Vegetarian, nut-free
Can be adapted for dairy-free by request

Celebrate the festive season with a hands-on Christmas Baking Workshop at Ground Up Cookery School in Devon.

Whether you're looking for festive inspiration, a unique Christmas gift or simply love baking, this enjoyable full-day workshop will teach you how to create a selection of impressive Christmas favourites from scratch. Guided by our professional chef trainers, you'll learn the techniques behind each recipe, giving you the confidence to recreate them for family and friends year after year.

Throughout the day you'll enjoy our famous mulled apple juice while making a traditional Yule Log, buttery homemade mince pies using our signature Devonshire mincemeat, a jar of homemade mincemeat to mature before Christmas and an impressive festive choux centrepiece. Along the way you'll master silky crème pâtissière, rich chocolate ganache and boozy cream, picking up plenty of professional tips to help you achieve consistently great results at home.

You'll leave with a wonderful selection of festive bakes to enjoy over Christmas, together with recipes, new skills and the confidence to recreate everything in your own kitchen.

What you'll learn

During this festive baking workshop you will:

• Bake and decorate a traditional Yule Log.
• Make buttery homemade mince pies with Devonshire mincemeat.
• Prepare a jar of homemade mincemeat to take home and mature before Christmas.
• Learn how to make an impressive festive choux centrepiece.
• Make rich chocolate ganache and boozy cream.
• Master professional baking techniques that can be applied to many other desserts and pastries.
• Take home all of your festive creations, ready to enjoy with family and friends.

Private groups and team events

This workshop also makes an excellent festive activity for businesses, clubs, family celebrations and groups of friends. Whether you're looking for a Christmas team-building event or a private festive baking experience, we can tailor the workshop to suit your group. Please get in touch to discuss availability and bespoke bookings.

FAQs

Who is this class suitable for?

This Christmas baking class in Chudleigh, Devon is ideal for beginners, home bakers, couples, friends, Christmas gift experiences, basically anyone looking for festive baking inspiration! 

How is the day structured?

This is a sociable and relaxed workshop combining demonstrations with plenty of hands-on baking. Some elements are prepared individually, while others are made in pairs, creating a collaborative and enjoyable atmosphere suitable for all abilities.

Expect warm spices, festive aromas, beautiful handmade treats and plenty of opportunities to learn professional baking techniques along the way.

We want you to leave feeling inspired, proud of what you've created and confident recreating everything at home. Questions are always encouraged and there's no such thing as a silly question in our kitchen.

Expect plenty of chef's tips, baking techniques and festive inspiration throughout the session.

Courses are hands-on and interactive, with guidance and support available throughout. 

Although many guests attend on their own, most baking is done in pairs, which helps keep sessions relaxed and sociable. If working in a pair might be an issue for you for any reason, please contact us in advance and we'll always do our best to accommodate where possible.

Can you cater for dietary requirements?

The key dietary details are noted at the top of each course listing, there may be other accommodations that we can make. Please let us know of ALL dietary requirements at the time of booking. We will always aim to accommodate where possible.

Can children attend this course?

Yes, children are welcome as full paying guests.

Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a full paying parent or legal guardian, who remains responsible for them throughout the class.

Young people aged 15–18 may attend without a parent or guardian. A completed parental consent form is required for all attendees aged 15–18. These courses are aimed at adults, and young people must be able to participate independently and behave appropriately without requiring additional supervision.

Please indicate ages at the time of booking.

Do I need to bring anything?

Everything needed for the course is provided. Guests will be emailed approximately one week before the event with any final information, including whether there is anything specific to bring or any changes to arrangements.

We recommend bringing suitable containers and a bag to help transport your festive bakes home safely.

Will there be refreshments?

All of your festive baking will be taken home to enjoy. Tea, coffee and biscuits are available throughout the day for you to help yourself.

Schedules are illustrative and timings/content may vary slightly. End times are given as a guide only. As these are hands-on, experiential courses, timings may vary slightly depending on the size and pace of the group.

Is the course accessible?

Accessibility needs vary, and we're always happy to discuss individual requirements in advance.

We have a portable ramp available and can allocate designated parking spaces where needed. Any adjustments are best discussed ahead of time so we can explore how to accommodate you wherever possible.

There can be a lot of standing on hard floors, please contact us if you have any accessibility concerns. There may be adjustments that can be made.

Can I buy this course as a gift?

Our courses make great gifts.

When booking, you can also purchase:
-  a physical gift card sent by first class post
-  a physical gift card sent by second class post

Alternatively you can simply print and present the booking confirmation. If undecided, you can purchase a monetary-value gift voucher, which can be redeemed online against this or any other course.

What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?

We operate a strict four-week cancellation policy. Cancellations or requests to reschedule within four weeks of the course date are not refundable. However, bookings are transferable and someone else can come in your place, we just ask that you let us know.

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions of Booking for full details.

Can I be added to a waiting list for future events?

If a course is fully booked or the date doesn't work for you, please email us and we'll notify you when new dates or related events are released. Better still, subscribe to our newsletter for occasional updates or follow us on social media @GroundUpCookery for recipes, festive inspiration and future event details.