Baking with El: A Charleston Bakery Making Pastries from Scratch

What Baking with El offers

Baking with El is a Charleston-based bakery and baking instruction space where you can take classes to learn pastry techniques, bread-making, and dessert construction from the owner and head baker. The studio offers both drop-in workshops and multi-week courses, with hands-on instruction in a working kitchen. You leave with finished baked goods you made yourself, recipes, and the techniques to recreate them at home.

The bakery also sells prepared pastries, breads, and desserts made fresh in-house. If you are not ready to take a class, you can visit to purchase items like croissants, sourdough, tarts, and seasonal cakes. The space functions as both a teaching kitchen and a retail counter, so you can watch bakers at work while you shop.

Key Takeaways

• Baking with El offers hands-on classes in pastry, bread, and dessert techniques, with instruction from the owner and experienced bakers.
• Classes range from single-session workshops to multi-week courses, so you can choose based on your schedule and skill level.
• You take home the baked goods you make in class, along with written recipes and techniques you can use in your own kitchen.
• The bakery also sells fresh pastries, breads, and desserts daily if you want to purchase rather than take a class.
• The location is in Charleston proper, and the space is designed so you can observe the baking process while shopping or waiting for class.

Types of classes and what they cover

Baking with El structures classes by skill level and subject. Beginner classes often focus on foundational techniques—how to make laminated dough for croissants, basic bread fermentation, or simple tart shells. Intermediate courses dive into more complex pastries like éclairs, Danish pastries, or naturally leavened sourdough. Advanced workshops may cover specialized topics such as chocolate work, sugar techniques, or multi-component desserts.

Single-session workshops typically run two to three hours and focus on one technique or finished product—for example, "Croissants in an Afternoon" or "Chocolate Tarts." Multi-week courses meet once a week for four to eight weeks and build skills progressively, so you might start with dough basics and end with a finished multi-layer cake. The bakery also offers seasonal workshops tied to holidays or ingredient availability, such as holiday cookie classes in December or fruit tart classes in summer.

Class size is kept small—usually between four and eight students—so you get direct feedback from the instructor. You work at your own station with access to the same ingredients and equipment the bakery uses in production.

How to find the current class schedule

Baking with El posts the current class schedule on its website and social media accounts, typically updated monthly. You can view upcoming workshops, see the description and skill level for each, and find the date, time, and cost. The website usually includes a brief outline of what you will learn and what you will take home.

To register, you typically book through the website or contact the bakery directly by phone or email. Some classes fill quickly, especially popular ones like croissant workshops, so checking the schedule early and registering in advance is wise. The bakery may also offer a waitlist if a class is full.

What to expect on class day

Arrive a few minutes early so you can settle in and meet the instructor. You will receive an apron and be shown to your station, which is set up with the tools and ingredients you need. The instructor will demonstrate each step of the recipe, often working at a central demo station where everyone can see, then you will work through the same steps at your own pace with guidance available.

Classes are hands-on from start to finish—you are mixing, shaping, folding, and baking, not watching someone else work. If something does not turn out perfectly, the instructor will help you troubleshoot and show you how to adjust. By the end of class, you will have baked goods ready to take home (some may need to cool first), plus printed recipes and notes on technique.

Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. Bring a container or bag if you want to take your baked goods home in something other than what the bakery provides. Most classes provide all ingredients and tools, so you do not need to bring anything except yourself.

Pricing and what is included

Single-session workshops typically cost between $60 and $100, depending on the complexity of the class and the ingredients involved. Multi-week courses usually run $200 to $400 for the full series. Prices cover instruction, all ingredients, use of equipment, and the baked goods you make. Some classes may include a beverage or light snack as well.

If you are interested in private group classes—for a birthday, team event, or family gathering—the bakery often offers those as well, though pricing and availability vary. Contact the bakery directly to discuss options and pricing for a custom group session.

Visiting the retail counter

If you are not taking a class, you can visit the bakery to purchase fresh pastries and baked goods. The counter typically stocks croissants, pain au chocolat, sourdough loaves, seasonal fruit tarts, cakes, and cookies. Inventory changes based on what was baked that day, so popular items may sell out by afternoon. The bakery is usually open Tuesday through Saturday, though hours vary by season.

You can watch the bakers at work through windows or an open kitchen area, which gives you a sense of the techniques and care that go into each item. This can be a good way to see what you might learn in a class before you sign up.

Location and how to get there

Baking with El is located in Charleston, in a neighborhood with street parking and nearby shops. The exact address and parking details are on the bakery's website. If you are using GPS or a map app, search for the bakery by name to get current directions and parking information.

The space is accessible by car and is close enough to downtown Charleston that you can combine a visit with other activities in the area. If you are planning to take a class, arrive with enough time to find parking and get settled before the start time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need baking experience to take a class?

No. Baking with El offers classes at all levels, from complete beginner to advanced. Beginner classes assume no prior knowledge and teach foundational techniques step by step. The instructor will adjust the pace and guidance based on the group's experience.

What if I have a dietary restriction or allergy?

Contact the bakery before registering to discuss your needs. Some classes may be able to accommodate substitutions or modifications, though this depends on the specific recipe and class. The bakery can tell you whether a particular workshop can work with your restrictions.

Can I bring a friend or family member to a class?

Yes. Classes are open to anyone, and many people take them with friends or family members. Each person registers and pays separately. If you are planning to come as a group, let the bakery know when you register so they can seat you near each other if possible.

What if I want to learn a specific technique that is not on the current schedule?

Contact the bakery directly to ask about private or custom classes. If enough people are interested in a particular topic, the bakery may also add it to the public schedule. Seasonal and holiday-themed classes rotate, so check back regularly for new offerings.

Do I need to bring my own containers for the baked goods I make?

No, but you can if you prefer. The bakery provides boxes or bags for you to take your finished baked goods home. If you want to bring your own container, that is fine too—just let the instructor know.