The Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini are the ultimate celebration of classic pastry and gluten-free indulgence. With crisp, golden puff pastry shells filled to the brim with fluffy whipped mascarpone cream, each bite is a delightful contrast of textures and rich flavors.
Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or cozy Sunday treats, these cannoncini are surprisingly easy to make and endlessly customizable. Add lemon zest for brightness, dip the ends in chocolate chips for crunch, or leave them dusted simply with powdered sugar for that authentic café look. Whether you’re baking for guests or just spoiling yourself, this is a gluten-free dessert you’ll want to make again and again.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Pastry Shells:
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1 sheet gluten-free puff pastry, thawed
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1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
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Powdered sugar, for dusting
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Butter or coconut oil, for greasing the molds
For the Italian Cream Filling:
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
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1/3 cup powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Zest of 1 lemon (optional for brightness)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease metal cannoli molds with butter or oil.
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Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface (use gluten-free flour), then cut into 1-inch wide strips.
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Carefully wrap each strip around a greased mold, overlapping slightly to prevent gaps.
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Place seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with egg wash.
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Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Remove from oven and allow to cool before gently sliding them off the molds.
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In a mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone and powdered sugar until smooth.
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In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla until stiff peaks form.
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Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully incorporated. Add lemon zest if using.
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Fill a piping bag with the cream and pipe into each cooled cannoncino from both ends.
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Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 18 minutes | Total Time: 38 minutes
Kcal: 270 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Glimpse into Italian Pastry Culture
Italy is known worldwide for its remarkable contribution to the culinary arts, and its pastries are no exception. From the flaky sfogliatella of Naples to the creamy cannoli of Sicily, Italian desserts are beloved for their rich flavors, delicate textures, and artisanal charm. One lesser-known but equally indulgent treat is the cannoncino—a golden, spiral-shaped pastry shell filled with a luscious cream. Often found in Italian bakeries and served alongside espresso, these pastries are a staple during holidays, celebrations, and Sunday family gatherings.
What makes cannoncini so irresistible is the contrast between the crispy, buttery pastry and the silky, sweet filling. Traditionally made with wheat-based puff pastry, the classic cannoncino isn’t accessible for those who follow a gluten-free lifestyle. That’s where this adapted recipe comes in—retaining all the rich decadence of the original, but using gluten-free puff pastry and safe, wholesome ingredients that everyone can enjoy.
The Charm of Cannoncini
Cannoncini, which literally means “little cannons” in Italian, are typically made by wrapping strips of puff pastry around metal molds and baking until crisp and golden. Once cooled, they’re filled with either a pastry cream, whipped ricotta, or in this recipe’s case, a dreamy Italian cream made from mascarpone and whipped cream. Light, creamy, and subtly sweet, this filling balances perfectly with the flaky pastry shell.
The texture is key: the outside must be crisp enough to shatter slightly when bitten, while the inside should be airy and smooth. These desserts are small in size but big on impact—perfect for parties, brunch spreads, or as a sweet pick-me-up with your afternoon coffee.
Mascarpone: The Creamy Heart of the Recipe
Mascarpone cheese is the hero of the Italian cream filling. It’s a rich, velvety cheese similar in texture to cream cheese but with a smoother, more buttery flavor. Often used in tiramisu and other traditional Italian desserts, mascarpone lends a luxurious mouthfeel without being overly sweet or heavy. Combined with whipped cream and a hint of vanilla (or lemon zest, for brightness), the filling is light, airy, and melts in your mouth.
One of the benefits of mascarpone-based cream is its versatility. You can flavor it with espresso, citrus zest, cinnamon, or even liquors like amaretto or limoncello, depending on the occasion or your preference. This adaptability makes cannoncini a dessert canvas that can reflect the seasons or your personal taste.
Crafting the Perfect Gluten-Free Puff Pastry
The biggest challenge when adapting this classic recipe to be gluten-free is achieving the characteristic flakiness of puff pastry. Gluten is what gives traditional puff pastry its elasticity and ability to form layers. Fortunately, gluten-free puff pastry has come a long way in recent years, with pre-made options now available that mimic the texture and bake of traditional dough.
When working with gluten-free puff pastry, it’s essential to keep it chilled and handle it gently. Overworking the dough or letting it become too warm can cause it to lose its structure. Brushing the rolled pastry with egg wash ensures a glossy, golden finish and helps seal the seams while baking. The result? A beautifully puffed, crisp shell that no one would guess is gluten-free.
Perfect for Special Occasions—or Everyday Treats
Though cannoncini look like something you’d find in a professional bakery, they’re surprisingly easy to make at home. The prep and bake time are relatively short, and once you have the molds and a good gluten-free puff pastry, the rest is simple. You can even prepare the components ahead of time—bake the shells and store them in an airtight container, and whip up the cream just before serving.
These elegant pastries are ideal for birthdays, bridal showers, baby showers, or any event where you want to serve something beautiful and memorable. Serve them on a platter dusted with powdered sugar, and you’ve got an eye-catching centerpiece. They also make for wonderful edible gifts, wrapped in parchment and tied with twine.
Flavor Variations and Toppings
One of the joys of making cannoncini is customizing them to your liking. The traditional cream is delicious on its own, but you can take it a step further by adding in other flavors or toppings. Chocolate chips or crushed pistachios can be piped into the ends for a crunchy contrast. A drizzle of dark chocolate across the top gives a more decadent finish. Even seasonal fruits like raspberries or orange zest can enhance the flavor profile without overpowering the delicate mascarpone filling.
Want a holiday version? Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream. For summer, brighten it up with lemon or orange zest. For a romantic touch, infuse the cream with rose water or top the shells with edible flowers. The possibilities are endless, which makes this recipe a true standout in your dessert repertoire.
Presentation and Serving Tips
Presentation is everything with a pastry like this. Cannoncini are best served on the day they are filled, as the cream can begin to soften the pastry shell over time. If you’re preparing them in advance, store the shells unfilled and assemble just before serving.
Dusting with powdered sugar adds an elegant finish, but for a more rustic touch, you can leave them plain or use a fine cocoa powder. Serve them with espresso, cappuccino, or even a dessert wine like Vin Santo for a full Italian experience. You could also create a dessert board by pairing them with other mini pastries or fruits for a complete dessert table that impresses any crowd.
Why This Recipe Works for Gluten-Free Diets
For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, traditional pastries are often off-limits due to their wheat content. But gluten-free doesn’t have to mean flavor-free. This recipe was developed specifically with gluten-intolerant eaters in mind, using trusted gluten-free puff pastry that maintains the buttery flakiness you expect in a cannoncino.
Furthermore, the filling is naturally gluten-free and can be made with organic or lactose-free options for even more dietary flexibility. There are no tricky substitutions or compromises—just a smart approach to ingredients that lets everyone enjoy an authentic Italian treat without worry.
Conclusion: A Dessert That Brings People Together
Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini are more than just a dessert—they’re a bite-sized celebration of culture, tradition, and indulgence. They represent the best of what Italian baking has to offer: quality ingredients, attention to texture, and the joy of sharing food with others. By making them gluten-free, we open the door to include more people at the table—something that’s always worth celebrating.
Whether you’re a seasoned home baker or just starting your gluten-free journey, this recipe offers a rewarding and impressive result. From the flaky pastry shell to the rich mascarpone cream, every element works in harmony to create a pastry that’s elegant, nostalgic, and incredibly satisfying. Make them once, and they’ll become a cherished addition to your baking collection.