20 Pastries Examples to Impress Your Customers

If you’re a fan of pastries, you’re in the right place. Pastries come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors, from buttery croissants to sweet tarts. Check out these pastries examples from around the world, and get inspired to try something new for your bakery or pastry shop.

What Are Pastries?

Pastries are baked products made from dough that’s usually a mix of flour, water, and fat, like butter or shortening. They can be sweet or savory and come in many different shapes and sizes. The dough can also be simple or layered (like in croissants) to create a flaky texture. They often contain cream, fruit, and chocolate. Some even contain cheese and meats.

Most pastries are made with a dough that’s rolled out, folded, and baked to perfection. Some of them take time and patience to make, like puff pastry, which needs lots of layers. Others are much quicker and easier, like pie crusts. Popular examples of pastries include croissants, tarts, and éclairs.

Types of Pastries

Pastries come in many forms, and each type has its own unique texture and uses. Here’s a quick look at the main types of pastry dough: 

1. Flaky Pastry

Flaky pastry is light and delicate, perfect for sweet or savory dishes that bake quickly, like pie crusts. It has large pieces of butter mixed into the dough, giving it a crisp, flaky texture when baked. This type of dough is easy to make but needs a gentle touch. Overworking it can mess with the texture, so be careful when handling it. It’s great for things like quiches or small pies.

2. Shortcrust Pastry

Shortcrust pastry is a sturdier dough often used for tarts, cookies, and pies. It has a higher fat-to-flour ratio, so it’s easier to work with and less likely to overwork. This pastry also doesn’t puff up much and stays firm, which is perfect for thicker, structured pastries. Shortcrust is great for both sweet and savory recipes, like buttery shortbread cookies or a hearty quiche.

3. Puff Pastry

Puff pastry is all about layers. It’s made by folding dough over cold butter, creating thin layers that puff up when baked. This dough takes longer to make but results in a light, crispy texture that’s perfect for things like meat pies or sweet pastries. A quicker version, rough puff, can also be made for an easier approach.

4. Choux Pastry

Choux pastry is light and airy, with a crispy outer shell and a hollow center. It’s made with a dough that includes eggs, which helps it rise by steam, creating that perfect crispy shell. This dough is used for things like éclairs, cream puffs, and profiteroles, often filled with sweet or savory fillings. It’s a bit tricky, but so worth it for those classic cream-filled treats.

5. Filo Pastry

Filo (or phyllo) pastry is made by layering thin sheets of dough and brushing each with oil. Unlike puff pastry, it doesn’t puff up but instead crisps up as it bakes. This paper-thin dough is used for layered dishes like baklava or spring rolls. It’s light, flaky, and delicious when baked, giving a satisfying crunch in every bite.

20 Pastries Examples That’ll Wow Your Customers

Looking for pastries that will impress your customers? From flaky croissants to rich éclairs, these 20 delicious pastries offer something for everyone. 

1. Croissant 

A croissant is a buttery, flaky pastry that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. People love its crispy outside and soft, airy inside. The layers of dough are what makes it so irresistible, and it pairs perfectly with coffee. 

2. Pain au Chocolat 

This pastry is similar to a croissant but with a delicious twist. It’s a buttery, flaky laminated dough filled with rich dark chocolate. The warm, melted chocolate and soft pastry make it a favorite, especially for breakfast. 

People love it for its sweetness without being too overwhelming. It’s a classic French treat, perfect with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. It’s hard not to love a pastry that combines chocolate and butter. 

3. Baklava 

Baklava is a sweet, nut-filled pastry made of thin layers of filo dough, butter, and honey or syrup. It’s crunchy and sticky in the best way. People love it for its rich, sweet flavor and texture. Each bite is filled with nuts like pistachios or walnuts, adding a savory balance to the sweetness. 

4. Danish Pastry 

A Danish pastry is a sweet, yeasted dough often filled with fruit, custard, or cream cheese and glazed with syrup. People love the combination of sweetness and richness, especially with its flaky texture. The variety of fillings means there’s a Danish for everyone. It’s also a great pastry to enjoy with tea or coffee, perfect for breakfast or dessert.

5. Éclair 

An éclair is a choux pastry filled with rich pastry cream and topped with glossy chocolate icing. The crispy exterior and creamy filling make it irresistible. People love the contrast of textures—the crunch of the dough and the smooth, rich cream.

6. Mille-Feuille

Mille-feuille, also known as a Napoleon, is a dessert made with layers of puff pastry and smooth vanilla custard. The layers of dough are flaky, and the custard adds richness. People love how light and creamy it feels while still being decadent. 

It’s a classic French pastry that’s perfect for those who enjoy a mix of textures. It’s often topped with icing or powdered sugar. The elegance and simple flavors make it a timeless favorite. The Philippines also has its version of the beloved pastry called Napoleones. 

7. Cannoli

Cannoli are crispy, fried tubes of pastry filled with a creamy ricotta filling. Sometimes, they’re garnished with chocolate chips, pistachios, or candied fruit. People love the combination of crunchy and creamy textures. The sweet ricotta filling balances out the crispy shell perfectly. 

In addition, cannolis are great for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to fancy dinner parties. The rich, sweet filling inside a crispy shell is simply irresistible.

8. Cinnamon Roll 

A cinnamon roll is a soft, sweet dough rolled up with a cinnamon-sugar filling. It’s often topped with a glaze or icing. People love the warm, comforting flavors and the aroma that fills the house when they bake. 

Cinnamon rolls are a popular treat for breakfast or brunch. They’re also comforting during colder months. People enjoy them fresh, soft, and gooey. It’s sweet, simple, and satisfying.

9. Cream Puff 

A cream puff is a light, airy choux pastry filled with whipped cream, custard, or pastry cream. It’s a delicate, bite-sized treat that’s sweet without being too heavy. People love how light and fluffy they are.  The soft dough combined with the creamy filling is the perfect texture contrast, making it a favorite at bakeries and pastry shops.

10. Sacher Torte

Sacher Torte is a dense chocolate cake filled with apricot jam and covered in smooth dark chocolate icing. People love it for its deep chocolate flavor and the sweetness of the jam. It’s a rich dessert that’s perfect for chocolate lovers. It’s usually enjoyed with a cup of coffee, making it a refined, indulgent treat.

11. Tarts

Tarts are pastries with a crisp, buttery crust filled with various sweet fillings like fruit, chocolate, or custard. People love them because they come in so many varieties, from classic lemon tarts to rich chocolate ones. The contrast between the crunchy crust and smooth filling makes each bite satisfying. 

12. Churros 

Churros are fried dough sticks rolled in cinnamon sugar and served with a chocolate dipping sauce. People love them because they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them the perfect snack. 

They’re often enjoyed at fairs or as a breakfast treat. The combination of cinnamon sugar and chocolate sauce makes them extra delicious, perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth. Check out our baked churros recipe here. 

13. Madeleine 

Madeleines are small, shell-shaped sponge cakes with a delicate lemon flavor. People love their light, airy texture and the hint of citrus. These little treats are often enjoyed with a cup of tea, making them a perfect afternoon snack. 

Additionally, their unique shape and delicate flavor make them a favorite in French bakeries. They’re simple, but there’s something about their lightness and sweetness that makes them unforgettable.

14. Zeppole

Zeppole are deep-fried dough balls often filled with ricotta, custard, or jelly. They’re soft and pillowy on the inside and crispy on the outside. People love them because they’re sweet without being overly rich. 

These little treats are also perfect for sharing with friends and family. The light filling and fried dough make them a great balance of flavors and textures.

15. Kouign-Amann 

Kouign-Amann is a buttery pastry from Brittany, France. It’s made with layers of dough, sugar, and butter, which caramelize when baked. People love it for its sweet, crunchy exterior and soft, buttery interior. It’s like a sweeter, more indulgent croissant. The name means “butter cake” in Breton, and it’s a perfect description of its rich flavor. 

16. Strudel

Strudel is a pastry made with thin layers of dough filled with sweet ingredients like apples, cherries, or cheese. The dough is so thin it’s almost paper-like, which gives it a delicate texture.

People love strudel because it’s warm, comforting, and full of flavor. Strudel is often served warm, with a dusting of powdered sugar, making it a cozy, delicious treat.

17. Profiteroles 

Profiteroles are small, airy choux pastries filled with whipped cream, custard, or ice cream. They’re often topped with chocolate sauce. People love them because they’re light and creamy, offering a perfect balance of textures. 

The soft dough and rich filling make these little pastries irresistible. They’re also fun because you can fill them with your favorite flavors, from chocolate to vanilla.

18. Babka

Babka is a sweet, braided yeast bread filled with chocolate, cinnamon, or fruit. People love it for its soft, fluffy texture and rich, swirled filling. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. 

Its braided appearance also makes it a showstopper at the table, and the sweet flavors make it a comforting treat. Whether with chocolate or cinnamon, Babka is satisfying and delicious, especially when fresh out of the oven.

19. Turnover 

A turnover is a pastry filled with sweet fillings like fruit, cream, or chocolate, then folded into a triangle or square shape. People love them because they’re easy to eat and have a satisfying balance of crispy and soft textures. 

Turnovers are often baked, but some are fried for extra crispiness. Whether filled with apples, berries, or custard, they make for a perfect quick dessert or snack.

20. Tiramisu 

Tiramisu is a layered dessert made with coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and a dusting of cocoa powder. People love it for its rich, creamy texture and bold coffee flavor. 

The mix of flavors is indulgent without being too heavy, and it’s usually served chilled. Doing this makes it more delicious. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The pastries examples above got your back whether you’re in the mood for something flaky, creamy, or sweet. They’re also perfect for breakfast, snacks, or desserts. No matter your skill level, baking pastries can be fun and rewarding. So go ahead, get in the kitchen, gather your baking tools, and try out some of these delicious ideas. Happy baking!

About HICAPS

Over the years, HICAPS has helped bakers and businesses make delicious products by offering ingredients like ChiffonAide Cake Oil, Magic Whizk Whipping Cream, Red Velvet Flavor Emulco, and Instabake Brownie Mix. 

HICAPS also provides tools and resources to valued partners, such as the free “How to Increase Your Sales Amidst the Pandemic” E-book and free dealer locator that helps look for baking ingredients near me. 

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