Claire Saffitz

Claire Saffitz is an American pastry chef, food writer, bestselling author, and YouTube content creator recognized for her rigorous culinary technique, approachable recipe development, and engaging video instruction. She rose to widespread media prominence through her work with Bon Appétit magazine, particularly as the host of the popular web series Gourmet Makes. Following her tenure at the publication, Saffitz established herself as an independent culinary figure, authoring two critically acclaimed cookbooks and operating a highly successful digital cooking platform centered around home baking and pastry science.

Early Life and Education

Born on September 16, 1986, in St. Louis, Missouri, Saffitz developed an early fascination with cooking and baking. She pursued higher education at Harvard University, graduating in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in United States history and literature. Seeking formal culinary training, she moved to Paris, France, to study classic French cuisine and pastry arts at the École Grégoire-Ferrandi. Saffitz later earned a Master of Arts degree in European history from McGill University in Montreal, Canada, where her academic research focused on culinary history and French food culture.

Career and Gourmet Makes

In 2013, Saffitz joined the staff of Bon Appétit magazine in New York City as a recipe tester, eventually rising to senior food editor. Beginning in 2017, she starred in the magazine's YouTube series Gourmet Makes, in which she reverse-engineered popular commercial snack foods—ranging from Twinkies to Oreos—into high-end artisanal versions. Her methodical, trial-and-error approach and open depiction of the baking process earned her a devoted global following. Saffitz departed Bon Appétit in 2020 to transition to independent recipe development.

Cookbooks and Digital Media

In October 2020, Saffitz published her debut cookbook, Dessert Person: Recipes and Guidance for Baking with Confidence, which became a New York Times bestseller. To complement the book, she launched her official YouTube channel, sharing detailed video tutorials for home bakers. In November 2022, she released her second bestselling book, What's for Dessert: Simple Recipes for Dessert People. Beyond her channel, Saffitz regularly develops recipes for The New York Times Cooking and collaborates with culinary media outlets.

Personal Life

Saffitz resides in New York City. In 2020, she married chef and hospitality entrepreneur Harris Mayer-Selinger. Known for her signature gray-streaked hair and passion for pastry science, Saffitz continues to influence contemporary baking culture through her books, video series, and culinary projects.