Are you craving a decadent yet surprisingly simple dessert? Look no further! These cream horns, made with store-bought puff pastry, are the perfect treat for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers, offering a delicious homemade taste without the complicated techniques. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these elegant and flavorful cream horns! They're the perfect addition to any afternoon tea or a delightful end to a special meal. This recipe is one of the best recipes you'll find for an easy yet impressive dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet (14.1 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Pastry Horns:
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour your work surface.
- Cut & Shape: Unfold the thawed puff pastry. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into 12 equal rectangles. Each rectangle should be roughly 4 inches wide and 6 inches long.
- Roll & Shape: Starting at the long edge, tightly roll each rectangle into a horn shape, starting from one of the longer sides. Slightly curve the tip to resemble a horn.
- Bake: Place the cream horns onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Make the Cream Filling:
- Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Sweeten & Flavor: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip.
Assemble & Serve:
- Cool & Fill: Allow the baked cream horns to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, gently fill each horn with the whipped cream using a piping bag or spoon.
- Garnish & Enjoy: Sprinkle with a cinnamon-sugar mixture (combine granulated sugar and cinnamon) for extra flavor and visual appeal. You can also add chocolate shavings for an elegant touch. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade cream horns!
Tips for Success:
- Thaw Completely: Ensure the puff pastry is completely thawed before using. This will prevent tearing and ensure a flaky result.
- Don't Overfill: Avoid overfilling the cream horns, as the cream might ooze out.
- Chill the Cream: Using chilled ingredients when making the whipped cream will help it achieve a firmer consistency.
Variations:
- Chocolate Cream: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the whipped cream for a chocolate cream horn filling.
- Fruit Filling: Instead of whipped cream, fill the horns with pastry cream and your favorite fresh berries.
- Coffee Cream: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the whipped cream for a coffee-flavored filling.
Nutritional Information (per cream horn, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: High
- Protein: Low
- Carbohydrates: Moderate
This recipe provides a delicious and easy way to enjoy the classic cream horn. It’s a perfect option for a quick dessert, a special occasion, or simply a sweet treat any day of the week. The combination of flaky puff pastry and creamy filling makes these cream horns a truly delightful experience. Enjoy!