Cream Horns – Clara quick dinners

Cream Horns are light, flaky pastries filled with sweet, creamy filling and dusted with powdered sugar for a beautiful and indulgent treat. Made using puff pastry and a simple cream filling, they’re a bakery favorite you can easily recreate at home. Elegant in appearance but surprisingly easy to make, cream horns are perfect for parties, holidays, or when you want to impress without a fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cream Horns combine the crisp, golden layers of puff pastry with a luscious, sweet cream filling for a dessert that’s both classic and crowd-pleasing. You only need a few basic ingredients, and with the help of store-bought puff pastry, the process is quick and manageable. Whether you fill them with whipped cream, pastry cream, or custard, these pastries are customizable, eye-catching, and absolutely delicious.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the pastry:

• Puff pastry sheets, thawed
• Egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

For the cream filling:

• Heavy whipping cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Optional fillings:

• Pastry cream
• Sweetened mascarpone
• Chocolate ganache
• Fruit preserves

directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut the puff pastry into long strips (about 1-inch wide).
3. Wrap each strip around a metal cream horn mold, overlapping slightly as you go.
4. Place wrapped molds on the baking sheet seam-side down. Brush with egg wash.
5. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
6. Let cool slightly, then gently remove the pastry from the molds and cool completely.
7. Meanwhile, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
8. Spoon or pipe the cream into the cooled pastry shells.
9. Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 10–12 cream horns.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Cool + Fill Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate-dipped: Dip the ends in melted chocolate before filling.
• Berry filling: Add a layer of jam or fresh berries inside for a fruity surprise.
• Custard cream: Swap whipped cream for pastry cream or vanilla pudding.
• Nutella horns: Add a swirl of Nutella to the cream before piping.
• Holiday twist: Add peppermint extract to the cream and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.

storage/reheating

Cream Horns are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

If storing unfilled pastry shells, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Fill just before serving to maintain the crisp texture. Avoid reheating filled horns—serve cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

What are cream horns?

Cream horns are puff pastry cones filled with sweet cream or custard, typically dusted with powdered sugar.

Do I need metal molds to make them?

Metal cream horn molds work best, but you can also use rolled-up foil or sugar cones wrapped in foil as DIY molds.

Can I use store-bought whipped cream?

Yes, but homemade whipped cream holds its shape better and tastes fresher.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes—bake the pastry shells in advance and fill them just before serving for best results.

How do I prevent the pastry from sticking to the molds?

Lightly grease the molds or use non-stick spray before wrapping with pastry.

Can I freeze cream horns?

You can freeze the unfilled pastry shells. Thaw and crisp in a low oven before filling.

Can I flavor the cream?

Absolutely—try adding almond extract, cocoa powder, or lemon zest for variation.

Can I fill them with something savory?

Yes! Use whipped goat cheese, herbed cream cheese, or even smoked salmon mousse for a savory twist.

Do I need to chill them before serving?

It’s not required, but chilling helps the cream set and makes them easier to handle.

Are cream horns the same as cannoli?

No, cannoli are an Italian pastry with a fried shell and typically ricotta-based filling, while cream horns are made with baked puff pastry and whipped or pastry cream.

Conclusion

Cream Horns are a classic dessert that’s as elegant as it is easy. With crisp, golden pastry and a cloud-like cream filling, they’re a timeless treat perfect for any occasion. Customize them with your favorite flavors or toppings, and enjoy the kind of indulgence that looks like it came from a pastry shop—made right in your kitchen.

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