Indulge in the exquisite flavors of homemade Cannoncini, a beloved Italian pastry known for its crisp exterior and creamy filling. This recipe combines the delicate crunch of pastry dough with a luscious vanilla-infused pastry cream, creating a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients for Cannoncini:
- 1 sheet of 9×9-inch square pastry dough
- 12 Cannoncini molds
- 1 cup (210 g) caster sugar
- 1 egg
Ingredients for Pastry Cream:
- 4 egg yolks
- 7 oz (200 ml) whole milk
- 1.5 oz (45 ml) heavy cream
- 5 tbsp (70 g) caster sugar
- 2.5 tbsp (25 g) cornstarch
- Peel of 1/4 lemon
- 2 drops vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pastry Cream:
- In a saucepan, heat the whole milk, heavy cream, and lemon peel until almost boiling. Strain and discard the lemon peel.
- In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, caster sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Slowly add the warm milk mixture to the beaten eggs, whisking continuously.
- Transfer the combined mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
- Prepare the Cannoncini:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the pastry dough into 12 strips, about 1 inch wide and 9 inches long.
- Wrap each strip around a Cannoncini mold, starting from the bottom to the top, overlapping slightly.
- Place the wrapped molds on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down.
- Brush the Cannoncini with beaten egg and sprinkle with caster sugar.
- Place in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Assemble the Cannoncini:
- Once cooled, carefully remove the molds from the pastry shells.
- Fill a piping bag with the prepared pastry cream and pipe the cream into each Cannoncini shell until filled.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy the crisp and buttery delight of homemade Cannoncini!
Conclusion:
Celebrate the art of Italian pastry-making with these homemade Cannoncini. From their golden, crispy shells to the rich, creamy filling, every bite promises a taste of indulgence and tradition. Whether for dessert or a special treat, these delightful pastries are sure to impress with their irresistible texture and flavor.