Still I Rise Bakery

DIY Pastry Tips from Top Kansas City Bakers

Jul 13, 2025By Michelle Anderson

MA

Mastering the Art of Pastry

Becoming proficient in pastry making is a rewarding journey filled with creativity and flavor. Kansas City is home to some of the finest bakers who generously share their secrets to help you elevate your baking skills. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced baker, these DIY pastry tips from top Kansas City bakers will surely spark inspiration in your kitchen.

From choosing the right ingredients to perfecting your technique, each step matters in achieving that perfect pastry. The following tips will guide you through the essentials and beyond.

kitchen baking

Choosing Quality Ingredients

The foundation of any pastry lies in the quality of its ingredients. According to local experts, using fresh, high-quality butter is crucial for achieving a flaky and tender crust. It's recommended to use unsalted butter so you can control the salt content in your recipe.

Flour selection is equally important. Opt for a low-protein flour like cake flour or pastry flour to ensure a delicate texture. Finally, using fresh, organic eggs can significantly enhance the flavor of your pastries.

ingredients baking

Perfecting Your Dough

Creating the perfect dough requires a careful balance of ingredients and technique. To start, always measure your ingredients by weight for accuracy. When mixing dough, use cold ingredients to prevent the butter from melting prematurely, which can affect the texture.

One of the top tips from Kansas City bakers is to handle the dough as little as possible to avoid overworking it. Overworked dough can become tough and chewy, which is not ideal for delicate pastries.

Lamination Techniques

Lamination is the process of folding and rolling dough to create layers, and it's crucial for pastries like croissants and puff pastry. Begin by rolling out your dough and adding a layer of chilled butter before folding it into thirds.

  1. Roll the dough into a rectangle.
  2. Place the butter slab in the center.
  3. Fold the dough over the butter like an envelope.
  4. Repeat the rolling and folding process several times.
pastry making

Baking and Finishing Touches

Baking is where all your hard work comes to fruition. Preheat your oven properly, as temperature plays a significant role in how well pastries rise and brown. It's also important to position your baking sheets correctly to ensure even baking.

For that professional touch, brush your pastries with an egg wash before baking to add a beautiful golden sheen. After baking, let them cool on a wire rack to maintain their crispness.

Experimenting with Flavors

Once you've mastered the basics, it's time to get creative with flavors. Kansas City bakers suggest incorporating seasonal fruits, spices, or even savory ingredients like cheese and herbs for a unique twist.

  • Add fresh berries or citrus zest for a refreshing taste.
  • Try cinnamon or cardamom for a warm, spicy flavor.
  • Experiment with cheese and chives for a savory delight.

Remember, the key to excellent pastries is practice and patience. As you gain experience, you'll develop an intuition for what works best in your kitchen. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the magic of baking unfold!