Ruth Drennan Cakes

I want all my students to be successful, so before we do anything else, we'll discuss what you want to achieve and assess what you can do. We'll go from there!

We will work at your pace and skill level and can go as quickly or as slowly as you need to. I am very patient!

I achieved the Grand Diplom in pastry from the French Culinary Institude (now International Culinary Center) in New York City in 2003. While attending school, I interned with Ron Ben-Isreal in his custom cake studio solidifying my love for gum paste (aka sugar) flowers.

I spent several years working for Gail Watson Custom Cakes (NYC) as Production Manager and sugar-flower maker before partnering with a friend to open The Cake Atelier. 

Our work was featured in multiple national and regional wedding magazines, as well as on season 1 of "Amazing Wedding Cakes on WeTV.

After parting ways, I opened Ruth Drennan Cakes. In addition to tons of press, I'm proud to say that one of my cakes was named one of America's 50 Most Beautiful Cakes by Bride's magazine.

In addition to operating my own business, I am fortunate to teach at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC each year.

I can do lessons in my home or yours. It's up to you!

Amount of time needed will depend on what you want to learn and how much time you'll need to achieve it.

I can also price for a block of multiple lessons. Just ask!

Cake baking - $250 per 3 hours for up to 3 students

Cake decorating (basic, including piping) - $50 p/h

Gum Paste Flowers - $150 per 2 hrs

Wedding Cake Design - $50 p/h

When I worked at Gail Watson Custom Cakes as Production Manager, I was tasked with teaching interns and new employees how to do everything. I found that teaching was something I really enjoyed and was always told I was a good teacher!

Ater starting my solo business, I began to teach private gum paste flower classes in my cake studio and other venues, and became an instructor at the Kosher Cooking School (now closed) in Brooklyn, NY. Over the years I have also taught classes at Tante Marie's Cooking School (now closed) in San Fransisco, CA, the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC and at several ICES annual conventions. 

I generally just work with adults.

I love kids, but prefer working with adults,  however I might make an exception for mature older teens. 

Last time I taught at the John C. Campbell Folk School, my week-long class on Vintage Cakes consisted of three older women who were all excited, yet intimidated by and nervous about baking.

Each day we created different cakes, fillings, frostings, and even some decorations. By the end of the week, each of these remarkable women went home feeling a sense of real accomplishment and confidence. It was a joy to behold!

Know what it is that you want to learn and be honest about your skill level. This way your instructor can give you a more accurate quote and lessons that actually provide the knowledge and skills you are looking for.

Also, if you want the best, be prepared to pay for it. Experts in their area of specialization will charge more (in some cases a lot more) but you will be learning from someone who really knows their stuff. It may end up costing you less in the long run because you won't have to spend time on things you don't care about.

Be specific about what you want to learn. It's better to ask a teacher for lessons on say, covering a cake with fondant, than it is to ask for cake decorating lessons.  This way you learn what you really want to know about, and the teacher can see if it's something that they feel comfortable teaching you.

Be honest with yourself about how much you want to spend. If you have only budgeted $100 for a lesson you want to take, don't reach out to an instructor who charges a lot more.