Prepare the Cream Filling
While the pastries are baking, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Whisk until the mixture forms soft peaks and is smooth and creamy.
Cool and Fill the Pastry
Once the pastries are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. Once they’re completely cool, carefully remove the cream horn molds or foil cones. Fill the hollow pastry cones with the cream filling using a piping bag or spoon.
Serve and Enjoy
Optionally, dust the filled cream horns with powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but they also store well for a couple of days.
Tips for Serving and Storing
Serving: Serve the cream horns on a decorative platter for a more elegant presentation. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for a charming afternoon tea.
Storing: If you have leftovers, store the filled cream horns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For the best taste, fill them just before serving. The puff pastry is at its crispiest when fresh.
Freezing: If you want to prepare the pastries ahead of time, you can freeze the unfilled cream horns. Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month. When ready to serve, simply thaw and fill with fresh cream.
Variants
Chocolate Cream Horns
For chocolate lovers, swap the mascarpone filling with a rich chocolate mousse or ganache. You can also drizzle the top with melted chocolate for an extra indulgence.
Fruit-Filled Cream Horns
Add a twist by mixing fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries into the cream filling. This will add a refreshing flavor that balances out the richness of the pastry.
Nutty Cream Horns
Add crushed nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, into the cream filling or sprinkle them on top for a crunchy texture that complements the smoothness of the cream.
FAQ
Can I make these cream horns ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the puff pastry ahead of time and store the unbaked horns in the fridge for up to a day or freeze them for longer storage. However, it’s best to fill them with cream right before serving to maintain their crispness.
What can I substitute for mascarpone cheese?
If you don’t have mascarpone cheese, you can use cream cheese as an alternative. Just make sure to soften the cream cheese before mixing it with the other ingredients.
How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?
To avoid sogginess, fill the cream horns just before serving. If you’re storing them for later, make sure the pastry is completely cool before adding the filling, and store them in an airtight container to prevent moisture buildup.
Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer to make your own puff pastry from scratch, it will elevate the flavor and texture even more. However, store-bought puff pastry is a great time-saver and still yields delicious results.
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