Vanilla Cream Rolls (Cannoncini)

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Vanilla Cream Rolls, known as Cannoncini, are a classic Italian pastry that combines the flaky goodness of puff pastry with a rich and velvety custard cream filling. These delectable treats are perfect for dessert tables, afternoon tea, or simply as a sweet indulgence. With their elegant appearance and delightful flavor, Cannoncini are sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cream rolls are not only delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy them as a dessert or a sweet snack at any time of the day. The homemade custard cream is rich and creamy, providing a delightful contrast to the crispy pastry. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Custard Cream (Crema Pastiera)

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

For the Cannoncini

  • 1 sheet of puff pastry, defrosted (about 8 oz, 225 g)
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) sugar (for sprinkling)
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • Powdered sugar (for decoration)

How to Make Vanilla Cream Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Cream

  1. Heat the Milk: In a small saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat until hot but not boiling. Remove from heat.
  2. Whisk the Egg Yolks: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, vanilla extract, and flour until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  3. Combine with Milk: Gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
  4. Cook the Mixture: Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool. You can cover it with plastic wrap, pressing it directly against the surface to prevent a skin from forming.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Roll Out the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to smooth it out.
  3. Cut and Shape: Cut the puff pastry into strips, about 1 inch wide. Take each strip and wrap it around a cannoli mold or a tapered roll form, overlapping slightly.
  4. Prepare for Baking: Brush the wrapped pastry with an egg wash (beaten egg) and sprinkle the sugar over the top.

Step 3: Bake the Cannoncini

  1. Bake: Place the prepared rolls on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
  2. Cool: Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before carefully sliding them off the molds.

Step 4: Fill and Serve

  1. Fill the Rolls: Once the cannoncini are completely cooled, fill them with the cooled custard cream using a piping bag or a small spoon.
  2. Decorate: Dust the filled cannoncini with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
  3. Serve: Enjoy your delightful Vanilla Cream Rolls fresh, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Helpful Tips for Recipe Success

  • Thickening the Custard: Make sure to stir continuously while cooking the custard to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  • Puff Pastry: If using store-bought puff pastry, ensure it is fully defrosted and chilled before working with it for optimal puffiness.
  • Mold Choices: You can use traditional cannoli molds, or even tapered rolling pins to shape your pastry rolls.
  • Filling Variations: Feel free to add chocolate or lemon zest to the custard cream for a different flavor profile.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: Approximately 180
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 3g

Time Required

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus cooling time)
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cannoncini

These Vanilla Cream Rolls are a delightful treat that combines crispy pastry with creamy filling, making them a perfect dessert for any occasion. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious pastries with your loved ones!

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