Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini
Take an adventure to Italy with our amazing Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini. These delightful pastries are perfect for any occasion, bringing a touch of elegance to your dessert table. Each cannoncino features a flaky puff pastry shell filled with velvety custard cream infused with vanilla. Enjoying them isn’t just about tasting a dessert; it’s about experiencing the sweet life of Italy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor – The combination of rich custard and flaky pastry creates a heavenly taste that will delight your palate.
- Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these treats even if you’re new to baking.
- Versatile Dessert – Perfect for celebrations, dinner parties, or a cozy night in, these cannoncini fit any occasion beautifully.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the delicious world of Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini, gather your tools and prepare your workspace for a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Pastry bag
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet – A sturdy surface for even baking helps achieve perfectly golden cannoncini.
- Mixing bowls – Essential for combining ingredients smoothly and efficiently.
- Pastry bag – Allows for easy filling of the cannoncini with creamy custard without mess.
Ingredients
For the Custard Filling
- 3 egg yolks
- 3 tbsp (30 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 ounces (235 ml) milk
For the Puff Pastry Shells
- 1 sheet of defrosted puff pastry (about 8 ounces or 225 grams)
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar (for sprinkling)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
For Garnishing
- Powdered sugar to decorate
How to Make Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Filling
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and flour until smooth.
- Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until fully combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a saucepan over medium heat. Cook while stirring until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow to cool completely before using.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry Shells
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the defrosted puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut into strips approximately 1 inch wide and wrap each strip around greased cannoli molds, overlapping slightly.
- Brush with beaten egg, then sprinkle with sugar.
Step 3: Bake the Shells
- Place the wrapped molds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before gently sliding off the molds.
Step 4: Fill the Cannoncini
- Transfer cooled custard filling into a pastry bag fitted with a small tip.
- Carefully fill each puff pastry shell from both ends with custard until full.
Step 5: Serve Your Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini
- Dust filled cannoncini with powdered sugar before serving.
- Enjoy these delightful pastries at room temperature or chilled for added freshness!
How to Serve Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini
Serving Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini is a delightful experience. These elegant pastries can be enjoyed in various ways, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, here are some fantastic serving suggestions.
For an Elegant Dessert Table
- Garnish with Fresh Berries: Add a handful of fresh strawberries or raspberries on the side for a fruity contrast.
- Serve with Espresso: Pairing these cannoncini with a shot of rich espresso enhances their flavors beautifully.
- Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce: A light drizzle of chocolate sauce adds an extra layer of indulgence.
As Part of a Festive Brunch
- Accompany with Whipped Cream: Serve them alongside a dollop of freshly whipped cream for added creaminess.
- Pair with Mimosas: The sweetness of cannoncini pairs perfectly with bubbly mimosas to elevate your brunch experience.
For Special Occasions
- Presentation on Cake Stands: Arrange the cannoncini on elegant cake stands for a stunning display at weddings or parties.
- Create Dessert Platters: Combine with other Italian pastries for an impressive dessert platter that showcases variety.
How to Perfect Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini
Making perfect Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your pastry turns out flawlessly.
- Use Chilled Ingredients: Start with chilled butter and cold milk to achieve a flaky texture in your puff pastry.
- Roll Evenly: When rolling out the puff pastry, ensure it’s even in thickness to avoid uneven baking.
- Fill Just Before Serving: To keep the pastry crispy, fill the cannoncini just before serving.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try adding different extracts like almond or lemon for unique flavor variations in the custard cream.
Best Side Dishes for Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini
Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavor. Here are some ideas that pair wonderfully:
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cannoncini.
- Light Antipasto Platter: Include cheeses, olives, and cured meats for a savory contrast to the sweet dessert.
- Refreshing Mint Tea: A cup of mint tea provides a refreshing palate cleanser after enjoying the sweetness.
- Classic Italian Biscotti: Serve alongside crunchy biscotti for an additional texture experience.
- Zesty Lemon Sorbet: The acidity from lemon sorbet cuts through richness while cleansing the palate.
- Savory Spinach Frittata: This egg dish offers a hearty option that complements the lightness of cannoncini.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to avoid common pitfalls.
- Incorrect pastry preparation: Make sure your puff pastry is fully defrosted and rolled out evenly. Uneven thickness can lead to inconsistent baking.
- Overcooking the custard: Keep an eye on your custard. Cooking it too long can cause it to curdle. Remove it from heat as soon as it thickens.
- Skipping the egg wash: An egg wash gives your cannoncini a beautiful golden color. Be sure to brush it on before baking for that perfect finish.
- Not chilling the filling: Allow your custard to cool completely before filling the pastry. A warm filling can make the pastry soggy.
- Filling too early: Fill your cannoncini just before serving. This keeps them crispy and prevents them from getting soggy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover cannoncini in an airtight container in the fridge.
- They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, but best when eaten sooner.
Freezing Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini
- You can freeze unfilled puff pastry shells for up to 2 months.
- Ensure they are well-wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 10 minutes until warm and crispy.
- Microwave: Heat on a low setting for about 15-20 seconds, but this may soften the pastry.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini that might help you.
What is Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini?
Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini are delicate puff pastry shells filled with a rich custard cream. They offer a delightful dessert experience.
Can I customize the filling?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with flavors such as chocolate, fruit purees, or even different extracts to give your cannoncini a personal touch.
How do I ensure my cannoncini are crispy?
To keep them crispy, fill the cannoncini just before serving and store any leftovers separately from the filling.
Can I use store-bought custard?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using store-bought custard can save you effort while still delivering delicious flavor.
Final Thoughts
Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini are not just a treat; they are an experience of Italy’s sweet culture. With their flaky texture and rich filling, they cater to various tastes and occasions. Enjoy customizing them with different fillings or toppings to make them uniquely yours!
Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Italy with our Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini. These delightful pastries feature a light and flaky puff pastry shell filled with a rich, velvety custard infused with vanilla. Perfect for any occasion, from elegant dinner parties to cozy nights in, these cannoncini will transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Italy. The heavenly combination of textures and flavors makes them a must-try dessert that is sure to impress your guests or satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 3 egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces milk
- 1 sheet puff pastry (defrosted)
- Powdered sugar (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the custard by whisking egg yolks, sugar, and flour in a bowl. Gradually add milk while stirring until smooth. Cook in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in vanilla and cool completely.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the puff pastry and cut into strips. Wrap each strip around greased cannoli molds, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before removing from molds.
- Fill each shell with cooled custard using a pastry bag fitted with a small tip.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cannoncino (50g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
