Heavenly Vanilla Cream Rolls (Cannoncini), with Ingredients

Imagine biting into a delicate, flaky pastry roll filled with velvety vanilla custard cream—a perfect combination of crunch and creaminess. Cannoncini, or Italian cream rolls, are a delightful dessert that looks fancy yet is surprisingly simple to make. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can bring this Italian classic to life in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Cannoncini

Cannoncini are not just desserts—they’re an experience. These heavenly rolls are perfect for celebrating special moments, impressing guests, or simply indulging in something sweet. They’re a labor of love that rewards you with incredible taste and a sense of accomplishment.

Ingredients for Heavenly Vanilla Cream Rolls (Cannoncini)

Here’s what you’ll need to make these divine treats:

For the Custard Cream (Crema Pasticcera):

• 3 egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 oz (235ml) milk

For the Pastry:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Additional sugar for sprinkling
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cannoncini

1. Prepare the Custard Cream

1. Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until warm, then set it aside.
2. Whisk together the egg yolks and sugar in a bowl until the mixture is pale and creamy.
3. Add the flour and whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
5. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring until thickened to a custard consistency (about 5-7 minutes).
6. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Transfer the custard to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (directly touching the surface), and refrigerate until fully cooled.

2. Prepare the Puff Pastry Rolls

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a floured surface and cut it into 1-inch (2.5 cm) wide strips.
3. Wrap each strip around a metal cannoli tube, overlapping the edges slightly to create a spiral shape.
4. Place the wrapped molds on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

3. Bake the Pastry Rolls

1. Beat the egg and brush it lightly over the pastry rolls for a golden finish.
2. Sprinkle the rolls with sugar for extra sweetness and crunch.
3. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
4. Allow the pastry rolls to cool before carefully removing them from the molds.

4. Fill the Pastry Rolls

1. Once the custard is chilled and the rolls are completely cooled, transfer the custard cream to a piping bag with a medium nozzle.
2. Pipe the custard into each pastry roll, filling generously.

5. Serve and Enjoy

1. Arrange the filled Cannoncini on a serving plate.
2. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy the heavenly combination of creamy custard and flaky pastry.

Tips for Perfect Cannoncini

1. Use Cold Puff Pastry: Keep the pastry cold before baking for better puff and texture.
2. Prevent Sticking: Lightly grease the molds or use non-stick tubes for easy removal of the rolls.
3. Constant Stirring: When cooking the custard, stir continuously to prevent lumps or burning.
4. Don’t Overfill: Fill the rolls just before serving to maintain their crispiness.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values per roll (depending on size and filling):

Nutrient	Amount per Roll
Calories	180-220
Carbohydrates	20 g
Protein	4 g
Fat	10 g
Sugar	10-12 g

Creative Variations

1. Chocolate Cream Cannoncini

Replace the vanilla custard with a rich chocolate custard. Simply add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the custard mixture while cooking.

2. Lemon Cream Rolls

Substitute vanilla extract with fresh lemon zest and juice for a tangy twist.

3. Savory Cannoncini

Skip the sugar and vanilla in the puff pastry. Fill the rolls with ricotta, cream cheese, or a savory herbed filling for a unique appetizer.

4. Fruit-Filled Cannoncini

Add fresh berries or a fruit compote to the custard for a fruity surprise.

FAQs About Heavenly Vanilla Cream Rolls

1. Can I make the custard cream ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the custard up to two days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

2. Can I use store-bought custard?
Absolutely! While homemade custard has a richer flavor, store-bought custard works as a quick alternative.

3. What can I use if I don’t have cannoli molds?
You can use foil-wrapped wooden dowels, parchment cones, or even small spice jars as substitutes.

4. How do I store leftover Cannoncini?
Store unfilled pastry rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Filled Cannoncini should be kept in the refrigerator and enjoyed within a day.

5. Can I freeze Cannoncini?
You can freeze the baked pastry rolls (unfilled) for up to a month. Reheat in the oven before filling.

6. How do I prevent the pastry from losing its crispiness?
Fill the rolls just before serving to keep the pastry crispy.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

Cannoncini may look like something out of a fancy bakery, but they’re incredibly achievable at home. Their heavenly combination of creamy filling and crispy pastry makes them irresistible. Plus, they’re versatile—you can tweak the flavors to suit any occasion.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to make these Heavenly Vanilla Cream Rolls (Cannoncini), it’s time to put your skills to the test. Delight your loved ones with this timeless Italian treat or simply savor the indulgence yourself. Whether it’s a special celebration or a cozy evening at home, Cannoncini are always a great choice.

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