How to Make Yeasted Puff Pastry | Bake It Up A Notch with Erin McDowell

Get ready for one of our most ambitious -- and most requested -- episodes yet. It's Erin Jeanne McDowell's guide to baking croissants, danishes, cruffins, and other yeasted puff pastries! As always, our Resident Baking BFF will walk you through every step in making yeasted puff pastry; from the butter block to the folds to proofing and shaping; and she'll tell you how to avoid common mistakes. Happy baking! #bakingtutorial #bakeitupanotch READ MORE ►► f52.co/2PYuOoB
Recipes featured in this episode:
Yeasted Puff Pastry: f52.co/3viDd6u
Classic Croissants (incl. chocolate and ham & cheese variations): f52.co/3vmdhXo
Cinnamon Crumb Danish: f52.co/3tbHVRy
Spiced Cruffins: f52.co/3eA4RpI
Maple Sugar Kouign Amann: f52.co/3eyPSfG
Croissant Loaf: f52.co/2Nj2RqE
Croissant Rolls: f52.co/3bGA5th
Articles mentioned in this episode:
Yeasted Puff Pastry Is the Long, Satisfying Baking Project You Need Now
f52.co/2PYuOoB
Can You Speed Up (or Slow Down) Yeast Rise Times?f52.co/3qJ0Y4b
How to Make Danishes at Home (Even with Store-Bought Pastry Dough!)
f52.co/3codAbP
Watch our Classic Puff Pastry episode here:
• How to Make Puff Pastr...
Also featured in this video
KitchenAid Artisan Series Tilt Head Stand Mixer, 5QT: f52.co/3M3rccL
(Similar) Five Two Ultimate Baking Tool Set: f52.co/3O6CCy3
Looking for something specific?
Chapters:
00:00:00 Intro
00:02:35 Your Handy Toolkit
00:06:57 Yeasted Puff, Explained
00:10:12 Diving Into the Dough
00:18:43 Butter Block
00:24:00 Lock it In
00:28:24 The Folding Rules
00:36:01 Moving & Shaping
00:38:27 Classic Croissants
00:43:00 Double-Chocolate Croissants
00:45:12 Ham & Cheese Croissants
00:46:29. Danish Galore!
00:49:55 Kouign Amann
00:52:22 Spiced Cruffins
00:54:38 Monkey Danish
00:56:15 Proofing it Right
00:58:44 The Finishing Touches
01:01:46 Mistakes Happen!
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ABOUT FOOD52
As a one-stop shop for joyful living, Food52 connects discerning home cooks with the interests they're passionate about via award-winning food and lifestyle content across platforms. We provide our audience with the recipes and solutions they crave to eat thoughtfully, live joyfully, entertain beautifully, and travel differently.

[@anamariaharvey725]

I feel like I should have paid money to watch this. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us!!

[@stephen1r2]

They do seem to have a merch shop off of their page, but I did not see anything else.

[@rclg813]

She’s incredible, you’re 1000 percent right!

[@KMiley]

Shhhhhhh 😆

[@mpg6445]

I have her books, so for me this gilds the lily. She's already helped me change my cake game and my pies (crust). She's really good. I love her energy. She is clear, takes the mystery out of it and makes you feel like you could be a pastry chef in your own home. Do continue to enjoy! Happy baking.

[@mastiffmom2592]

I love Erin. Because of her instilling confidence in me, I made my very first pie crust last week and made pumpkin pie. I LOVE this kind of dough, I’m hoping to give it a try, also. 💯

[@peacefulolive24]

"I put on my croissant button sweater" LOVE HER

[@hostesswiththemostess7082]

She is so amazing! I could watch her all day long!!!

[@TheIntrovertKitchen]

@@hostesswiththemostess7082, me too! :)

[@kevinwalkingPH]

petition to have claire saffitz guest with erin to make masterclass for an ultimate pastry

[@Obsidian_Iris_]

Agreed, but since they work for different companies, I don’t know if it would happen. Then again, I love that so many chefs and great cooks have a sort of mutual appreciation society going - it’s so refreshing! I loved it when Erin gave a shoutout to one of my favorite food bloggers, Deb of Smitten Kitchen. 🫶🏾

[@lizmiller7681]

It’s incredible to think how much we’d have to spend on the education that Erin gives us in these wonderful videos. It blows my mind. Just saying Thank you is certainly not sufficient! I think I am speaking for everyone, Erin, when I say, we appreciate you more than words can say! ⚡️💖⚡️

[@erin-jeanne-mcdowell]

The pleasure is truly mine!!!! 💛

[@aerocoaster3252]

First she had that heart Gluten t-shirt. Now she has croissant buttons. Seriously, I need these.

[@m.a.franklin3763]

I love the fact that Erin uses pans etc. they have been USED !! If your a baker your pans won't look brand new. I totally appreciate she is a True Baker and Teacher Love you Erin !!

[@YoungXLNC]

Her energy is so amazing...I don't even like to bake...but still watched the whole 1hr+ video...I subscribed for Rick...but Erin is the hidden gem of this channel!

[@Julia-Julia]

Me too… 😁

[@ritaalexander1639]

You bet, one of the things that I would also like to mention is the fact that you and your kitchen is so tidy, and when you cook anything you are neat. I don't know about everyone else but it really helps me. I'm less distracted and I can concentrate on the methods and techniques you share with us. But I love you and your attitude, and how much fun you seem to be having, what a joy you are in total. You make my day. Thank You.

[@KarleneA380]

Watching "Bake It Up a Notch" is my Zen place. 🧘‍♀️

[@hornesa11]

Yes! Top 3 COVID pastimes 🤗

[@KarleneA380]

@@hornesa11 DEFINITELY!

[@thelauraby]

Erin is such a fantastic baker, which is necessary but not sufficient to do what she does. She is truly a brilliant teacher and this series puts her talent and experience, knowledge and skills, and delightful presence on wonderful display. Thank you so much, Erin and everyone who works on Bake It Up A Notch! You all and these videos are simply superb!

[@food52]

Thank you SO much Laura, we so appreciate the kind words! Thank you for watching!

[@valerieremey2903]

You are by far THE BEST culinary videos that I have ever used. EVERYTHING comes out perfect!!!

[@AngiesMyGal]

Hi Erin, love your videos. On the topic of yeast, I'd love to see a video or a series on sourdough, and the different ways you can successfully substitute it for commercial yeast. For example, a general guide on how to take an instant yeast recipe and adapt it to make it sourdough, the different types of flours to use and their properties. Thanks!

[@food52]

Hi Dan! This is great feedback-thank you!

[@parvathia2004]

Oh YES this is my Everest! Trust Erin to make anything easier. 😍

[@ikkylovesbass]

Erin explains stuff so well. Added to my favourites to come back to when I next feel like baking!

[@JudyCZ]

I love Erin, she looks like she's having so much fun all the time. 🥰 The only thing these videos are missing are proper subtitles so that even people who depend on those can enjoy those marvelous videos.

[@scottmilligan108]

This long form content is what I'm here for. I don't want quick short format because that's what the algorithm likes. More in depth content like this please!

[@edible_glitter]

i always get excited to watch these. i save them for Saturday morning with my coffee . it's my new Saturday morning cartoons. 🥰

[@8cupsCoffee]

Thanks for these master classes erin. You’re the GOAT

[@salavalos]

You’re so experienced and talented. I plan to watch this multiple times as I leans how to bake. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@jeannedesmarais9088]

She's so positive and makes you feel like you can do anything and everything....no hesitation

[@ave_rie]

Everyone involved in creating this video, you guys brightened up my Saturday morning :) it has been a sad week for me but this was lovely! I appreciate all the explanations and how you organize all the info in sections. I’m just a regular person lol so baking seems like a daunting chore at first. I see that it can be enjoyable and calming. Do you have a sort of tool and ingredient guide for absolute beginners at food 52? I’m considering buying a baking setup but sometimes feel overwhelmed. Thanks!

[@food52]

ave rie - so glad you enjoyed it! As for tools, it all depends what you’re baking and how invested you are. Some of the most basic things you may already have: measuring cups and spoons, wooden spoons and mixing bowls, parchment paper, baking sheets and pans as you need them. A good whisk and silicone spatula, a sifter, and a scale are pretty critical, as well. After that, a bench scraper, a Silpat and some offset spatulas are super useful when baking many types of things (we offer a set from our Five Two line: food52.com/shop/products/8099-five-two-ultimate-baking-tool-set). A handheld mixer (relatively inexpensive) or a stand mixer (much bigger investment) will save you a lot of trouble. Other very useful tools are more specific to different types of baking - bread calls for its own kind of tools, and a pastry bag is important for pastry and decorating (although you can substitute a zip top bag w a cut in it in a pinch). Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@margiecarson3755]

It is so obvious that you love what you do ... would like to have your talent and energy. Enjoy your presentations so very much.

[@asmitachatterjee8979]

I love Erin's finesse and professionalism towards her craft, even while making the process fun and enjoyable to watch.

[@hostesswiththemostess7082]

Look at all the amazing pastries on your table. I would never leave that table. Yummmm

[@curioushoodie]

"It's like croissant yoga. Here is a croissant doing the supine twist. Namaste" LOL I love Erin. Her sense of humour is so chilled and cute

[@susancornwall515]

I love Erin's videos. She is absolutely delightful to watch. I love her humor and the joy she radiates when baking. I've always loved baking and have learned so much from these videos. Erin is a wonderful teacher and because of her, I've stepped out of my comfort zone and tried new things much to my family's delight!!

[@jbirdyhome-4050]

Erin is just a joy to watch. I've learned so much from watching her videos!

[@carinmcdonald4093]

You are amazingly generous. A queen of expertise. Thank you so much also for the joy you share and the love for what you do

[@BlinkyB23]

This is my relaxing background noise as I do stuff...Love her! What a knowledgeable, delightful, charming lady

[@hburtch50]

My husband likes it when I play the Bake It Up a Notch videos because he likes the intro music😂 I like these videos because I learn so much from them...but I definitely like the music too

[@mastiffmom2592]

LOL my husband likes when I watch these videos because he knows, soon something good is coming! 😁

[@bozohead4702]

I absolutely love the intro music

[@mahlina1220]

My new FAVORITE channel !❤️

[@leerathburn6764]

You truly belong in the Master Class category!

[@mastiffmom2592]

🤫 Shhh… 😁

[@joanray6897]

I can see the love and passion you have for pastries coming through with the way you handle each piece of dough and the way you speak about the pastry. Thank you for sharing your passion with us.

[@Damindeater]

Just here to say, that we love you Erin ! Love your energy. Love the knowledge, that you share. Love your croissant buttons and Gluten shirts.

[@marieresto]

My son went to CIA so I know what tuition there cost. Thank you Erin for sharing your very experience knowledge with us! Your are truly a beautiful soul!

[@juliebradley1184]

Hey Erin! You are making me want to invest in a stand mixer😊 I love your videos!!!

[@Ab-abovetheFirmament]

I must say, I am a pastry master. Self taught. 😁 I didn't encounter the pastry that I was afraid of. But I am sure it exists. Now I am into cakes.

[@cookienibz2578]

I need these videos in my life! Been baking since I was a child, yet I still learn a lot. PLUS you're so passionate about it, it's nice to see someone else so passionate about it. I watch you when I'm baking AND when I'm relaxing. Can't get enough, thanks for sharing all your knowledge with all of us!

[@effieosborne7600]

Absolutely the best baking teacher I've seen anywhere ever.

[@mojinxx]

so funny that I was just wondering how to make croissants this morning 🤪. Couldn’t make the leap from puff and too lazy to drag out a cookbook. Thank you Erin🧡.

[@makemesmile004]

I'm sure you're still always learning, but you are a master. You ARE baking, thank you for sharing your light. It is bright

[@bbmoette]

Thank you guys for the amazing videos. I am addicted to watching and baking. I fall asleep to these shows and they play all night :D so it gets deep into my subconscious. It is my guilty pleasure away from work and the stresses of life. I love your teaching style, Erin, and how much you love baking! 🥰 Thx thx thx.

[@belkatt125]

I enjoyed watching her working, explaining. It's an amazing episode! Thank you very much, Erin!

[@bobamonstaa6802]

I’m literally only subscribed for Erin 😍

[@tmackie1694]

Yay! A new Erin video! My Friday just got so much better 😊

[@hornesa11]

I love you, Erin Jeanne! What a happy addition to life. I’ve been making a lot of cakes lately to give away, and have baked for literally decades. But I’ve had to switch to gluten-free dairy-free in the last several years and have tried a number of recipes but am still looking for nirvana. My birthday is coming up soon and would love to make an awesome GF DF cake for it- do you have any great recipes? I trust your recipes!

[@aymaradelsur]

I'm so thankful with the hole team.. You are all awesome.. Please keep teaching people like me who adore the baking but has a lot a problems...

[@tyisha2105]

what I would't give to get some of these crew snacks!!! Damn!!!

[@user-hb9jm1dx3o]

I am so grateful for finding you. You totally Rock btw... Since i have been watching your videos my baking game has exploded off the charts.

[@Maiasatara]

I tend to be quite judgmental of many KZbin “instructional” videos. Most people think owning a camera makes them experts in any given subject. You’re knowledgeable, enthusiastic and so genuinely excited by your craft that it’s seriously so enjoyable to watch. You’re younger than I am and I fully admit you know more about baking. You’re not just a random 18 year old who baked a decent cookie…once. Thank you for sharing your expertise with the rest of us and as soon as I finish moving The Book on Pie will be ordered. (I worked on macarons before I found you but I’ve plenty to learn with yeasted puff.) THANK you. If only the rest of KZbin had your skill and friendly nature!

[@jananidivyas]

My gosh ! Im now an Erin-ite... Erin-anian ? Whatever... I'm just so glad for all of these episodes of Bake it up a notch ! Love them all !!!!

[@Julia-Julia]

I always respect professionalism in people! You are also a good story teller! 😊

[@kajalhinduja6972]

I can't believe I learn more from your free videos than I do from my bakery classes in college I paid thousands of dollars for.

[@racerxjax]

Your love and enthusiasm shines through, while your confidence and sense of calm has given me the confidence to try this myself. Thanks. Happy baking.

[@fambamdiscus8150]

the best puff pastry instructions!!! very detailed. thank you Erin!

[@vivianfields9914]

Thank you for teaching us this wonderful process!! I just love learning how to make this pastry. You are so sweet and knowledgeable.

[@brooksday8407]

love these videos! Erin you are so helpful and a joy! thank you!

[@ForbiddenChocolate]

It took me a long time to get my bread baking skills established to where I'm perfectly comfortable and confident that my dough is just right and the results will be exactly what I was going for every time. I wish I'd found your channel 2 years ago! I must have made every possible mistake a person could make when I first started. I baked enough bricks to build a small village! I'm ready to try my absolute favorite: croissants! Your videos are so informative and fun to watch, I love that you love baking as much as I do. My family teases me for staring into the oven while my breads are baking, but I can't help myself and I can see you doing the same thing. Knowing your dough is the perfect consistency is very exciting, don't let anyone tell you otherwise! 😘 Thank you and your crew for these fantastic videos. I just adore watching them!

[@juliavee363]

Love your tutorials 💙 thank you Erin

[@rosiemelendez6976]

Thank you for the great class of the yeasted puff pastries!!!!!!!

[@christinegraham2579]

I love this instruction! Thank you for helping us understand the method for this dough. When I lived in San Francisco, Ca I would frequent a bakery that made something they called “country croissant” which was a croissant dough simply laid into the jelly-roll pan & baked topped with cinnamon & sugar. They were cut into pieces approximately 3” x 4”. They were wonderful! ❤❤❤

[@danielpatrickswain4338]

Erin, you are a total legend. Thanks again for such brilliantly explained nectar of knowledge xx

[@donnafetherman4517]

Thank you so much on how clearly you explain things.

[@lizpedroza9965]

Definitely showing my gratitude by buying her book 🫶🏽 love her!

[@hibabadreddine]

I look forward to your videos! Thankyou for the detailed info😊

[@AdventuresinEverydayCooking]

"It's not that exciting..." Oh but it is! LOL Keep being you, girl! :) It IS exciting!

[@AbiGai11]

I always appreciate your high quality contents. It helps me so much! Also you are so adorable, so that I cannot resist watching your videos : ) Hope you have a great day!

[@jenniferboyd2200]

Yum. I love baking too. Some of us feel about baking like artists feel about watercolors. They can be such a surprise depending on how you treat them or even the weather! That's why when it works it is so beeaauutifulll.

[@lisaanderson135]

How did I miss this?!? Sneaky sneaky 😉 Erin taught me how to make classic puff pastry... she is the puff pastry QUEEN! I have a similar recipe for cruffins, but need to try hers ❤️

[@bubbadeaux2962]

Truly love your videos. Also love your cookbook!!!

[@lovehmb]

As always so amazing and inspiring

[@sharakirkby2744]

Great episode. I just might try this because you’ve taught us well.

[@leoniefrancis1621]

Your videos are just great. Very helpful. Thank you so much for sharing 💓❤️💕

[@gailbartlett9145]

Thank you so much. My holiday bakeing is much better. Love every thing you do. Big fan.

[@marlastair-wood6498]

Erin, I love you! I don’t bake that much, but watching your shows inspire me! I love your vibrancy, the enthusiasm with which you create your art, and love your sense of humor! I’m going to try more baking with your guidance. QUESTION: Can I do 1 to 1 with your recipes for gluten free baking? So far I haven’t heard you address gluten free at all. Is it evil? LOL For those of us who love your process and recipes, but need to bake GF, what say ye? Thanks!

[@Mindy56743]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful skills with the world. I don’t know that I will ever try this but I have a idea on where to start if I do. The bit of the proofing is some of the best advice out there.

[@debrariley2057]

Your videos are a delight, clear, concise, and so informative, I really look forward to getting the notification you’ve uploaded. I have a question though, what do you do with all the part bake stages and all the baked demo food. I love pies and pastries but even I don’t think I could work through that much.

[@food52]

They all get baked! Some of them get sent to be photographed for the site, and the crew and Erin's neighbors are the incredibly lucky recipients of the amazing things that Erin and her wonderful assistant @kaitlinwayne bake up each month. (PS: we are hiring! food52.com/jobs ;) Thanks for watching

[@jennifermarquardt8742]

AMAZING class. THANK YOU! So much.

[@martimajor4766]

Such a great teacher!

[@mominetti]

This was such fun! 🥐🙋🏻‍♀️

[@michelleblake4516]

My dough looked gorgeous until I put it in the oven @ 350 - I over proofed them but I'm so encouraged because the dough came out so nicely....I'll try again tonight allowing it 2 proof til the morning in the fridge - so appreciate u as a teacher ... u remind me that baking is so much fun: )

[@velrinepalmer9982]

Interesting 🤨 demonstration. Honest evaluations of products. Excellent teaching and teacher.Much learned. Thanks.👍

[@sonnomdeplume]

DOUGHVE DEEP INTO PUFF PASTRY!

[@mariateresacastrocardenas6565]

I have all your videos and I had seen them many time, are very funny, instructive, and I also learn English with you.

[@neilmeal]

Read my mind - was thinking about this today and hoping there was a bake it up a notch ep on yeasted puff. And lo and behold! Can't wait to try it

[@jac_and_the_making_of]

KZbin was like "hey, remember when you ruined your pastry this weekend... here watch this" thank you for this!

[@eatlocalhoney]

Same 🤣 keep trying. Mine finally worked 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@jac_and_the_making_of]

@@eatlocalhoney turns out my yeast was SO dead. Things have since gone much better 😅😂

[@eatlocalhoney]

@@jac_and_the_making_of well, that’s an easy fix-yes! What have you been making? My family loves Kouign Amann

[@inos3697]

I love this!!! Thank you so much!

[@garciajr4413]

Love all your videos. I'm going now into baking but without a dough MI er. Thanks for you beautiful videos

[@sweetbun5402]

I love it🤗😊🥰Reviewing over and over again! Cool!🤩🤩

[@neroli71]

Hi Erin.. I am from India and i must say, you make things look so simple and I am sure they are, once mastered. Thank you.

[@lanic6121]

I will likely never be dedicated enough to make yeasted puff pastry from scratch since my local bakery sells frozen puff pastry dough, but I just love Erin and the Bake It Up a Notch team's videos. Thank you so much for an enjoyable and educational viewing experience.

[@RichGirlAmbition]

Erin I love you ❤️ thank you for this video I learned soo much very educational I want to make cronuts hopefully they turn out good.

[@nvardtyan2241]

So glad that I somehow found your show. Where have you been all my Baking life? thanks for your detailed explanations, your enthusiasm while talking about dough, the process. The sparkle in your eyes and your smile tell me how much you enjoy what you do. Thank you for sharing your experience and expertise as well. Can you please tell me what is the best temperature for the puff pastry? Mine sometimes come out soggy/soft

[@catherinelove1389]

Oh Erin, you are such a delightful treat. I love how unscripted you are in these tutorials. I've always wanted to go to pastry school, but in the Caribbean where I'm from, we don't have those, just general cooking schools. I have learned so much from you, so if I ever get into one of those schools, I won't be a total dud, because you've taught me so much. P.S. Congratulations on your food award nomination, I totally voted for only you.

[@victoriamiskolczy6336]

Yours are the best instructional baking videos! I’ve never been successful in making good puff pastry before, but now armed with all these details I have confidence that it will finally work right. Thank you!

[@food52]

SO wonderful to hear, thanks for the kind words, Victoria! We'd love to see your creations with #f52community!

[@susanmoore4461]

Wish there was a video to accompany your cookbooks. There are times this would come in very handy. :>

[@lightboxstudioevents4811]

I love your work & content. Best wishes ❤

[@macka1018]

This weekend I found some delicious almond paste (?) croissants 🥐 and since I love baking I figured I’ll follow your recipe to try recreating the delicious pastry. Can’t wait to see how it’ll turn out- hopefully as pretty as your pastries 😬 Thanks for sharing your recipe and your techniques.

[@yvettesmith4991]

I agree, I have been the talk of the event with my banking. Girlfriend explains so well. I have truly baked it up a notch

[@albertomilagros2382]

Amazing vid , like always.