Whether you’re taking your first steps into the world of measured flour and tempered chocolate or you’re the dedicated baker who elevates every gathering with your creations—the right instructor can transform your experience from daunting to delightful.
At Nanatang, we’ve had the absolute honour of collaborating with truly exceptional baking instructors—the kind who don’t just teach, but inspire. These rare finds (let’s call them the unicorns of the baking world) have a special gift for turning recipes into real confidence at the counter.
So, how do you spot one of these standout instructors? Here are 10 unmistakable signs you’re learning from a true professional—the kind worth their weight in premium butter (and yes, we mean the good European kind).
A truly knowledgeable baking instructor doesn’t just tell you what to do. They know that explaining why it matters is just as important as showing you how to do it. Instead of simply instructing you to “fold the batter gently”, they’ll describe how overmixing develops too much gluten, leading to a dense, tough cake. When teaching croissants, they’ll break down the science of lamination, describing how cold butter creates those irresistible flaky layers. This depth of understanding transforms baking from a series of steps into an engaging, educational experience. Students under such comprehensive instructors learn the principles behind techniques, making them better, more intuitive bakers!
Every student absorbs information differently, and a skilled instructor recognises this. Some of us are visual learners who need to see every fold and whisk in action. Others need to get their hands in the dough to really get it. A truly great instructor knows this, patiently guiding your shaky hands through that first piping bag squeeze, drawing you quick sketches of how bread rises, or spelling out that tricky technique three different ways until it clicks. That’s the magic—they meet you where you’re at so you walk out actually feeling like you’ve got this, not just pretending to nod along.
When you watch a master baker at work, their movements are precise, efficient, and almost effortless. They knead dough with just the right pressure, whip egg whites to perfect peaks, and temper chocolate without a single streak. But what truly makes them a cut above the rest is their ability to break down these techniques in a way that’s easy to replicate. If your instructor can spot the slight overworking of pastry dough before it becomes tough or correct your whisking angle to prevent under-aerated meringues, you know you’re learning from someone with real expertise.
A confident instructor doesn’t shy away from questions. They encourage them! Whether you’re wondering why your cookies spread too much or if you can swap honey for sugar in a recipe, a great teacher will give you a clear, thorough explanation. They don’t dismiss your curiosity with a vague “because that’s how it’s done”. Instead, they take the time to explain the role of each ingredient, the impact of substitutions, and how to troubleshoot common mistakes. Their willingness to dive deep into the “why” without hesitation shows both their knowledge and their dedication to your growth as a baker.
The world of baking is always evolving, and a top-tier instructor keeps up with the latest techniques, ingredients and equipment. They might introduce you to the tin tiramisu social media is going wild over, get into the benefits of alternative flours for gluten-free baking, or demonstrate assembling ginormous Korean-styled macarons bursting with inventive fillings. Their knowledge isn’t stuck in the past—they merge classic techniques with contemporary innovations, giving you the best of both worlds.
Professionalism in baking includes maintaining a clean, safe workspace. A great instructor emphasises proper food handling, practises safe knife skills, and ensures that workstations stay organised (even when flour is flying everywhere). They’ll remind you why weighing ingredients is more accurate than measuring by volume and stress the importance of avoiding cross-contamination. These habits might not seem glamorous, and can even feel tedious at first, but they’re the foundation of successful, consistent baking.
Those little “aha!” moments when they share the secret tricks you won’t find in cookbooks? Treat them preciously. Like how double-chilling your cookie dough gives you those perfect thick bakery-style cookies. Or that simple hack of putting a damp towel under your mixing bowl to stop it from dancing across the counter. Or, how just a pinch of citric acid can transform your buttercream from good to incredibly velvety. These golden nuggets come straight from years of flour-dusted experience. When your instructor casually drops one of these gems mid-class, that’s when you know you’re getting the real deal. So listen up and scribble those notes fast!
The best instructors live and breathe baking. You can hear it in their voice when they describe the perfect crackle of a sourdough loaf or see it in their eyes when they display the delicate art of sugar work. Their enthusiasm is contagious, turning what could be a routine lesson into an exciting adventure. When your teacher is genuinely passionate, it makes you eager to learn, experiment, and push your skills further. And just like the mother dough that kickstarts fermentation, your passion will also soon ignite someone else’s!
A great instructor knows how to correct mistakes without crushing confidence. If your custard turns grainy, they won’t just say, “That’s wrong”. Instead, they’ll explain that overheating was the likely culprit and show you how to use a double boiler for better control next time. Their feedback is always paired with encouragement and actionable advice, so you leave each class feeling motivated—not defeated.
Baking is as much about joy as it is about precision, and the best instructors understand this. When you finally nail that tricky French macaron or pull off your first beautifully braided loaf, they’ll be just as elated as you are. They remember that every baker starts somewhere, and they take genuine pride in your progress. That kind of support doesn’t just teach you skills—it builds your confidence and love for baking.
At Nanatang, we’ve seen how the right teacher can turn a hesitant beginner into a confident baker and a seasoned enthusiast into a true artisan. If your instructor embodies these qualities, you’re in great hands. We know ours do! So if you’re still searching for the perfect class, keep these signs in mind, because learning from a true professional is an experience that stays with you long after the last crumb is gone.
Join us at Nanatang and let our expert bakers guide you through every whisk, fold and bake—because the best lessons don’t just teach recipes, they spark a lifetime of delicious creativity. Enrol today and start your baking journey with world-class chefs!
