Sourdough 18th September – 16th October 2026
The ultimate online course
"I have always been interested in sourdough but never given it a go myself. I didn't know what to expect from this course but I got so much more out of it than I could have expected. I loved every bit of it! This is an amazing course with an amazing teacher who has so much knowledge and is willing to go above and beyond to help her students achieve results." – Alison Roberts, Sydney
Discover everything you need to know about making your own sourdough – right from your very own kitchen!
Sourdough is an intensive 4-week online course where you will learn everything there is to know about how to make and bake your own artisan sourdough bread – all from your very own kitchen.
This online course combines live virtual demonstrations (all recorded so you can rewatch them anytime) with printable recipes and detailed information sheets to guide your learning at your own pace. You’ll be taken step-by-step through the entire sourdough process – from creating and maintaining your starter to kneading, proving, shaping, baking and storing your bread – as well as how to incorporate your starter into your everyday baking.
Anneka Manning will guide you every step of the way, sharing her more than 35 years of baking experience, knowledge and research, as well as all of her practical and handy tips and tricks. Throughout the course, you will have access to a closed online forum where you will be able to ask Anneka any questions that arise and be able to troubleshoot your sourdough baking as you move through the process.
At the end of this course, you will walk away with all the knowledge, skill and confidence you need to be able to bake your own delicious sourdough bread at home.
Student numbers
We will only be accepting a limited number of bakers for this course so that Anneka can answer your baking questions during the live sessions and provide personal feedback via the closed online forum throughout the course.
If you are interested in enrolling in a future course, please click here to express your interest.
How will the course work?
This course is made up of 3 key components:
1. Live demonstrations:
The live component of this course will take place over four virtual sessions where Anneka will take you through the entire sourdough process including:
- Friday 18th September 2026 at 7.30-9pm (AEST): How to make your own sourdough starter
- Friday 9th October 2026 at 8-9pm (AEDT): How to make a levain
- Saturday 10th October at 9-10.30am (AEDT): Making, stretching, folding, proving and shaping your dough
- Saturday 10th October at 4-5pm (AEDT): Baking your bread
Please note: the first Live Session takes place at Australian Eastern Standard Time (UTC+10) while the following three take place at Australian Eastern Daylight Time (UTC+11). All of the Live Sessions will all be recorded so you can look back at them as many times as you like or watch them in your own time if you happen to miss the live session.
During the course, you will also have access to two extra online Live Sessions. These Live Sessions will go over specific concepts covered and you will also have the opportunity to ask Anneka any related questions that have arisen for you as you work your way through the content. The Live Sessions will take place on Wednesday 30th September from 8-8.30pm (AEST) and Wednesday 14th October from 8-9pm (AEDT).
2. Written recipes and resources:
The live sessions will supported by printable recipes and resources which will take you through the process step by step so you can study and work through them at your own pace.
3. Closed Online Forum
An integral part of the course will be the closed online forum. This will be the place where you can ask Anneka any questions that come up as well as troubleshoot any issues that arise during the course. It is also a place where you can share your experience with fellow students.
I loved the course – a must do! All the instructions and teaching methods are very clear. I highly recommend this course to anyone interested. – Lydia Crewe, Melbourne
Who is this course suitable for?
This course is, quite simply, suitable for everyone, but it is aimed at intermediate to experienced bakers. As this course is completed online, it is suitable for students from all over the world.
What will I receive?
- Four virtual live baking demonstrations (which will be recorded) where you will learn and bake along with Anneka Manning through the complete process of making your own sourdough.
- Personal, timely baking advice, guidance and encouragement from Anneka throughout the course.
- Access to a private online forum where you can connect with Anneka and fellow students – asking questions, sharing discoveries and supporting one another as you explore the art of making sourdough.
- Two online Live Sessions with Anneka (see schedule above), where she expands on key concepts and answers your questions as they arise while you work through the content.
- The opportunity to explore the science of baking within a welcoming (virtual) community of like-minded bakers.
- A thorough understanding of the “why” behind baking – and the ability to apply that knowledge to achieve consistent, reliable results.
- Membership to BakeClub’s exclusive The Kitchen Table online group upon completion of the course.
- Lasting baking confidence, knowledge and skills you can draw on every time you step into your kitchen.
What will I learn?
- What a sourdough starter is
- How to make your own sourdough starter
- How to feed, maintain, store and get the most from your sourdough starter
- What a levain or pre-frement is
- Key ingredients and equipment needed to make great sourdough bread
- What is the most ideal way to knead and prove your sourdough
- Using proving baskets and how to shape your sourdough without them
- The secret to a crunchy crust and chewy texture (like the artisan ones you buy!)
How will I get the most out of this course?
To truly benefit from this course, we recommend setting aside 3–4 hours each week to read the content, watch the videos, join the online Live Sessions and bake the recipes. This dedicated time will allow you to build skills steadily and gain the full, far-reaching benefits the course is designed to deliver.
We understand that life can sometimes interrupt the best of plans – which is why you’ll have 6 months’ access to the course content – but consistent time and effort will make all the difference to your progress, confidence and enjoyment in the kitchen.
So, is Sourdough for me?
- Would you like to master the technique of making your own sourdough bread from scratch?
- Would you love to be able to bake artisan-style bread at home?
- Would you like to be guided and inspired by Anneka's 35+ years of baking experience in your own kitchen?
- Do you have more time on your hands at the moment and keen to learn a new skill?
If any of these sound like you, then this course is the one for you!
If you are wanting to learn about making sourdough in a relaxed, informative learning space this is the course for you. Now I feel much more confident baking sourdough. I loved it!
– Lisa Westcott, Cairns
Your Instructor
Anneka Manning is an author, food editor, cooking teacher, home economist and the founder of BakeClub. With over 35 years' experience, she specialises in teaching the 'why' behind the 'how' of baking, giving home cooks the know-how, understanding and skill to bake with confidence and success, every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the course work?
This course is made up of 3 key components: Live demonstrations which will take place over four virtual sessions where Anneka will take you through the entire sourdough process; Written recipes and resources which will take you through the process step by step so you can study and work through them at your own pace; and a closed Facebook Group where you can ask Anneka any questions that come up as well as troubleshoot any issues that arise.
What's included in the cost of the course?
• Four virtual live baking demonstrations (which will be recorded) where you will learn and bake along with Anneka Manning through the complete process of making your own sourdough • Access to a closed Facebook group where you will be able to ask Anneka any questions that come up during the course, as well as personal and timely baking advice, guidance and inspiration • A 30-minute live Q&A video session with Anneka to be held on the closed Facebook group during the last week of the course • A chance to learn about making your own sourdough surrounded (virtually) by like-minded people • Invaluable printable information sheets and recipes • A thorough understanding of the sourdough process and how to apply what you’ve learnt to be able to troubleshoot in the future and ensure baking success • Baking confidence, knowledge and skill to use regularly at home
How many students per course will there be?
We will only be accepting a maximum of 40 bakers for each course so that Anneka can answer your baking questions during the live sessions and provide personal feedback via the Facebook page throughout the course.
Do I have to use Facebook to take part in the course?
Yes, in order to take part in BakeSchool: Sourdough Masterclass you will have to be a Facebook user, or at least have access to a Facebook account, to view the live baking sessions (or recordings of them) and be able to ask questions and receive feedback and advice from Anneka about your sourdough baking.
Can I use my own sourdough starter if I already have one?
You are more than welcome to use your starter if you already have one. We do recommend that you use a sourdough starter that is 100% hydration and Anneka will explain what this means in your first live session.
What if I miss a live session?
The live sessions will be recorded so that you can watch them (or re-watch them) in your own time.
How long do I have access to the course content?
You will have access to the course for six months from the date you begin so you can revisit any of the content and support material once the course has finished. This group will remain open for questions and feedback until the last day of the course, but you will be able to refer back to the content for up to 6 months after the course finishes.
How will I get the most out of this course?
To get the most out of this course, you need to set aside the time to attend the live sessions with Anneka, read the support material supplied and practice your sourdough baking over the duration of the course. The live sessions will be recorded so will also be available to watch at any time if you are unable to attend but we do recommend baking along and catching up, if necessary, so that you are able to ask Anneka any questions, as and when that arise throughout the process.
Can I use a BakeClub Gift Certificate to pay (or part-pay) for this online course?
Yes, absolutely! When booking, just click on “Add Coupon” at Checkout and enter your BakeClub Gift Certificate code. The certificate value will be credited to your purchase.