Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini, also known as puff pastry horns, are a delicate, decadent dessert filled with a rich and velvety custard cream. These delightful treats are a favorite in Italian patisseries, where their golden, flaky pastry shells are filled to perfection with sweet crema pastiera. Whether served at an elegant dinner party or enjoyed as a midday indulgence, cannoncini are a crowd-pleaser that brings a touch of Italian flair to any occasion.
What makes cannoncini so special is the harmony between the buttery, crisp puff pastry and the silky, luscious custard cream. The custard’s smooth texture and subtle vanilla flavor balance beautifully with the caramelized sugar coating of the pastry. A light dusting of powdered sugar completes these pastries, making them both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Elegant Presentation: These pastries look as good as they taste, perfect for impressing guests.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and store-bought puff pastry, they’re surprisingly easy to prepare.
• Rich and Creamy: The custard filling is indulgently smooth and flavorful, pairing perfectly with the flaky pastry.
Ingredients
Yield: 12 cannoncini
For the custard cream (crema pastiera):
• 3 egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons (30 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100 g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 oz (235 ml) milk
For the cannoncini:
• 1 sheet of puff pastry, defrosted (about 8 oz, 225 g)
• ¼ cup (50 g) sugar
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Powdered sugar for decoration
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Cream (Crema Pastiera)
1. Warm the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
2. In a separate medium-sized pan, whisk the egg yolks with sugar, vanilla extract, and flour until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
4. Place the pan over low heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a smooth custard.
5. Remove from heat, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and let it cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry Horns
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Sprinkle evenly with sugar and gently press it in with a rolling pin.
3. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into 12 long strips, about ¾ inch (2 cm) wide.
4. Lightly grease metal cannoli molds or horn molds. Wrap each strip of pastry around a mold, overlapping slightly with each turn to create a spiral.
5. Place the wrapped molds seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Egg Wash and Bake
1. Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it lightly over the pastry spirals.
2. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before gently removing the molds.
Step 4: Fill the Cannoncini
1. Transfer the cooled custard cream to a piping bag fitted with a medium round tip.
2. Pipe the custard into each pastry horn, filling them generously.
Step 5: Decorate and Serve
1. Dust the filled cannoncini with powdered sugar for a classic finish.
2. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy.
Tips
• Chill the Custard: For easier piping, allow the custard to chill completely in the refrigerator before filling the cannoncini.
• Prevent Soggy Pastry: Fill the horns just before serving to keep the pastry crisp.
• No Molds?: If you don’t have cannoli molds, make foil cones as a substitute.
Storage Options
• Refrigeration: Store filled cannoncini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Make Ahead: The custard can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The pastry horns can also be baked a day ahead and filled just before serving.
• Freezing: The unfilled pastry horns can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw and crisp in the oven before filling.
Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini are a delightful fusion of textures and flavors, making them a perfect treat for any special occasion or a simple afternoon indulgence. Enjoy these irresistible pastries and savor the taste of Italy!
