From a cozy bakery in Paris to a charming café in Denmark, pastries have a special place in practically every culinary tradition in the world. Whether enjoyed as a sweet treat, an elegant dessert, or a savory indulgence, pastries evoke a sense of joy and happiness. There are hundreds of different types of pastries available around the world, each more delicious than the last.
In this article:
- What Are Pastries?
- Top 10 Types of Pastries
What Are Pastries?
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Pastries are typically characterized by their flaky or crumbly texture and come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. All pastries are made from six main types of pastry dough: shortcrust, flaky, puff, filo, choux, and hot water crust. The dough typically consists of flour, fat, and water.
When mixed together by the baker, this special combination of ingredients results in a super flaky and airy texture. Pastries can either be sweet or savory, depending on the ingredients added, either as a filling or topping or to the dough itself.
Check out our Mediterranean Pastries Vegan Box for an assortment of Mediterranean pastries with a modern twist. It includes pastries such as baklava, bjewia and so much more. Delish!
Top 10 Types of Pastries
Pastries are a delicious type of baked good that can be sweet or savory. Here are ten irresistible and delicious types of pastries you have to try:
1. Croissant
Known for their crescent shape and delicate, croissants feature flaky layers made from folding and rolling butter into the dough. Hailing from France, these pastries are often enjoyed for breakfast and renowned for their rich flavor and airy texture.
Danish pastries feature tender, flaky layers and delicious fillings such as fruit, cream cheese, or almond paste. They often come braided or twisted, creating visually appealing treats and are typically topped in a sugary glaze.
3. Éclair
Long, cream-filled French pastries, eclairs consist of light-as-air choux dough that’s baked until crispy. They typically come filled with luscious cream and topped with chocolate or vanilla icing.
4. Cream Puff
Also crafted from airy choux pastry, cream puffs come baked until golden and crisp, and filled with vanilla or whipped cream. These bite-sized treats perfectly balance a delicate outer shell with a sweet and creamy interior for the perfect teatime dessert.
5. Strudel
A traditional Austrian pastry, strudel features its thin, flaky layers of dough wrapped around a sweet pie filling, such as apples or cherries. It often comes topped with a luscious sugary glaze.
6. Palmier
Also known as “elephant ears,” palmier pastries feature puff pastry that’s rolled in sugar, folded, and baked until caramelized and crispy. Their distinctive heart shape makes them perfect for a quick on-the-go treat.
7. Baklava
A delectable Middle Eastern dessert, baklava features layers of phyllo dough filled with a mixture of chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. Often enjoyed as a special treat for celebrations, baklava provides a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
8. Turnover
Turnovers feature flaky dough folded over a sweet filling, creating a portable hand-held treat. They often come filled with a sweet pie filling, such as apples or cherries, while some may come filled with cheese.
9. Petit Four
Dainty, bite-sized pastries, petit fours come in an assortment of shapes, colors, and flavors. Often served at special occasions and afternoon teas, these delicate treats provide a delightful assortment of confections to enjoy.
10. Tart
Characterized by a crisp, buttery crust, tarts feature a variety of ingredients as a filling, such as fruits, custards, or even savory fillings. Tarts come in a variety of sizes, making them a versatile choice for any occasion.
Types of Pastries FAQs
Are all pastries sweet?
Pastries come in both sweet and savory options. The differentiation between sweet and savory pastries lies in the ingredients used in the dough, the fillings or toppings, and the overall preparation. Sweet pastries contain ingredients like fruit, cream, and chocolate, while savory pastries contain meat, cheese, or vegetables.
What is the most popular type of pastry?
It’s difficult to pinpoint the most popular type of pasty as tastes and preferences vary by region. However, the most popular type of pasty is most likely shortcrust pasty, the type of dough used as the base of a tart, quiche, pie, or flan. Called “short” due to its crumbly and tender texture, shortcrust pastry features a high fat content and minimal gluten development.
What is the key to making flaky pastry dough?
If you want your pastry dough to be light and flaky in texture, keep your butter cold and your dough chilled. You should also not overwork the dough, which can turn it rubbery. Instead, mix just until all of your ingredients are incorporated.
