Here’s a delicious Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini (Cream Horns) recipe for you! These crispy, flaky pastries are filled with a luscious, sweet Italian cream.
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
For the Italian Cream Filling:
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 3 egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ cup mascarpone cheese
• ¼ tsp salt
For Garnish (Optional):
• Powdered sugar
• Chopped pistachios or chocolate shavings
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pastry
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry slightly and cut into ½-inch wide strips.
3. Wrap each strip around a metal cream horn mold, overlapping slightly.
4. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
5. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Let them cool for a few minutes, then carefully slide off the molds.
Step 2: Make the Italian Cream Filling
1. In a saucepan, heat milk and heavy cream over medium heat until warm (but not boiling).
2. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth.
3. Gradually add warm milk mixture to the egg mixture, whisking continuously.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring until it thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
5. Remove from heat and stir in butter, vanilla, and mascarpone cheese until smooth.
6. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (touching the surface to prevent skin formation), and chill for at least 1 hour.
Step 3: Assemble the Cannoncini
1. Transfer the chilled cream to a piping bag fitted with a star or round tip.
2. Pipe the cream into the cooled pastry shells, filling them generously.
3. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with chopped pistachios or chocolate shavings (optional).
Enjoy!
These Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini are best served fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Let me know if you need any modifications!