Best Easy Cannoncini alla Crema Recipe

Puff pastry horns filled with golden pastry cream are Italian bakery classics. These elegant mediterranean pastries are a family teatime indulgence.

Cook 50 min Difficulty NORMAL 270 kcal
#mediterranean #vegetarian
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • puff pastry sheets (thawed) 1 lb
  • whole milk 1.5 cups
  • large eggs 3 pieces
  • egg yolks 2 pieces
Seasonings/Sauce
  • granulated sugar 0.67 cup
  • all-purpose flour 2 tbsp
  • cornstarch 2 tbsp
  • vanilla extract 1 tsp
  • salt 0.25 tsp
  • powdered sugar (for dusting) 2 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 32 g 47%
Protein 6 g 9%
Fat 13 g 44%
Serving size 90g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease metal cannoli molds.

  2. 2

    Unfold the puff pastry and cut into 1-inch wide strips. Carefully wrap each strip around the cannoli form, overlapping slightly, and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.

  3. 3

    Brush the pastry lightly with water and bake for 15–18 minutes until puffed and golden. Remove from oven and let cool 5 minutes before carefully sliding off the molds. Cool completely.

  4. 4

    To prepare the pastry cream: In a saucepan, combine milk and half the sugar, heating over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.

  5. 5

    In a bowl, whisk eggs, yolks, remaining sugar, flour, cornstarch, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Gradually whisk in the hot milk. Return mixture to saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until thickened and just bubbling—about 3–5 minutes. Scrape into a bowl, cover with plastic touching the surface, and chill until cold.

  6. 6

    Transfer the chilled pastry cream to a piping bag. Pipe the cream generously into the cooled pastry horns.

  7. 7

    Dust with powdered sugar right before serving for a classic finish.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Cannoncini alla Crema recipe?
The star ingredients are the puff pastry for a crisp shell and the rich pastry cream made from whole milk, eggs, and vanilla. These layers define the texture and elegance of this classic Italian treat.
Q. How can I avoid over-baking or undercooking the pastry horns?
Bake the wrapped puff pastry at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, watching carefully for a deep golden color. Letting them cool just a few minutes before unmolding prevents breakage and ensures a crisp exterior.
Q. What gives the filling its signature texture and flavor?
The pastry cream's luxurious texture comes from a careful balance of eggs, milk, flour, and cornstarch, cooked gently and constantly stirred to prevent lumps. Vanilla extract and sugar finish the cream with classic Italian sweetness and aroma.
Q. How many calories does each serving contain, and what are the protein and carb percentages?
Each serving contains 270 kcal. Carbohydrates provide about 47% of those calories (32g), proteins 9% (6g), and fats 44% (13g), making each pastry a balanced yet indulgent treat.
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