Cannoli with Pastry Cream

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers a simple way to enjoy the classic flavors of cannoli without the complexity of traditional fried shells. Using puff pastry provides a light, crispy texture while the homemade vanilla pastry cream delivers creamy sweetness with a velvety finish. It’s an elegant dessert that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress.

ingredients

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

For the pastry cream:
• 500 ml of milk
• 4 egg yolks
• 100 g of sugar
• 40 g of flour
• 1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cannolis (or crispy rolls):
• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 1 egg beaten (for golden finish)
• Icing sugar (to sprinkle)

directions

1. To prepare the pastry cream, heat the milk with the vanilla bean (split and scraped) or vanilla extract in a saucepan until just below boiling. Remove from heat.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and flour until smooth.
3. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened and bubbling. Remove from heat and strain the pastry cream through a sieve to ensure smoothness.
5. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming and chill in the refrigerator until completely cooled.
6. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
7. Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut into strips or rectangles of your desired size.
8. Roll the puff pastry strips around cannoli molds or form into crispy rolls, sealing edges with a little beaten egg.
9. Brush the pastry with beaten egg for a golden finish. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden and crisp. Remove and let cool completely before removing molds if used.
11. Once the pastry shells have cooled, pipe or spoon the chilled pastry cream into the cannolis.
12. Sprinkle with icing sugar before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 6-8 cannoli
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 1-2 hours
Total time: Approximately 2 hours

Variations

• Add mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios to the pastry cream for extra texture.
• Use cinnamon or citrus zest in the pastry cream for a flavor twist.
• Substitute puff pastry with traditional cannoli dough if you want an authentic crunch.
• Drizzle the filled cannoli with melted chocolate or dust with cocoa powder before serving.

storage/reheating

Store any leftover pastry cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep unfilled puff pastry shells at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Do not refrigerate filled cannoli to maintain crispness. Assemble just before serving for best texture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pastry cream?

Yes, store-bought pastry cream can be used to save time, though homemade offers the best flavor and texture.

How do I prevent the pastry cream from curdling?

Temper the eggs by slowly adding hot milk while whisking constantly, then cook gently while stirring.

Can I make the cannoli shells ahead of time?

Yes, bake the puff pastry shells in advance and store in an airtight container until ready to fill.

What can I use instead of puff pastry?

Traditional cannoli dough or filo dough can be used for a more authentic texture.

Can I freeze the pastry cream?

Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the cream.

How do I shape the puff pastry into cannoli?

Wrap strips of puff pastry around cannoli molds or shape into rolls, sealing edges with beaten egg.

What if I don’t have cannoli molds?

Use small metal or foil tubes, or shape the pastry into spirals and bake on a flat surface.

Can I add other flavors to the pastry cream?

Yes, you can add coffee, chocolate, or almond extract for variation.

How long do filled cannoli last?

They are best eaten within a few hours of filling to keep the shells crisp.

Can I decorate cannoli differently?

Yes, toppings like chopped nuts, chocolate drizzle, or candied fruit work beautifully.

Conclusion

Cannoli with Pastry Cream is a delightful dessert that brings together flaky, crispy pastry and rich, creamy vanilla custard in a simple yet elegant way. Perfect for entertaining or treating yourself, this recipe offers a convenient twist on a beloved Italian classic without sacrificing flavor or texture.

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