Irresistibly Flaky Cream Horns Recipe: Sweet Homemade Delight

Delicate pastry meets sweet indulgence in this irresistible cream horns recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Flaky, golden-brown shells cradle a luscious cream filling that melts in your mouth.

Originating from European bakeries, these elegant desserts bring a touch of sophistication to any table.

Crisp pastry and silky cream create a perfect harmony of textures that dance on your palate.

Each bite delivers a delightful crunch followed by a smooth, creamy center that whispers pure decadence.

The magic of these cream horns lies in their simple yet stunning presentation.

Prepare to impress with this classic treat that turns an ordinary moment into a celebration of culinary artistry.

Cream Horns Ingredient Essentials

• Puff Pastry: Light and flaky pastry perfect for creating delicate cream horn shells.
• Egg Wash: Helps seal pastry strips and creates a golden, shiny surface.

• Heavy Cream, Cream Cheese: Provides rich and creamy base for the filling.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps stabilize the cream filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cream.

• Cooking Spray: Prevents pastry from sticking to horn molds.
• Chocolate: Optional flavoring for half of the cream filling.
• Powdered Sugar: Used for dusting the finished cream horns for a beautiful presentation.

Equipment for Cream Horn Perfection

• Horn Molds: Metal cone-shaped tools essential for shaping pastry into perfect curved shells.
• Baking Sheets: Flat metal trays for even baking and supporting pastry during cooking.
• Pastry Brush: Needed for applying egg wash to seal pastry strips.
• Mixing Bowl: Used for preparing cream filling and mixing ingredients.
• Piping Bag: Perfect for neatly filling cream horns with different flavors.
• Sharp Knife: Required for cutting pastry into precise 1-inch strips.
• Whisk: Helps blend filling ingredients smoothly and eliminate lumps.

How to Make Cream Horns from Scratch

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper for smooth sailing.

Step 2: Prepare Magical Molds

Grab your horn-shaped molds and give them a light spritz of cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 3: Transform Pastry Sheets

Slice your delicate pastry dough into elegant 1-inch strips, creating the foundation for your delightful treats.

Step 4: Wrap and Seal

Carefully wind each pastry strip around the molds, creating a beautiful spiral.

Brush the edges with egg wash to create a perfect seal that keeps everything together.

Step 5: Golden Baking Magic

Slide the molds into the preheated oven and bake for 14-16 minutes until the pastry turns a gorgeous golden-brown color.

Step 6: Patience is Key

Allow the cream horns to cool completely while still nestled in their molds, ensuring they hold their perfect shape.

Step 7: Craft Dreamy Fillings

Whip up a luscious cream filling and get creative by splitting the batch – transform half into a rich chocolate variation.

• Heavy cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Cocoa powder (for chocolate version)

Step 8: Final Flourish

Gently pipe the cream fillings into the cooled pastry shells, then dust with a delicate sprinkle of powdered sugar for that bakery-perfect finish.

Pro Tips for Flaky Cream Horns

• Use cold, high-quality puff pastry for crisp, flaky cream horns that maintain their shape during baking.
• Lightly grease horn molds with cooking spray or butter to ensure easy removal of pastry shells after baking.
• Brush egg wash along pastry strip edges to create a tight seal and prevent unraveling during baking.
• Use a piping bag with a star tip for elegant, professional-looking cream fillings inside the pastry shells.
• Experiment with different cream filling flavors like vanilla, almond, or raspberry to add exciting twists to traditional cream horns.

Cream Horn Filling and Flavor Variations

• Gluten-Free Cream Horns: Replace traditional pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or almond flour-based dough for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Cream Variation: Swap dairy cream with coconut whipped cream and use plant-based margarine for pastry, creating a dairy-free alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener in filling and reduce powdered sugar dusting for diabetic-friendly version.
• Fruit-Infused Cream Horns: Mix fresh raspberry or passion fruit puree into cream filling for a tangy, natural flavor enhancement.

Presenting Cream Horns for Dessert

• Elegant Dessert Plating: Arrange cream horns on a sleek white porcelain plate, alternating chocolate and vanilla fillings for visual contrast.
• Festive Party Presentation: Create a stunning dessert centerpiece by positioning cream horns in a circular pattern on a tiered cake stand, garnished with fresh berries and mint leaves.
• Coffee Companion: Serve alongside espresso or cappuccino for a delightful afternoon treat, complementing the rich, creamy pastry with warm beverage notes.
• Gifting Delight: Package cream horns individually in clear gift boxes with ribbon, perfect for hostess gifts or sweet personal celebrations.

Cream Horns Storage Tips

• Store filled cream horns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods to preserve their delicate flavor.
• Wrap unfilled pastry shells individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before filling.
• Warm unfilled shells in a 350F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore crispness. For filled horns, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the cream.
• Avoid microwaving cream horns as this will make the pastry soggy and ruin the delicate texture.

FAQs

• What are cream horns?

Cream horns are delicate pastry tubes made with puff pastry, wrapped around metal molds and filled with sweet cream or flavored fillings like vanilla and chocolate.

• Do I need special equipment to make cream horns?

Yes, you’ll need metal horn-shaped molds to create the classic cone shape. These are typically available in baking supply stores or online kitchenware shops.

• Can I make cream horns if I'm not an experienced baker?

Absolutely! Cream horns are surprisingly easy to make with simple techniques like wrapping pastry strips around molds and creating basic cream fillings. Following the steps carefully will help you succeed.

Cream Horns Why They’re a Delicate Delight

• Cream horns are a breeze to make with minimal ingredients and simple steps, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Create two flavors in one batch by splitting the filling into classic vanilla and rich chocolate, adding excitement to your dessert.
• These elegant pastries look professionally made but require basic baking skills, making them ideal for gatherings and special moments.
• Versatile enough for birthday parties, afternoon tea, or a delightful weekend family dessert that everyone will adore.

Cream Horns Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful cream horns bring European pastry elegance to home kitchens. Light pastry shells filled with rich vanilla cream offer sweet indulgence you can master with careful technique.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 large egg

Filling and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (90 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tablespoons (7.5 grams) cocoa powder
• Extra powdered sugar for dusting

Additional Ingredients:

• Splash of water

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 400°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal pastry performance.
2. Coat metal horn molds thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy pastry release.
3. Slice puff pastry into precise 1-inch wide strips using a sharp knife or pastry wheel for uniform shape.
4. Carefully wind pastry strips around greased horn molds, ensuring smooth, tight wrapping with minimal overlap.
5. Brush pastry edges with beaten egg to create a secure seal and enhance golden appearance.
6. Position wrapped molds on prepared baking sheets, maintaining even spacing between horns.
7. Bake for 14-16 minutes until pastry achieves a rich, golden-brown color and crisp texture.
8. Remove from oven and allow horns to cool completely within molds to maintain structural integrity.
9. Prepare classic vanilla cream filling, then divide mixture to create complementary chocolate variation.
10. Gently pipe flavored cream fillings into cooled pastry shells, ensuring even distribution.
11. Delicately dust horns with powdered sugar for an elegant, finished presentation.

Notes

• Use cold pastry dough straight from the refrigerator to ensure flaky, crisp texture when baking cream horns.
• Consider using metal horn molds with non-stick coating for easier removal and consistent shape of pastry shells.
• Experiment with different filling variations like vanilla bean, raspberry, or espresso to add exciting flavor profiles to traditional cream horns.
• When wrapping pastry strips, overlap edges slightly and press gently to prevent unraveling during baking, creating a neat and professional-looking result.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 170 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 83 mg