Lazy Cream Horns Recipe

There’s something downright magical about sitting down with a plate of Lazy Cream Horns: crisp, buttery layers of golden pastry wrapped around clouds of delightful vanilla-marshmallow cream. Whether you’re craving something sweet without too much fuss or want to surprise friends and family with bakery-worthy treats, this recipe delivers indulgence with a fun, laid-back twist. You won’t believe how impressive—and addictive—these little pastries are until you’ve had your first bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Lazy Cream Horns is how a handful of everyday ingredients come together to make something extraordinary. Each part, from flaky pastry to pillowy filling, plays a starring role in both taste and texture, guaranteeing smiles all around.

• Puff Pastry Sheets: The secret to quick, crispy layers without hours of work. Be sure they’re fully thawed for easy cutting!
• Egg: A light egg wash gives your cream horns that beautiful, glossy golden color and helps the sugar stick.
• Coarse Sugar Crystals: Sprinkled on top for a satisfying sweet crunch and sparkling finish—decorator sugar works wonders here.
• Softened Butter: Forms the creamy base of the filling, giving a rich, buttery flavor that holds everything together.
• Butter-Flavored Solid Shortening: Adds smoothness and structure to the filling, making it stable yet melt-in-your-mouth soft.
• Powdered Sugar: Essential for a silky, sweet cream—add gradually for the perfect texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a splash boosts the whole filling with warm, fragrant sweetness.
• Marshmallow Fluff: The not-so-secret ingredient that transforms the cream, giving it lightness and that irresistible, nostalgic flavor.

How to Make Lazy Cream Horns

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

First up, let your frozen puff pastry thaw until it’s pliable; this usually takes about 40 minutes at room temperature. A little patience here goes a long way—you don’t want cracks when unfolding. While you wait, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Horns

Unwrap the puff pastry and unfold each sheet onto a gently floured surface. The dough will have natural folds—cut along these to form thirds, then slice each third in half, making six rectangles per sheet. Arrange these on the baking sheet, leaving an inch in between for expansion. Brush each rectangle with your lightly beaten egg, then sprinkle generously with coarse sugar. Slide them into the oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until they’re puffed up and beautifully golden. Let the pastries cool completely before you even think about filling them—they need to set!

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

While those pastries turn into flaky pillows, grab a mixing bowl and blend the softened butter with the butter-flavored shortening. Beat it for a full five minutes until the mixture is truly light and fluffy—this step gives the filling its signature airy texture. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, blending well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla, and finally, add the marshmallow fluff. Beat for another couple of minutes until everything is gloriously soft and gorgeously spreadable.

Step 4: Assemble the Lazy Cream Horns

With your pastries cooled, use a serrated knife to carefully slice each one in half, like a sandwich bun. Spread or pipe a generous layer of the cream filling onto the bottom half, then gently cap it with the other piece. The contrast between that crisp edge and pillowy sweet center? Pure heaven! Line up your completed Lazy Cream Horns on a platter—they’re ready to steal the show.

How to Serve Lazy Cream Horns

Garnishes

To make your Lazy Cream Horns look absolutely irresistible, dust them lightly with powdered sugar, or drizzle with a touch of melted chocolate for an extra flourish. Adding a few fresh berries alongside instantly brightens the plate and makes each horn feel like a mini celebration.

Side Dishes

Pair these pastries with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and you’ve got a heavenly afternoon treat. For a party vibe, set them next to a fruit salad or a bowl of whipped cream for dipping—a little extra sweetness never hurts!

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Lazy Cream Horns upright in a cake stand, or scatter them across a rustic wooden board with sprigs of mint and fresh fruit. For a fanciful brunch, tuck them into cupcake wrappers or stack them in a pyramid. However you present them, expect lots of oohs and aahs!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any leftover Lazy Cream Horns, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The pastry stays crisp and the filling remains lovely—just don’t refrigerate, as that can make them soggy.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze unfilled, baked pastry rectangles! Cool completely, then stash them in a zip-top bag. When ready, thaw, slice, and fill fresh. While you could freeze filled horns in a pinch, the filling may lose some of its smoothness after thawing.

Reheating

To refresh the pastry’s crispness, pop the unfilled rectangles in a 350 degree F oven for 3 to 5 minutes. If filled, a few minutes at room temperature is all they need to soften up for serving. Avoid microwaving, which makes the pastry chewy instead of crisp.

FAQs

Can I use homemade puff pastry for Lazy Cream Horns?

Absolutely! If you’re in the mood for a little extra kitchen adventure, homemade puff pastry will make them even more special. Just follow the same steps—your results will be extra flaky and buttery.

Is there a good substitute for marshmallow fluff?

If you can’t find marshmallow fluff, you can try Italian meringue or even whipped cream as a filling base, but the final flavor and stability might differ from classic Lazy Cream Horns.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap in a gluten-free puff pastry (several brands make reliable versions) and double check your other ingredients for hidden gluten. The cream filling is naturally gluten-free.

How can I make the filling less sweet?

If you prefer things less sugary, start with half the powdered sugar and taste as you go. You can also add a pinch of salt or a tiny squeeze of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.

Do I need special equipment to pipe the filling?

Not at all! While a piping bag makes neat swirls, you can easily spoon the filling onto the pastry or use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off for a homemade piping alternative.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about whipping up a batch of Lazy Cream Horns—easy enough for any weeknight, special enough for celebrations. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and share the joy (and plenty of sweet bites) with your favorite people. Happy baking!

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