Heavenly Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini Recipe

Blissful Homemade Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini Recipe

Pastry lovers swoon over these delicate Italian cream stuffed cannoncini that melt in your mouth with luxurious sweetness.

Crisp, golden puff pastry wraps around the most decadent vanilla pastry cream you can imagine.

These delightful Italian treats bring a touch of bakery magic straight to your kitchen.

Each bite promises a crunch that gives way to silky smooth cream filling.

The delicate pastry shells create a perfect vessel for the rich, velvety custard inside.

Crafted with simple ingredients, these cannoncini transform an ordinary dessert moment into something extraordinary.

You’ll fall in love with this classic Italian pastry that delivers pure culinary bliss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 12

Italian Cream Cannoncini: Ingredient Musts

For Pastry Base:
  • Puff Pastry: Buttery and flaky base that creates a crisp, golden shell for the cannoncini.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds a sweet, sparkling crunch to the exterior of the pastry.
  • Egg Wash: Provides golden-brown shine and helps sugar adhere to the pastry surface.
For Filling and Flavor:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, silky smooth base for the Italian cream.
  • Whole Milk: Adds creamy richness and helps achieve perfect pastry cream consistency.
  • Egg Yolks: Provides luxurious thickness and velvety texture to the cream.
For Sweetening and Enhancing:
  • Vanilla Extract: Delivers classic, aromatic sweetness that elevates the cream's flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar: Ensures smooth sweetness without graininess in the cream.
  • Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent to stabilize the pastry cream.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances the overall sweetness of the filling.

Equipment Needed for Stuffed Cannoncini Magic

  • Metal Cream Horn Molds: Essential curved metal tubes for shaping the pastry into classic cone shapes.
  • Baking Sheet: Flat metal pan to hold and bake the cannoncini evenly.
  • Parchment Paper: Nonstick liner to prevent pastry from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  • Pastry Brush: Soft-bristled tool for applying egg wash smoothly and evenly.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed to cut puff pastry into precise strips.
  • Flour Sifter or Small Strainer: Helps dust work surface lightly for rolling pastry.
  • Cooling Rack: Allows pastries to cool without getting soggy on the bottom.

Roll & Fill Italian Cream Cannoncini Easily

  • Prepare Pastry Workspace

Roll out the delicate pastry on a lightly floured surface, creating a beautiful canvas for your culinary adventure.

  • Craft Delicate Rolls

Slice the pastry into elegant strips, wrapping each one carefully around a metal horn mold with a gentle, loving touch.

  • Transform Pastry

Position the rolled delights on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring the seam nestles comfortably underneath.

  • Add Golden Shine

Brush each pastry with a silky egg wash and sprinkle a delicate shower of sugar crystals for a sparkling finish.

  • Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into a preheated oven at 400F (200C), letting the heat work its magic for about 15-20 minutes until the pastries turn a gorgeous golden brown.

  • Create Cream Filling

While cooling, whip up a dreamy cream filling that will transform these crispy shells into a mouthwatering treat.

  • Fill and Serve

Gently pipe the luscious cream into the cooled pastry shells, creating a delightful surprise in every bite.

Creative Touches for Cannoncini Heaven

  • Sugar Coating Magic: Sprinkle extra granulated sugar before baking for a delightful caramelized crunch that adds texture and sweetness to your cannoncini.
  • Pastry Perfection Tip: Ensure the puff pastry is cold but pliable when rolling to prevent tearing and maintain those beautiful flaky layers.
  • Cream Filling Hack: Use a piping bag with a star tip for a professional-looking and easy filling technique that creates beautiful swirls inside each pastry.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry to make this dessert accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Make-Ahead Trick: Prepare the cream filling a day in advance and store in the refrigerator to save time and let flavors develop more intensely.

Elegant Ways to Present Cannoncini

  • Pastry Plating Perfection: Arrange cannoncini on a elegant white ceramic platter for stunning visual appeal.
  • Sweet Sidekick Suggestions: Pair with fresh espresso or cappuccino to complement the creamy Italian dessert's rich flavor profile.
  • Garnish Glamour: Dust lightly with powdered sugar and add a few fresh mint leaves for a professional bakery-style presentation.
  • Serving Temperature Tip: Serve slightly warm or at room temperature to maximize the delicate pastry's crispy texture and smooth cream filling.

Cannoncini Storage & Prep Tips

  • Meal Planning & Storage Advice
  • Smart Batch Prep: Make multiple batches of cannoncini in advance and store in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Refrigeration Strategy: Keep cream-filled pastries chilled in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, ensuring maximum freshness and maintaining the delicate texture of the cream and pastry.
  • Freezing Technique: Wrap unfilled pastry shells individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 weeks – thaw at room temperature before filling for quick dessert preparation.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare pastry shells and custard cream separately, storing them separately in the refrigerator, then assemble just before serving to maintain the perfect crisp and creamy consistency.
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Heavenly Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini Recipe

Heavenly Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini Recipe


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4.9 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Delectable italian cream stuffed cannoncini deliver a sweet symphony of delicate pastry and silky custard from Italy’s rich culinary traditions. Pastry enthusiasts will savor each buttery, creamy bite that celebrates classic European dessert craftsmanship.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese
  • ½ cup ricotta cheese (whole milk, well-drained)
  • ½ cup heavy cream, whipped
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
  • ½ tsp lemon zest (optional, for freshness)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • Chopped pistachios or mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Dust work surface with flour and unfurl puff pastry sheet into a rectangular shape, stretching to approximately 10 inches wide.
  2. Cutting: Slice pastry into uniform strips about 3/4-inch wide, creating 10-12 precise sections using a sharp culinary knife.
  3. Wrapping: Carefully drape each pastry strip around metal cream horn molds, ensuring a slight overlap to secure the pastry during baking.
  4. Positioning: Arrange wrapped molds on a parchment-lined baking sheet with seams facing downward to maintain structural integrity.
  5. Finishing: Apply egg wash with smooth brush strokes, then sprinkle granulated sugar over the pastries to create a caramelized, sparkling exterior.
  6. Baking: Place baking sheet in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake until cannoncini transform into crisp, golden shells with a flaky texture.

Notes

  • Pastry Handling: Work swiftly with puff pastry to prevent it from warming up and losing its delicate, flaky texture.
  • Mold Technique: Wrap pastry strips snugly around cream horn molds, ensuring a tight seal to maintain the classic cone shape during baking.
  • Sugar Caramelization: Sprinkle sugar evenly for a uniform golden-brown, crispy exterior that adds a delightful crunch and subtle sweetness.
  • Temperature Precision: Maintain a consistent 400°F oven temperature to achieve the perfect balance of crisp, golden shells without burning the delicate pastry.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 205
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 60 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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