Delicious Homemade Cream Horns

Introduction

Cream horns, also known as crème horns or cannoncini, are a delightful pastry treat filled with a rich, creamy filling. These pastries, with their crisp, flaky exterior and smooth, luscious interior, are perfect for special occasions, tea parties, or simply as a sweet indulgence. Here’s a simple recipe to make these delectable pastries at home.

Ingredients

For the Pastry:
- 1 package puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
For the Cream Filling:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unfold the puff pastry sheets and cut them into strips about 1-inch wide.
- Grease the cream horn molds or use a substitute like aluminum foil cones.
- Wrap the puff pastry strips around the molds, overlapping slightly to ensure the pastry stays together during baking.
- Place the wrapped molds on the prepared baking sheet.
Egg Wash and Bake:
- Brush the pastry with the beaten egg to give it a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely before gently removing the molds.
Prepare the Cream Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.
- Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with a star or round tip.
Fill the Cream Horns:
- Once the pastry horns are completely cooled, pipe the cream filling into each horn, filling them generously.
- Dust the filled cream horns with powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the cream horns immediately or refrigerate them until ready to serve. They are best enjoyed fresh.

Tips for Perfect Cream Horns

Crispy Pastry: Ensure the pastry is rolled tightly around the molds to prevent them from unraveling during baking.
Chilled Cream: Keep the whipped cream chilled to maintain its structure and prevent it from melting too quickly.
Filling Variations: Experiment with different fillings such as pastry cream, chocolate mousse, or fruit-flavored creams for variety.

Conclusion

These homemade cream horns are a delightful treat that combines the light, flaky texture of puff pastry with the rich, creamy filling. They are perfect for any special occasion or just as a sweet treat to enjoy at home. With this easy recipe, you can create bakery-quality pastries right in your kitchen.