Instructor: Gayle Donner

Gayle Donner
Biography: Gayle Donner has had the fortunate opportunity to start career #2 in Bend in the culinary arts! She has always enjoyed baking and is nurturing her knowledge and skills as a student in the Baking and Pastry Arts program at COCC's Cascade Culinary Institute. Gayle's enthusiasm for creating delicious treats and sharing them with friends and family makes for great fun in the kitchen as a co-instructor of baking youth camps on behalf of Community Education.

Classes by this instructor


In this hands-on, two-day workshop, you'll learn how to bake and build your very own three-layer celebration cake from scratch! Whether you're marking a birthday, milestone, or just want to level up your home baking skills, this class will guide you through the essential techniques for creating a beautiful and delicious cake. We'll cover: Layer cake fundamentals; Flavor and filling pairings; Basic piping techniques; High-altitude baking adjustments; Assembly and decoration of a classic "naked" cake. By the end of the second session, you'll leave with a fully assembled, three-layer naked cake and the confidence to recreate it at home. This beginner-friendly class focuses on foundational skills, perfect for home bakers looking to expand their repertoire. Come ready to learn, bake, and celebrate your sweet success!
October 11-12, 2025 | 10:00am-2:00pm PDT | Bend
Master three irresistible desserts with unique pie crusts. Remove the intimidation of making pie dough and crusts in this hands-on, two-day baking workshop designed for home bakers of all levels. Gain confidence as you create three variations of fruit-forward desserts, each with its own unique style and crust. By the end of the workshop, you'll have made: Rustic Galettes: Free-form and forgiving, these charming pastries highlight seasonal fruits with a buttery, flaky crust; Refined Tarts: Elegant and crisp with a sweet pastry base, perfect for showcasing vibrant fruit arrangements; and delicious Dessert Bars: Easy to slice and share, with a sturdy shortbread or crumb crust that holds up to juicy fillings.
November 8-9, 2025 | 10:00am-2:00pm PST | Bend