Vanilla cream rolls, also known as cannoncini, are delightful pastry treats featuring a creamy vanilla filling encased in flaky puff pastry. This recipe yields 12 cannoncini, perfect for sharing or indulging in a sweet treat. The process involves creating a luscious custard cream from scratch and wrapping it in puff pastry before baking to golden perfection. Here’s how to make these irresistible vanilla cream rolls.
Ingredients:
- For the custard cream (crema pastiera):
- 3 egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons (30 gr) of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100 gr) of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 8 oz (235 ml) of milk
- For the cannoncini:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, defrosted (about 8 oz, 225 gr)
- 1/4 cup (50 gr) of sugar
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar to decorate
Directions:
- Begin by preparing the custard cream (crema pastiera):
- Warm up the milk until hot (not boiling).
- In a medium-sized pan, whisk together the egg yolks with the sugar, vanilla extract, and flour until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture, whisking continuously to ensure there are no lumps.
Tips:
- Be sure not to let the milk boil when warming it up; it should be hot but not scalding.
- Whisk the egg mixture vigorously to incorporate air and create a light, creamy texture in the custard.
- When adding the hot milk to the egg mixture, pour it in slowly while whisking to prevent curdling and achieve a smooth consistency.
Conclusion:
With a delicate balance of creamy custard and flaky pastry, these vanilla cream rolls are sure to impress your family and friends. Once the custard cream is prepared, it’s simply a matter of wrapping it in puff pastry, baking until golden, and dusting with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy these delightful cannoncini as a delectable dessert or special treat for any occasion!
- Can I use store-bought custard instead of making it from scratch?
While you can certainly use store-bought custard for convenience, making the custard from scratch adds a homemade touch and allows you to control the ingredients and flavors. Homemade custard tends to have a richer taste and smoother texture compared to pre-made versions. However, if you’re short on time, using store-bought custard is a viable option. Just ensure it’s of good quality and compatible with the recipe. - How can I prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy?
To prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy, it’s essential to bake the cannoncini at the right temperature for the right amount of time. Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature specified in the recipe and avoid underbaking the pastry. Additionally, allow the pastry to cool completely on a wire rack after baking to prevent moisture from accumulating underneath. If you plan to store the cannoncini, store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness. - Can I make vanilla cream rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare vanilla cream rolls ahead of time for added convenience. You can make the custard cream a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Additionally, you can assemble the cannoncini by wrapping the puff pastry around the custard filling and refrigerate them unbaked. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply brush the pastry with egg wash, bake according to the recipe instructions, and dust with powdered sugar before serving. This allows you to have freshly baked vanilla cream rolls whenever you desire. - Can I customize the filling for the vanilla cream rolls?
Absolutely! While the classic vanilla custard filling is traditional and delicious, you can certainly customize the filling to suit your preferences. For a chocolate twist, you can add cocoa powder to the custard mixture or incorporate chocolate chips into the filling. Additionally, you can infuse the custard with different flavors such as almond extract, lemon zest, or orange extract for a unique variation. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and textures to create your signature vanilla cream rolls.