How to make cream horns
Cream horns, also called Lady Locks, are scrumptious pastry snacks filled with fluffy whipped cream that are sure to impress your friends and family. Don’t let their fancy appearance fool you, making these delectable treats is easier than you think. Whether you’re planning a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, learning how to make cream horns will elevate your baking skills to a whole new level. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let’s get started on this delightful culinary adventure.
The key to a perfect cream horn lies in the pastry itself. A light, flaky pastry is important to complement the rich, creamy filling. You can choose to make your own puff pastry from scratch, or you can save time by using store-bought puff pastry sheets. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try making your own puff pastry, make sure to allow enough time for chilling the dough and multiple folding and rolling steps. But if you’re short on time, store-bought puff pastry sheets work just as well.
Pro tip: For an extra special touch, you can add flavourings to your pastry dough. Try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a tablespoon of cocoa powder to give your cream horns a unique twist.
Once you have your pastry ready, it’s time to mold it into the iconic cream horn shape. To do this, you’ll need cone-shaped molds. These are readily available at most kitchen supply stores and online. Wrap the pastry dough around the molds in a spiral pattern, making sure to overlap each layer slightly. This will create an evenly baked and sturdy pastry shell that won’t collapse when filled with cream.
How to bake delicious cream horns at home
Baking cream horns at home is easier than you might think. With a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can enjoy these tasty treats right in the comfort of your own kitchen. Follow this step-by-step guide to make the best cream horns ever.
Ingredients:
| Pastry Dough | Cream Filling |
|---|---|
| 2 cups all-purpose flour | 2 cups heavy cream |
| 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold | 1/2 cup granulated sugar |
| 1/4 teaspoon salt | 1 teaspoon vanilla extract |
| 1/2 cup cold water | 1/4 cup powdered sugar |
| 1 tablespoon granulated sugar |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the pastry dough
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar.
2. Cut the cold butter into small pieces and add it to the bowl.
3. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, mix the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Slowly pour in the cold water and knead the dough until it comes together.
5. Shape the dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Shape and bake the cream horns
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Take out the chilled dough and divide it into small, equal-sized balls.
3. Roll out each ball into a thin strip, about 4 inches wide.
4. Starting from one end, tightly wrap the dough strip around a metal cream horn mold.
5. Place the wrapped molds on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 3: Prepare the cream filling
1. In a chilled mixing bowl, whisk the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
2. Gradually add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whisk until stiff peaks form.
3. Gently fold in the powdered sugar until well combined.
Step 4: Fill the cream horns
1. Allow the baked cream horns to cool completely before removing the metal molds.
2. Fill a piping bag fitted with a star tip with the cream filling.
3. Pipe the cream filling into each cream horn, filling them from one end to the other.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Once filled, your homemade cream horns are ready to be enjoyed. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. These delicious treats are perfect to serve at parties, afternoon tea, or as a special dessert. Enjoy!
Gathering the ingredients
Before starting to make cream horns, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
Pastry:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup of cold water
Cream filling:
- 2 1/2 cups of whole milk
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Make sure you have all the ingredients readily available before you start making cream horns. This will ensure a smooth baking process and prevent any unnecessary delays while you’re preparing the dough and the cream filling.
Tip: You can also add additional flavorings to the cream filling, such as lemon zest or almond extract, to customize the taste of your cream horns.
Now that you have all the ingredients, it’s time to start making the cream horns!
Preparing the dough
The first step in making cream horns is to prepare the dough. Here is a simple and easy recipe to follow:
Ingredients:
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 100g unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 80ml cold water
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix well.
- Add the chilled and cubed unsalted butter to the bowl. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Gradually add the cold water to the mixture. Stir everything together until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Transfer the dough onto a clean and lightly floured surface. Knead the dough gently for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a ball and wrap it with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
Once the dough has been prepared, you can move on to shaping and baking the cream horns. Refer to the next section for further instructions.
Shaping the cream horns
Once you have prepared the cream horn dough, it’s time to shape the horns. Follow these steps to create the perfect shape:
- Dust a clean surface with flour and roll out the dough into a rectangle that is about 1/8 inch thick.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into long triangles. The base of each triangle should be about 4 inches wide.
- Take one triangle of dough and roll it tightly around a cream horn mold. Start from the base and work your way up, making sure the dough is wrapped securely around the mold.
- Repeat this process with the remaining dough triangles and molds. Make sure to leave a small space at the top of the mold to allow room for the cream filling.
- Once all the horns are shaped, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to space them evenly, leaving about 2 inches between each horn.
Before you bake the cream horns, brush them with an egg wash to give them a golden color. This step is optional, but it adds a nice finishing touch to the horns.
Now you’re ready to bake the cream horns and watch them turn into delicious and crispy treats.
Baking and filling the cream horns
Once you have prepared the cream horn molds and the dough, it’s time to bake your cream horns. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Baking the cream horns
Place the cream horn molds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Take the rolled out dough and wrap it around the base of each mold, making sure the dough overlaps slightly.
Bake the cream horns in the preheated oven for approximately 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them to avoid over-baking. Once baked, carefully remove the cream horn molds from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
Filling the cream horns
Once the cream horn shells have cooled, it’s time to fill them with delicious cream. Prepare your chosen cream filling, whether it be a traditional custard, whipped cream, or a cream cheese filling, and transfer it to a piping bag fitted with a filling tip.
Insert the filling tip into the small end of each cream horn shell and gently squeeze the filling into the shell, moving the piping bag in a swirling motion to evenly distribute the cream. Fill the shell until you reach the desired amount of cream. You can also add additional flavorings or garnishes at this point, such as flavored extracts or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Repeat the filling process with the remaining cream horns until all have been filled. Once filled, refrigerate the cream horns for at least an hour to allow the cream to set and the flavors to meld together.
When ready to serve, remove the cream horns from the refrigerator and enjoy! The crispy and flaky exterior combined with the creamy and luscious interior makes these cream horns a delightful treat for any occasion.
Tip: If you prefer a softer cream horn shell, you can brush the cooked shells with a simple syrup before filling them with cream. This will add moisture and create a slightly softer texture.
Enjoying the cream horns
Once your cream horns are baked to perfection, it’s time to enjoy these delightful treats. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your cream horn experience:
- Serve the cream horns fresh and slightly warm, as they are best enjoyed when the pastry is still crisp and the filling is soft and creamy. This will enhance the overall taste and texture of the dessert.
- Dust the cream horns with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation. You can also drizzle them with chocolate sauce or caramel for added indulgence.
- Pair the cream horns with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing iced tea. The combination of the rich cream filling and the beverage will create a wonderful balance of flavors.
- Consider serving cream horns as part of a dessert platter or alongside other pastries. This will give your guests a variety of options and make the experience even more enjoyable.
- Don’t be afraid to get creative with the fillings. While traditional cream horns are filled with whipped cream or custard, you can try experimenting with different flavors such as chocolate, fruit jams, or even Nutella.
- Lastly, take your time while savoring each bite. Cream horns are a luxurious treat meant to be enjoyed slowly. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and fully immerse yourself in the delicate flavors and textures.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to fully enjoy your homemade cream horns and impress your family and friends with your baking skills. Whether you’re enjoying them as an afternoon snack or serving them at a special occasion, cream horns are sure to delight all who indulge.
Meet Harrison Clayton, a distinguished author and home remodeling enthusiast whose expertise in the realm of renovation is second to none. With a passion for transforming houses into inviting homes, Harrison's writing at https://thehuts-eastbourne.co.uk/ brings a breath of fresh inspiration to the world of home improvement. Whether you're looking to revamp a small corner of your abode or embark on a complete home transformation, Harrison's articles provide the essential expertise and creative flair to turn your visions into reality. So, dive into the captivating world of home remodeling with Harrison Clayton and unlock the full potential of your living space with every word he writes.
