Cake decorating classes in Toronto offer an artistic and delicious outlet for all of those creative juices. Granted, while a workshop or two probably won't propel you to the status of the city's gateaux elite, they will give you an edge over the average stencil-equipped cake decorator. These classes cater to a range of experience levels, from professionals to casual hobbyists, and help equip participants with all the knowledge necessary to tap the power of the piping bag.
Here are some places to take cake decorating classes Toronto.
Le Dolci
Well, this is primarily cupcake decorating, but never mind. Le Dolci offers regular cupcake decorating classes (and the odd cake decorating class) at its "fun foodie studio" on Dundas West, most of which run for about two hours and are priced between $80 and $129. Here you'll learn the art(s) of piping, fondant, and/or how to make those pretty sugar flowers, with plenty of tasty treats to take home after the class.
Bonnie Gordon
Having recently moved into more spacious digs on Caledonia Road, Bonnie Gordon is perhaps the foremost Toronto name when it comes to "confectionary arts." This is where the would-be pros go to learn the trade, enrolling in full-time programs that detail the ins and outs of baking essentials and cake design. The college also offers one-day programs on mini-cakes, decorating basics, and cake haute couture (priced around $150-$250).
Katie's Cakes
A cake decorating option for those with nut sensitivities. Katie's Cakes over in East York does a basic skills class in its totally nut-free shop on O'Connor, occasionally switching things up to cater to more advanced students. Taught by Lyne Coderre, Katie's workshops use the Wilton method, and usually cost about $100 for the day, with tools included.
J'Adore Cakes
Another East York option, J'Adore Cakes hosts everything from designer purses cake classes for $250 (yes, you'll make an edible Louis Vuitton), cupcake bouquet classes, classes to teach you basic piping, and much more. Typically taught by instructor Isabelle Loiacono, most workshops are about five to six hours with tools included (to borrow).
Michaels
Michaels has several GTA locations, and at this one on Billy Bishop Way, Michaels not only sells a whole bunch of Wilton products, but actually tells you how to use them. Most courses at the store are about four weeks in duration (two hours a night), spanning topics such as basic decorating skills, flowers, gum paste and fondant, and more. Total course cost is about $100.
Madame Gateaux
If you can navigate its website, you can probably handle an introductory cake decorating class. Right by Woodbine Station, this Danforth shop offers a little bit of everything including baking supplies, fresh baked goods, and yes, plenty of classes and workshops. Most programs are one or two days in duration, and generally cost about $75 to $110.
McCall's
Over in Etobicoke, McCall's is part baking supply, part baking instruction. The school offers more than a few options for would-be cake decorators, including basics classes at various skill levels, wedding cake courses, Australian method workshops, cake masking, ribbons and bows, cake flowers, lettering, and fondant. Depending on the class, you're looking at paying somewhere in the range of $50 to $150.
Photo from our review of Bonnie Gordon Cakes