Raises pastry like a confident newcomer (7)
I believe the answer is:
upstart
'confident newcomer' is the definition.
'upstart' can be an answer for 'newcomer' (I have seen 'Arrogant newcomer ' mean 'upstart' so perhaps 'newcomer' could also mean 'upstart'). I am not certain of the 'confident' bit.
'raises pastry' is the wordplay.
'raises' becomes 'ups' (I've seen this in another clue).
'pastry' becomes 'tart' (type of pastry).
'ups'+'tart'='UPSTART'
'like a' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for upstart that I've seen before include "Bold newcomer" , "Tap rust (anag.)" , "Brash newcomer" , "Arrogant and presumptuous person" , "Arrogant newcomer" .)