Summary: Bakers mix and bake ingredients to produce breads, pastries, and other baked goods.

Some bakers work in kitchens in restaurants, grocery stores, and bakery shops. Other bakers work for companies that manufacture large quantities of baked goods. These packaged goods are then sold through establishments such as grocery stores. Both types of bakers perform similar tasks, but on a different scale. For example, bakers who work for manufacturing companies use large ovens and mixing devices. They follow recipes that produce large numbers of the same item. Bakers first check their production schedule to determine the variety and quantity of goods to bake that day. Next, they measure flour and other ingredients into various-sized containers, following recipes. Bakers sometimes mix ingredients by hand, but usually use electric mixers or mixing machines. Then they roll, shape, and cut the dough. For example, bakers use rolling pins to roll pie crust thin, then cut it to fit pie pans. They use cookie cutters to cut cookies. They use their hands to mold and shape bread dough. When baking pies, bakers cut and peel fruit fillings. Then they mix or sometimes cook the fillings and pour them into pie shells. Bakers select the appropriate pans for various baked goods. They place the dough in pans, molds, or on sheets, and bake it in the oven. They set the controls and adjust the drafts. They may also observe products as they bake, checking color and adjusting controls. When groups of items are done, bakers mix icings and select toppings. Then they decorate cakes, pastries, or breads using spatulas or brushes. Sometimes they sprinkle sugar or seeded toppings on cookies or breads, before or after baking. Some bakers develop new recipes of their own. This is more likely for bakers who work for manufacturing companies.

Work Activities

• Check production schedule to determine variety and quantity of goods to bake.
• Measure and mix ingredients to form dough or batter, following recipes.
• Roll, cut, and shape dough to form rolls, pie crusts, tarts, cookies, and related products.
• Cut, peel, and prepare fruit for pie fillings.
• Place dough in pans, molds, or on sheets and bake in oven. Observe products while cooking and adjust controls.
• Mix icings and other toppings and decorate cakes, pastries, and other baked goods.
• Use a variety of kitchen tools, including electric mixers, pans, rolling pins, and cutting tools.
• May develop new recipes.

General Activities

• Monitor baking process to identify needed adjustments.
• Get information from production schedules and recipes.
• Handle and move ingredients, tools, and cooking pans.
• Control mixing processes and oven controls.
• Implement products by following recipes or creating new ones.