5 Easy Creme Horn Molds Recipes for Pastry Lovers

If you're a dessert lover with a penchant for pastries, then creme horns will likely tickle your fancy. These delightful creations, filled with creams, custards, or even fruit, boast a distinctive spiral shape that is as fun to eat as it is to look at. Today, we're going to explore five easy recipes using creme horn molds to make your pastry baking experience both enjoyable and successful.

The Basics of Creme Horns

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s take a quick look at what creme horns are and why they’re so beloved:

• Structure: Creme horns are made from strips of puff pastry rolled around a metal cone mold and baked until crisp.
• Filling: The hollow inside is then filled with various sweet fillings, from whipped cream to chocolate mousse.
• Shape: The unique cone shape makes them perfect for party snacks, giving an element of surprise with each bite.

Recipe 1: Classic Whipped Cream Creme Horns

Let’s start with the classic version, perfect for beginners:

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Sprinkling of powdered sugar or cocoa powder

Instructions:

1. Cut the puff pastry into ¾-inch strips.
2. Wrap each strip around a cone mold, starting at the pointed end and overlapping slightly as you go.
3. Brush the pastry with beaten egg to ensure a golden color when baked.
4. Place the molds seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Let the horns cool completely before removing from the molds. Prepare the whipped cream by whipping the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
7. Fill a piping bag with the whipped cream, and pipe into the cooled horns. Dust with powdered sugar or cocoa for decoration.

Recipe 2: Chocolate Mousse Filled Creme Horns

If you’re a chocolate lover, this recipe will be your new favorite:

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry
• 1 egg, beaten
• 3.5 oz dark chocolate
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 egg whites
• ¹⁄₄ cup sugar

Instructions:

1. Follow the same steps as above to prepare and bake the puff pastry cones.
2. For the filling, melt the chocolate and let it cool slightly.
3. Whip the cream to soft peaks. In another bowl, beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks, then gradually add sugar to achieve stiff peaks.
4. Fold the melted chocolate into the whipped cream, then gently fold in the egg whites.
5. Once the chocolate mousse has set in the fridge for at least an hour, pipe it into the creme horns.

Recipe 3: Lemon Curd Creme Horns

These tart and zesty delights are perfect for summer:

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry
• 1 egg, beaten
• ¹⁄₂ cup sugar
• ¹⁄₄ cup lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 2 eggs
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• Whipped cream (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare and bake the puff pastry cones as described.
2. For the lemon curd, whisk together sugar, lemon juice, zest, and eggs in a saucepan over low heat until thickened.
3. Stir in the butter until melted, then remove from heat and chill.
4. Fill the cooled pastry horns with lemon curd, and optionally, pipe a swirl of whipped cream on top for extra decadence.

Recipe 4: Berry Mascarpone Creme Horns

For a fruity twist, try these mascarpone-filled delights:

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry
• 1 egg, beaten
• 8 oz mascarpone cheese
• ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)

Instructions:

1. Prepare and bake the puff pastry cones.
2. Beat together mascarpone, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Fill the horns with the mascarpone mixture using a piping bag.
4. Top with a berry or a berry coulis for an elegant finish.

Recipe 5: Espresso Creme Horns

End your dinner on a high note with these sophisticated pastries:

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons espresso powder
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Follow the basic steps to prepare and bake the pastry cones.
2. Infuse the heavy cream with espresso powder, whisking until dissolved.
3. Whip the cream with powdered sugar to achieve stiff peaks.
4. Pipe the espresso cream into the horns and serve with a dusting of cocoa or espresso powder.

To wrap things up, making creme horns is not just a delightful experience but also a versatile one. You can play with flavors, fillings, and toppings to create your own signature pastries. Whether you prefer the classic whipped cream, the luxurious chocolate mousse, or the zesty lemon curd, there's a creme horn for every occasion and palate. Experiment with your fillings, perhaps adding layers of flavors or even introducing savory elements for an unexpected twist. Above all, enjoy the process of baking, and let these recipes inspire you to create more delicious delights in your kitchen.