Italian cream-stuffed cannoncini, also known as cream horns, are a delightful pastry treat that combines the light, flaky texture of puff pastry with a rich and creamy filling. These pastries are cone-shaped and are often dusted with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness and visual appeal. The contrast between the crisp pastry and the smooth, luscious filling makes them a popular choice for dessert or a sweet snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 package of puff pastry sheets (thawed if frozen)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Butter or cooking spray (for greasing the molds)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease the cream horn molds with butter or cooking spray.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry into strips about 1 inch wide.
- Wrap each strip around a cream horn mold, starting at the pointed end and overlapping slightly as you go. Brush the pastry with the beaten egg to help it adhere and give it a golden color when baked.
- Place the wrapped molds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- While the pastry is baking, prepare the cream filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is thick and smooth.
- Once the pastry shells are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before carefully removing them from the molds.
- Using a piping bag fitted with a star tip, fill each pastry shell with the cream mixture.
- Dust the filled cannoncini with powdered sugar before serving.
Serve: Italian cream-stuffed cannoncini are best served fresh, either as a dessert or a sweet snack. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a cup of coffee or tea. These pastries are perfect for special occasions, gatherings, or simply as a treat to indulge in.
Calories: The calorie content of Italian cream-stuffed cannoncini can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. On average, one cannoncino may contain approximately 150-200 calories. This estimate includes the puff pastry, cream filling, and powdered sugar dusting. For a more accurate calorie count, it is recommended to calculate the calories based on the exact ingredients and quantities used in the recipe.
This recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a sweet and creamy treat that is both visually appealing and delicious. The combination of flaky puff pastry and rich cream filling makes these cannoncini a perfect choice for any dessert lover. Whether you’re serving them at a special event or simply enjoying them at home, these Italian cream-stuffed cannoncini are sure to impress.