Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini are a show-stopping Italian pastry that pairs the crisp flakiness of puff pastry with a smooth, sweet vanilla custard filling. The golden pastry horns are rolled in sugar before baking to give a beautifully caramelized crunch, making every bite irresistible.
Whether you’re hosting an elegant brunch or looking to elevate your dessert table, these cannoncini bring a touch of European sophistication and comfort. They’re easy to make and even easier to devour—especially when served with coffee or tea. Each horn is a bite-sized indulgence that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Custard Cream:
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3 egg yolks
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3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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½ cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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8 oz whole milk
For the Cannoncini:
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1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
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¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
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1 egg (for egg wash)
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Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Directions:
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Prepare the Custard Cream:
In a saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, vanilla extract, and flour until smooth and creamy. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking to prevent curdling. Return to the saucepan and cook on medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens. Remove from heat and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. -
Prepare the Pastry Horns:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the puff pastry on a surface lightly dusted with granulated sugar. Cut into 12 strips. Wrap each strip around a metal cone mold, slightly overlapping as you go. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with egg wash. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and puffed. Cool and gently remove from molds. -
Assemble:
Once cooled, fill each pastry horn with the chilled custard using a piping bag. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 180 kcal per serving
Servings: 12 servings
The Irresistible Charm of Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini
Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini are a delicacy that instantly conjures up images of quaint Italian bakeries, the aroma of freshly baked pastry wafting through the air, and the unmistakable comfort of homemade custard cream. These delightful pastries are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a symbol of classic Italian dessert-making tradition. With their golden, sugar-dusted exterior and rich vanilla custard filling, cannoncini are perfect for celebrations, coffee breaks, or simply indulging your sweet tooth with something elegant yet satisfying.
The Origins of Cannoncini: A Pastry With Heritage
Cannoncini, sometimes referred to as “cream horns,” are thought to have originated in Northern Italy, where the influence of Viennese and French pastry techniques deeply shaped Italian baking. Their name, derived from “cannon,” refers to their shape—like little pastry cannons or tubes. The idea of filling these delicate puff pastry horns with various creams—sweetened ricotta, pastry cream, or whipped cream—is a time-honored practice that has evolved through generations of Italian bakers. While variations exist throughout regions, the classic version with silky custard remains a timeless favorite.
Texture and Flavor: A Perfect Pastry Balance
What makes cannoncini so beloved is the contrast of textures and flavors. The puff pastry, rolled in sugar before baking, turns out light, flaky, and caramelized, with a slight crunch on the outside. The interior is filled with a luscious vanilla custard that’s smooth, rich, and subtly sweet. This balance between crunch and cream, between golden pastry and velvety filling, is what elevates cannoncini from a simple dessert to a refined treat.
The custard inside isn’t just sweet; it’s nuanced. Infused with real vanilla, the cream offers depth and complexity, enhancing the experience with every bite. And because the puff pastry is neutral in flavor, it allows the custard to take center stage, creating a bite that’s both indulgent and delicately balanced.
Why Cannoncini Are Perfect for Entertaining
Cannoncini make for an exceptional dessert choice when entertaining guests. Their elegant, uniform appearance makes them ideal for plated desserts, dessert tables at events, or afternoon tea parties. They’re small enough to be served as finger food yet rich enough to satisfy even the most discerning dessert lover. When arranged on a platter and lightly dusted with powdered sugar, cannoncini are visually stunning—guaranteed to impress guests both in taste and presentation.
Another major benefit is their make-ahead potential. You can bake the pastry horns in advance and store them in an airtight container. The custard can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to use. When guests arrive, simply pipe the cream into the pastry horns for a fresh, no-fuss dessert with a wow factor.
A Family Tradition That Spans Generations
For many families, especially those with Italian heritage, cannoncini are more than just a dessert—they are a ritual. Often made during holidays, Sunday family dinners, or special occasions like weddings and baptisms, these pastries hold sentimental value. Grandmothers teach grandchildren how to carefully wrap the pastry around metal molds, how to stir the custard gently and evenly, and how to pipe the filling just right.
Including cannoncini in your own family traditions adds a personal, meaningful layer to your kitchen. Kids love helping assemble the horns, and adults appreciate the opportunity to slow down and bake something truly artisanal. It’s a recipe that bridges generations, with each baker adding their own touch while staying true to the roots of Italian pastry craft.
Modern Variations and Flavor Twists
While the traditional vanilla custard remains the most iconic filling, today’s bakers have found creative ways to update and adapt cannoncini to new tastes. Popular modern twists include:
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Chocolate custard or ganache filling
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Espresso or coffee-flavored cream
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Lemon curd for a tangy, zesty surprise
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Pistachio cream or hazelnut spread for a nutty take
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Mascarpone and ricotta blends for a lighter texture
Some bakers even dip the ends of the filled cannoncini in melted chocolate or sprinkle them with crushed nuts or freeze-dried fruit. These additions elevate the texture and flavor, making the pastry even more decadent.
The versatility of cannoncini allows them to fit any occasion—from a sophisticated dessert buffet to a playful, colorful birthday party. No matter the variation, the spirit of the cannoncini remains intact: luxurious, nostalgic, and utterly delicious.
Tips for Perfect Cannoncini Every Time
Mastering this recipe takes a bit of patience, but with a few simple tips, you’ll be creating bakery-level cannoncini from your own kitchen:
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Keep the puff pastry cold: This ensures clean cuts and helps it puff beautifully during baking.
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Wrap tightly but gently: Overlapping the pastry slightly prevents it from unraveling while baking.
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Use sugar as a rolling base: Rolling the pastry in sugar before wrapping gives the final product a caramelized crunch.
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Avoid overfilling: The cream should just peek out of each end, not spill over.
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Fill before serving: To maintain crispness, always fill the horns just before serving.
These tips not only help you achieve the right look but also preserve the delicate balance of textures that define great cannoncini.
Pairing Suggestions: Drinks and Complements
Cannoncini are exceptionally versatile when it comes to pairing. For a traditional Italian feel, serve them with espresso or a cappuccino. The bitter notes of coffee perfectly complement the sweetness of the custard. They also go beautifully with dessert wines like Moscato d’Asti or Vin Santo.
For a lighter option, serve them with herbal teas—chamomile, lavender, or citrus blends work particularly well. If you’re looking to elevate them even further, consider pairing with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a scoop of gelato for an indulgent twist.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
One of the most compelling reasons to return to this recipe time and time again is its consistent crowd-pleasing power. Whether you’re baking for a small family gathering or a larger celebration, cannoncini deliver elegance and comfort in equal measure. They’re impressive without being complicated, rich without being overly heavy, and beautiful without requiring professional pastry training.
The combination of store-bought puff pastry with homemade custard allows you to control the quality while saving time. This balance of simplicity and sophistication is what makes cannoncini a must-have recipe in any home baker’s repertoire.
Conclusion
Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini embody the heart of Italian baking: passion, tradition, and indulgence. From the flakiness of the sugar-dusted pastry to the silky smoothness of the vanilla custard filling, every element works in harmony to create a dessert that is as satisfying as it is beautiful.
Whether you’re honoring your Italian roots or simply exploring classic European desserts, cannoncini offer an accessible entry point into traditional pastry-making. They may look intricate, but with a little care and love, they come together easily—and the results are truly unforgettable. Add this recipe to your culinary rotation and let every bite transport you straight to a sunlit Italian café.