So where can I find one of these awesome pastries? Looking like a mini water wheel, this clever device rolls easily across the pastry edge, making evenly spaced cuts as it moves from one end to the other. Just one look at the way each little section of the pastry raises on its own, and it’s hard to avoid noticing the similarities with bears’ paws.Īs the yeast raises, each section forms its own little ‘claw’.īut how do these slices get cut into the dough?įor a while now, machines have been cutting mass-produced bear claws, which are then pre-packaged and sold in supermarkets.Ī simple pastry cutter can cut individual slices into the edge, and then stretch the pastry out.īut if you want something quicker (and just a little more fun), there are special bear claw pastry cutters you can use to make the full pattern in one simple movement. Getting that bear claw shapeīear claw pastries get their name from their unique semi-circle shape and the sliced, curved edge. Ĭheck out the full list of ingredients we use in our The Bread & Butter Project Almond Bear Claws. Other popular fillings include:Īdd just the right amount of sugar and butter (and perhaps a touch of brandy or amaretto), and you’ve got a rich filling that’s right at home in a fluffy, raised puff pastry.Ĭheck out the full list of ingredients we use in our The Bread & Butter Project Almond Bear Claws. Top this off (sometimes) with raisins and cinnamon sugar, and you’re ready to dive in.īut, much like with pies, bakers have created many variations over the years. Traditionally, a bear claw pastry contains a rich almond paste filling. Sounding good? Wait until you hear what’s in them. Think sweet fillings and a whole lot of sugary glaze, topped off with a gorgeous almond crunch! Not quite a doughnut and not quite a danish, the bear claw holds its own sweet spot in the vast world of assorted pastries.

It’s a straight-up comfort food that warms the soul, much like apple pie. What is a bear claw pastry?Ĭreated in California in the early 20th century, the bear claw is a flaky, gooey treat that pairs perfectly with your favourite coffee.Ī puff pastry with various fillings that have changed throughout the years, it has now evolved to become one of America’s bakery favourites. Let’s have a little look into the history of the bear claw and what goes into making one. With the rugged looks of a danish and a sweet nutty filling, it’s an unsung hero of the puff pastry world. The bear claw pastry has been an American household favourite for almost 100 years. Or… something in between? Say, a bear claw? When was the last time you got stuck into a delicious danish?

Bear claw pastry