Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini are delicate, crispy pastry horns filled with a rich and silky vanilla cream. These elegant pastries are a classic treat in Italian bakeries and are loved for their perfect balance between light, flaky pastry and smooth, sweet custard filling.
The word cannoncini means “little cannons” in Italian, referring to their tube-like shape. They are made from puff pastry wrapped around special molds and baked until golden and flaky, then filled with luscious pastry cream. These pastries are perfect for dessert tables, celebrations, coffee breaks, or elegant gatherings.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per pastry)
Calories: 210 kcal
Protein: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Sugar: 12 g
Fat: 11 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sodium: 120 mg
While indulgent, these pastries provide a delightful balance of carbohydrates for energy and dairy-based cream for richness.
Ingredients
Pastry Shells
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Italian Pastry Cream (Crema Pasticcera)
2 cups whole milk
½ cup granulated sugar
4 egg yolks
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon butter
Decoration
Powdered sugar
Chocolate drizzle (optional)
Pistachio crumbs (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pastry
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
Cut the pastry into long strips about 1 inch wide.
2. Shape the Cannoncini
Wrap each strip of pastry around a metal cream horn mold, overlapping slightly.
Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
3. Bake the Pastry Shells
Place the pastry horns on a lined baking tray.
Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Allow them to cool completely before removing the molds.
4. Prepare the Pastry Cream
In a saucepan heat the milk until warm but not boiling.
In another bowl whisk:
egg yolks
sugar
cornstarch
Slowly add the warm milk while whisking.
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook on medium heat until it thickens.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and butter.
Let the cream cool completely.
5. Fill the Cannoncini
Transfer the cooled pastry cream to a piping bag.
Pipe the cream into both ends of each pastry shell until filled.
6. Decorate
Dust with powdered sugar and add optional toppings like chocolate drizzle or pistachios.
Preparation Methods
1. Classic Cannoncini
Filled with traditional Italian vanilla pastry cream.
2. Chocolate Cream Version
Mix melted chocolate into the pastry cream for a rich chocolate filling.
3. Chantilly Cream Method
Replace pastry cream with sweet whipped cream for a lighter dessert.
4. Pistachio Cream Version
Use pistachio cream filling for a popular Italian bakery variation.
History of Cannoncini
Cannoncini originate from Northern Italy, particularly in regions like Piedmont and Lombardy, where pastry craftsmanship is highly respected.
They became popular in Italian pastry shops during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Bakeries often displayed trays of these elegant pastries in their windows. The combination of flaky puff pastry and silky crema pasticcera quickly made them a favorite dessert across Italy.
Today, cannoncini remain a beloved treat in Italian cafés and bakeries and are commonly served with espresso or cappuccino.
Presentation (Formation)
For an elegant presentation:
Arrange the cannoncini on a dessert platter
Dust lightly with powdered sugar
Drizzle with dark chocolate
Sprinkle with pistachios or almonds
Their golden pastry and creamy filling create a visually stunning dessert.
Perfect for Dessert Lovers ❤️
These pastries are adored by:
Fans of Italian desserts
People who enjoy creamy pastries
Coffee and pastry lovers
Guests at celebrations and parties
Their delicate texture and sweet cream filling make them irresistible.
Conclusion
Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini are a beautiful and delicious pastry that combines crispy puff pastry with smooth, rich pastry cream. Elegant yet simple, they are perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat with coffee.
With their golden flaky shells and creamy filling, these classic Italian pastries continue to delight dessert lovers around the world. 🍰🇮🇹✨
