which worked great from us since that’s 12:30pm (EST).
- Each class has a theme (our last class was “Seriously Nutty) so you choose the one with the bakes you like the most. Class descriptions will let you know what you’ll be making and if there is any special equipment you need for class.
- They are limited to only 10 people max, so you really get a chance to ask questions and interact with Matty as if you were in a live class with him.
- Right now, they cost £59.00 (about $73.00 as Jan ’25), plus the cost of ingredients.
- Sign up is super easy on his website. You immediately receive the Zoom link for class, plus the list of ingredients and equipment you will need.
Let’s talk about prepping and class itself –
- As soon as you get the info for class, look over the ingredients and equipment you’ll need. If you bake somewhat regularly, chances are you will have quite a bit of what is listed. I didn’t find anything very out of the ordinary, but it’s worth a check for what you need to buy just in case you need to check a few stores for an ingredient. For this class, I needed pistachio paste. It took a few stores to find it, so it was good to have plenty of time to track it down. Tip if you ever need pistachio paste/cream…World Market is a great option.
- The day of class, prep everything in advance – everything. Pre-measure all ingredients that make sense. Since some items might be in more than one bake, label everything with the amount and which bake it’s for. Once class gets going, you’ll be happy it’s all marked. Some ingredients, like heavy cream, I really didn’t want to sit out but the measure cups were ready to go when the time came.
- Class opens with a few minutes to chat with Matty. It was so fun to hear where everyone was from. In our classes we had students from the US, Scotland, and England. Then it gets going and it’s off to the races! 😊 You can stop Matty to ask a question at any point, but since you have two hours to make usually 3-4 items, it definitely keep moving along.
- He is baking in real time with you. In both classes nothing was really pre-done for him. Unlike a cooking show, he’s not half mixing things in a bowl and then magically pulling a fully baked cake out of the oven. This is so helpful because you get to see exactly what something should look like. Stiff peaks for a meringue – he can show you what that means. How to properly fold them into your cake batter – no worries, he’s doing it right along side you.
- You will get everything done completely in class, so you’re not left guessing after how to finish it off. You might want to do more decorating on a cake, but he will definitely get you to that point and will decorate his so you can see how to do it.
- Even though class moves at a good pace, there’s plenty of time for questions on baking or on GBBO. As fans of the show, it was so interesting to hear what it was like for them. It definitely gives you an appreciation for how much work the contestants put into it. Also, much to our relief…Noel and Allison are as nice and funny in person as they seem on tv!
A few things to keep in mind before signing up –
- This is a great class to learn more about baking, but not necessarily meant for first time bakers. There is some expectation that you have basic baking skills. Also, the class does more at a good pace, so you need to be comfortable with some basic techniques so you don’t feel lost.
- I mentioned it before, but it needs to be said again – prep before class! Do not leave any measuring you can do in advance for class. I might be a little OCD, but label and group ingredients together for each bake. Also, pull out all utensils and equipment he lists for class. You don’t want to hunt down where your pastry bush is mid class.
- For us, this was a team effort – I baked, Maria helped with dishes mid class, and Susan helped to document everything. It was also very helpful to have them listening along with me. Sometimes I wouldn’t hear something he said (very focused on mixing) and they were able to let me know if I missed something.
- You will have two things at the end of class – a lot of dishes and a lot of yummy baked goods! It’s helpful to have a plan for both. When class is over, even if you have help, there is still plenty of clean up, so just allot for that time. For my last class, I had two full cakes at the end and lots of Chantilly cream. A good problem to have, but it helps to know who it’s going to so none of your delicious work gets wasted.
If you love baking, any class is Matty is a must! He was so kind & welcoming, it was so easy to learn. He is just as nice & wonderful as he seems on the show. It was such a fun class and we definitely are planning for more in the future.
