Cannoncini – Puff Pastry Cannoli with Pastry Cream

Cannoncini – Puff Pastry Cannoli with Pastry Cream are a delightful Italian dessert that combines the flaky goodness of puff pastry with rich and creamy filling. These treats are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy dinner at home. Their unique texture and flavorful cream make them a standout dessert that will impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create these delicious desserts in no time.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of crispy pastry and velvety pastry cream offers an indulgent experience that everyone will love.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for celebrations, casual gatherings, or even as a sweet treat for yourself.
• Impressive Presentation: These elegant cannoli look sophisticated on any dessert table, making them ideal for entertaining.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools and prepare to create these delightful cannoncini. Proper equipment ensures a smooth cooking process and helps achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Essential for even baking of your puff pastry, ensuring a perfect golden-brown color.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients smoothly without mess.
• Whisk: Helps to achieve a smooth consistency in your pastry cream by blending well.

Ingredients

For the Puff Pastry

• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 10 g sugar
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• icing sugar (for dusting)

For the Pastry Cream

• 500 ml full fat milk (2 cups)
• 30 g cornstarch
• 50 g sugar
• 4 egg yolks
• 2 tsp vanilla bean paste (or seeds from one vanilla pod)
• 1/2 tsp salt

How to Make Cannoncini – Puff Pastry Cannoli with Pastry Cream

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until it is thin.
3. Cut the pastry into strips about 1 inch wide.
4. Sprinkle sugar evenly over the strips.

Step 2: Shape the Cannoncini

1. Take each strip of puff pastry and wrap it around a cannoli mold, overlapping slightly as you go.
2. Brush the edges with egg wash to seal them together.

Step 3: Bake the Pastry

1. Place the wrapped molds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
3. Remove from the oven and let cool before gently sliding off the molds.

Step 4: Make the Pastry Cream

1. In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornstarch, sugar, egg yolks, vanilla bean paste, and salt until smooth.
3. Gradually pour in hot milk while continuously whisking to temper the eggs.
4. Return mixture to saucepan and cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly.

Step 5: Fill Your Cannoncini

1. Once cooled, fill each cannoncini shell with the prepared pastry cream using a piping bag or spoon.
2. Dust with icing sugar before serving.

Enjoy your delightful Cannoncini – Puff Pastry Cannoli with Pastry Cream! They are sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a sweet indulgence at home.

How to Serve Cannoncini – Puff Pastry Cannoli with Pastry Cream

Cannoncini are a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience with these delicious puff pastry cannoli.

With Fresh Berries

• Fresh berries add a vibrant color and tartness that perfectly balances the sweetness of the pastry cream. Consider using strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• A drizzle of chocolate sauce enhances the flavor of cannoncini. Dark or milk chocolate works well; simply melt and pour over the filled pastries.

Garnished with Nuts

• Chopped pistachios or hazelnuts provide a crunchy texture that complements the soft filling. Sprinkle them on top for added flavor and visual appeal.

Served with Whipped Cream

• A dollop of freshly whipped cream alongside cannoncini makes for a rich combination. You can sweeten the cream lightly to match the sweetness of the pastry.

How to Perfect Cannoncini – Puff Pastry Cannoli with Pastry Cream

To create the perfect cannoncini, attention to detail is essential. Here are some tips for achieving that ideal result.

• Chill Your Dough: Ensure your puff pastry is chilled before working with it. This results in flakier layers when baked.
• Use a Good Egg Wash: Brush your pastries with egg wash before baking for a golden, shiny finish. Mix one egg with a tablespoon of water for best results.
• Control Baking Temperature: Bake at a high temperature (around 200°C/400°F) to ensure they puff up beautifully and become crispy.
• Fill Just Before Serving: To keep the pastry crisp, fill cannoncini right before serving. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
• Experiment with Flavors: Try adding different flavors to your pastry cream, such as citrus zest or coffee extract, for unique variations.

Best Side Dishes for Cannoncini – Puff Pastry Cannoli with Pastry Cream

Cannoncini can be paired wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the richness of cannoncini.
2. Chocolate Mousse: A light and airy chocolate mousse offers an indulgent side that pairs well without overpowering the cannoli.
3. Tiramisu: This classic Italian dessert adds another layer of flavor while maintaining an Italian theme for your meal.
4. Gelato: A scoop of gelato, especially in flavors like vanilla or coffee, creates a delightful contrast to the pastry’s crispiness.
5. Coffee: A strong espresso or cappuccino serves as a perfect beverage pairing, enhancing the flavors of both dessert and coffee.
6. Lemon Sorbet: The lightness and acidity of lemon sorbet refreshes the palate after enjoying rich cannoncini.
7. Panna Cotta: This creamy dessert can be flavored in various ways and complements the texture of cannoncini beautifully.
8. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses provides a savory counterpoint, making for an interesting contrast to sweet desserts like cannoncini.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cannoncini are a delightful treat, but several common mistakes can ruin the experience. Here’s how to ensure your puff pastry cannoli turn out perfect every time.

• Boldly skipping the egg wash: Applying an egg wash helps achieve a golden and crispy finish. Always brush the puff pastry before baking for that beautiful color.
• Boldly neglecting to chill the pastry: If you skip chilling, the dough may become too warm and lose its flakiness. Chill your rolled pastry before cutting shapes.
• Boldly overfilling the cannoli: Stuffing too much filling into each cannolo can lead to messy results. Fill them just enough to enjoy without overflowing.
• Boldly using incorrect temperatures: Baking at the wrong temperature can either burn or undercook your cannoncini. Stick to the recommended temperature for best results.
• Boldly forgetting to sift dry ingredients: Not sifting cornstarch or sugar can result in clumps in your pastry cream. Make sure to sift for a smooth texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cannoncini in an airtight container.
• They will remain fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cannoncini – Puff Pastry Cannoli with Pastry Cream

• Freeze unfilled cannoncini for up to 1 month.
• Ensure they are wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating Cannoncini – Puff Pastry Cannoli with Pastry Cream

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat and cover with a lid for a few minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cannoncini – Puff Pastry Cannoli with Pastry Cream.

Can I make the pastry cream ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pastry cream a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

How do I prevent my puff pastry from becoming soggy?

To keep your cannoncini crispy, fill them just before serving. This prevents moisture from softening the pastry.

What can I use instead of vanilla bean paste?

You can use vanilla extract or seeds scraped from a vanilla pod as alternatives to vanilla bean paste for flavoring your pastry cream.

Can Cannoncini be made gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute regular puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry available at many stores for a gluten-free version of cannoncini.

Final Thoughts

Cannoncini – Puff Pastry Cannoli with Pastry Cream is an elegant dessert that’s sure to impress any guest. With its flaky exterior and rich filling, this treat is versatile and customizable. You can infuse different flavors into the cream or serve it with various toppings like fruits or chocolate drizzle. Try making these delightful pastries today!