Irresistible Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini Recipe

Introduction

Have you ever tasted a pastry that transports you straight to the charming streets of Italy? The Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini is that magical treat. These crispy shells filled with luscious cream offer a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. With each bite, you’ll experience the crunch of the cannoncini shell melting into the creamy filling that dances on your palate.

Imagine serving these delicate pastries at your next gathering or enjoying them during a cozy evening at home. This recipe not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also brings a piece of Italian tradition into your kitchen. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this heavenly dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini

Unique Flavor Combination: The blend of crunchy pastry and rich cream creates an unforgettable taste experience. Each bite offers a delightful balance between sweetness and texture, making these cannoncini irresistible.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a festive celebration or an everyday treat, these stuffed cannoncini fit right in. They are sure to wow guests at birthday parties, holidays, or simply as an afternoon delight.

Easy to Customize: You can easily modify the filling with various flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, or even fruit-based creams. This versatility allows you to cater to every guest’s preferences while keeping the essence of the dish intact.

Shareable and Impressive: These elegant pastries are perfect for sharing due to their individual servings. They look stunning on any dessert table and will certainly be the highlight of your spread.

Ingredients for Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Cannoncini Shells: Use pre-made puff pastry for convenience or make your own from scratch for an authentic touch.

Heavy Cream: Opt for high-fat heavy cream for the best results in achieving a fluffy and stable filling.

Powdered Sugar: This sugar adds sweetness and smoothness to the cream without any grittiness.

Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile of the cream filling beautifully.

Lemon Zest: Fresh lemon zest brightens up the filling with a refreshing citrus note that complements the sweetness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Prepare Your Shells: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out your puff pastry on a floured surface and cut it into strips about 1 inch wide. Wrap each strip around cannoli forms and brush with egg wash before baking until golden brown—about 15 minutes.

Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.

Add Zest: Gently fold in fresh lemon zest into the whipped cream mixture. This will give it an extra layer of flavor that elevates the entire dessert experience.

Fill Your Shells: Once the cannoncini shells have cooled completely, use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to fill each shell generously with the creamy mixture.

Chill Before Serving: Place filled cannoncini in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld beautifully while giving them a firm structure.

Transfer to plates and serve chilled for an exquisite finishing touch!

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are properly chilled before whipping cream; this helps achieve maximum volume and stability in your filling.

Avoid Overfilling: When piping the filling into shells, avoid overfilling; leave some space at both ends so they don’t burst when handled or served.

Bake Until Golden Brown: Keep an eye on your cannoncini shells while baking; they should be golden brown yet not overly darkened which could indicate over-baking.

Store Carefully: To keep them fresh longer, store leftover filled cannoncini in an airtight container in the fridge but consume within two days for optimal texture.

Mistakes to avoid

Not using fresh ingredients

One of the key elements to making delicious Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini is using fresh ingredients. Fresh cream, quality mascarpone, and ripe fruits can significantly enhance the overall flavor. Avoid using expired or canned ingredients, as they can lead to a bland or off-tasting filling. Always check the expiry dates on dairy products and opt for seasonal fruits when possible. This simple adjustment can elevate your dessert, making it taste authentic and inviting.

Ignoring the dough temperature

When preparing your cannoncini dough, temperature plays a crucial role. If your dough is too warm, it may not hold its shape while baking. Conversely, if it’s too cold, it may crack during rolling. To ensure an ideal texture, chill your dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before shaping it into tubes. This process not only improves the dough’s elasticity but also results in a crispier outer layer once baked.

Overfilling the cannoncini

While it might be tempting to stuff your cannoncini with a generous amount of cream filling, overfilling can lead to messiness and sogginess. The ideal amount should allow for a nice balance between the crispy shell and creamy interior without spilling out. Start with a small amount of filling and gradually add more until you reach the desired level. This will ensure that each bite showcases both textures beautifully.

Skipping the chilling step

After preparing your Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini, it’s essential to let them chill in the refrigerator before serving. This step allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that the filling firms up slightly, making it easier to eat without oozing out. Aim for at least 30 minutes of chilling time before presenting these delightful treats at your gathering or enjoying them yourself. Skipping this step could lead to a less enjoyable texture and experience overall.

Ingredients

To prepare Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini, gather these essential ingredients:

For the cannoncini shells:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour

– 1/4 cup unsalted butter

– 1/4 cup water

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

– Vegetable oil for frying

For the cream filling:

– 1 cup heavy whipping cream

– 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese

– 1/4 cup powdered sugar

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional toppings:

– Chopped nuts

– Shaved chocolate

Instructions

Start by making the cannoncini shells. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water, butter, and salt until boiling. Gradually stir in flour until a smooth ball forms. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Once cool enough to handle, roll out the dough on a floured surface into thin sheets. Cut into strips and wrap around metal cannoli tubes, sealing edges with a bit of water.

In hot oil, fry each wrapped tube until golden brown. Carefully remove them from oil and let them drain on paper towels.

While cooling, prepare the filling by whipping heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Gently fold in mascarpone and vanilla extract until smooth.

Once shells are completely cooled, carefully remove them from their molds and fill with cream using a piping bag. Dust with powdered sugar or top with nuts or chocolate if desired.

Serve immediately for optimal freshness!

FAQs

What is Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini?

Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini are delicate pastry shells filled with rich whipped cream mixed with mascarpone cheese. They offer a delightful blend of textures that make them an irresistible treat for any dessert lover.

Can I make Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini ahead of time?

You can prepare most components ahead of time; however, it’s best to fill them just before serving to maintain their crispness. You can store unfilled shells in an airtight container for up to two days.

What can I use as alternatives for mascarpone cheese?

If you don’t have mascarpone cheese on hand for your Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini filling, you can substitute it with cream cheese blended with a little heavy cream for added richness or ricotta cheese mixed with some powdered sugar for sweetness.

How do I store leftover cannoncini?

Store any leftover filled Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to two days. However, note that they may lose some crispness over time due to moisture from the filling.

Serving Suggestions

This Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Coffee or Espresso

Enjoy these delightful pastries alongside a warm cup of coffee or a rich espresso. The robust flavors of the coffee complement the sweet, creamy filling beautifully. This combination makes for a perfect afternoon treat or dessert after dinner, elevating your dining experience.

Fresh Berries

Serve your cannoncini with a side of fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. The tartness of the berries balances the sweetness of the cream filling, adding a refreshing touch to each bite. This pairing not only enhances flavor but also adds a vibrant color to your presentation.

Iced Tea

For a lighter option, pair your Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini with iced tea. Choose a fruity or herbal blend to bring out the creamy flavors in the pastry. This combination is perfect for summer gatherings or brunches, providing a refreshing contrast that guests will love.

Chocolate Sauce Drizzle

For an indulgent twist, drizzle some chocolate sauce over your cannoncini before serving. The richness of the chocolate enhances the overall flavor profile and adds an extra element of decadence. This treat is sure to impress at parties or special occasions.