Here’s a flavorful and easy-to-make Cream Horns recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. These delicate pastries feature a crispy, golden puff pastry shell filled with a luscious, sweet cream filling. The contrast between the flaky exterior and the rich, creamy center makes them absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a special celebration or just indulging in a homemade treat, Cream Horns are sure to impress.
I first discovered these pastries at a local bakery and was instantly hooked. Determined to recreate them at home, I experimented with different fillings and techniques until I found the perfect combination. Now, they have become a favorite in my household—delicious, elegant, and surprisingly easy to make.
Why You’ll Love These Cream Horns
- Simple Ingredients – You only need a handful of basic ingredients to create a bakery-quality dessert.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – These pastries are great for parties, afternoon tea, or a delightful homemade treat.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – You can prepare them in advance and store them for later, making them a convenient dessert option.
- Customizable – Try different fillings like chocolate, fruit-flavored creams, or even Nutella for a unique twist.
Ingredients Notes
- Puff Pastry: Store-bought puff pastry sheets save time and create perfectly crisp, flaky layers.
- Heavy Cream: Whipping the cream to stiff peaks ensures a smooth, stable filling.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling while keeping it light and airy.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor to the cream filling.
- Egg Wash: Helps create a golden, glossy exterior when brushed onto the pastry.
How To Make These Cream Horns
Making cream horns at home may seem challenging, but with the right technique, it’s surprisingly easy! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create perfect, flaky, and creamy pastries.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Tools
Before starting, make sure you have all your ingredients and tools ready. Here’s what you’ll need:
- For the Pastry Shells:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons water
- Granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
- Metal cream horn molds (or DIY foil molds)
- For the Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: ½ cup mascarpone cheese or cream cheese for extra richness
- For Garnishing:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Melted chocolate for drizzling
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
- Cut Into Strips: Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the pastry into strips about 1-inch wide. These will be wrapped around the molds to form the horns.
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 3: Shape the Horns
- Wrap the Pastry: Take one pastry strip and wrap it around a cream horn mold, overlapping slightly with each turn. Press the ends gently so they stick together.
- Seal and Brush: Whisk the egg with water to make an egg wash, then brush it over the pastry horns. This helps them turn golden brown while baking.
- Sprinkle with Sugar: Lightly sprinkle granulated sugar on top for extra crispiness.
- Bake: Place them on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
- Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract using a hand mixer until soft peaks form.
- Optional Mascarpone Addition: If using mascarpone or cream cheese, fold it into the whipped cream gently to add a rich texture.
Step 5: Assemble the Cream Horns
- Cool the Pastry Shells: Once baked, let the pastry horns cool completely before removing them from the molds.
- Fill with Cream: Transfer the whipped filling into a piping bag with a star tip and pipe it into each horn, filling from one end to the other.
- Garnish: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for an elegant touch.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve these homemade cream horns fresh for the best texture. Pair them with coffee or tea for a delightful treat!
Storage Options
To keep your Cream Horns fresh and delicious, proper storage is essential. If you plan to enjoy them within a day or two, storing them at room temperature in an airtight container is ideal. However, for longer storage, refrigeration or freezing might be necessary.
- Room Temperature: If the Cream Horns are unfilled, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep them in a dry place to maintain their crispiness.
- Refrigeration: If you have already filled them with cream, store them in the refrigerator. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, though the pastry may soften slightly over time.
- Freezing: You can freeze unfilled Cream Horns for up to a month. After baking, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and fill with fresh cream.
Variations and Substitutions
Cream horns are a classic pastry, but you can easily customize them to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Below are some delicious variations and smart ingredient substitutions to help you create the perfect cream horns.
1. Different Fillings for Cream Horns
While the traditional filling is made with sweetened whipped cream, there are many other options you can try:
- Custard Cream: Instead of whipped cream, fill the horns with rich pastry cream or custard for a decadent twist. Vanilla, chocolate, or even coffee-flavored custard works beautifully.
- Buttercream Filling: If you prefer a sweeter and more stable filling, use buttercream frosting. Flavors like chocolate, strawberry, or mocha add a unique touch.
- Chocolate Ganache: For chocolate lovers, filling the horns with silky chocolate ganache creates an indulgent treat.
- Fruit-Flavored Whipped Cream: Add fruit purees (such as strawberry, raspberry, or mango) to your whipped cream for a refreshing, fruity variation.
- Cream Cheese or Mascarpone Filling: Mixing mascarpone or cream cheese into the whipped cream gives it a cheesecake-like texture, making the cream horns extra rich.
- Nutella or Biscoff Spread: For a unique and modern twist, try piping Nutella, peanut butter, or Biscoff cookie butter into the pastry horns.
2. Different Pastry Options
- Homemade Puff Pastry: If you enjoy baking from scratch, try making your own puff pastry instead of using store-bought. This gives you complete control over the flakiness and butter content.
- Phyllo Dough: For a crispier, lighter version, you can use phyllo dough layers instead of puff pastry. Brush each layer with butter before wrapping.
- Chocolate Puff Pastry: Some stores sell chocolate-flavored puff pastry, which adds a delightful cocoa twist to the classic cream horn.
- Gluten-Free Puff Pastry: For those with gluten sensitivities, use a gluten-free puff pastry alternative to make a delicious, wheat-free version.
3. Flavor Variations for the Pastry Shell
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the pastry before baking for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Cocoa Powder: Dust the pastry dough with cocoa powder before wrapping it around the mold to add a subtle chocolate taste.
- Coffee-Infused Pastry: Brush the pastry with a light coffee glaze before baking for a mild espresso flavor.
- Savory Cream Horns: If you prefer a savory version, skip the sugar and fill the horns with herbed cream cheese, smoked salmon, or a savory chicken salad.
4. Dairy-Free and Vegan Substitutions
- Dairy-Free Pastry: Look for dairy-free puff pastry brands made with plant-based butter or shortening.
- Vegan Whipped Cream: Use coconut whipped cream or dairy-free heavy whipping cream alternatives. Sweeten with maple syrup or powdered sugar.
- Cashew Cream Filling: Blend soaked cashews with vanilla extract and sweetener for a rich, creamy, plant-based filling.
- Aquafaba Whipped Cream: Use whipped aquafaba (chickpea brine) as a light and airy dairy-free filling option.
5. Fun Toppings and Garnishes
- Drizzled Chocolate: After filling the horns, drizzle with dark, milk, or white chocolate for an elegant finish.
- Crushed Nuts: Roll the cream-filled ends in chopped pistachios, almonds, or hazelnuts for added crunch.
- Sprinkles or Colored Sugar: For a festive look, decorate with sprinkles or colored sugar crystals.
- Caramel or Fruit Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce or berry compote over the cream horns before serving.
6. Special Holiday and Themed Variations
- Christmas Cream Horns: Use red and green sprinkles or add peppermint extract to the filling for a holiday version.
- Valentine’s Day: Fill with pink strawberry whipped cream and drizzle with white chocolate.
- Halloween Edition: Dip the pastry horns in orange-tinted white chocolate and fill with pumpkin spice cream.
- Birthday Celebration: Mix rainbow sprinkles into the filling for a funfetti-style dessert.
Conclusion
Cream Horns are a delightful dessert that combines the perfect balance of crisp pastry and smooth, sweet filling. They are simple to make yet look and taste like an elegant bakery treat. Whether you stick to the classic vanilla cream filling or experiment with different flavors, these pastries are bound to be a hit. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious Cream Horns with family and friends!