If you’ve ever wanted to whip up a classic, crowd-pleasing dessert that feels like a warm hug from your childhood, then you are going to adore Mom’s Cream Horns (Trubochki) Recipe. These delicate, golden puff pastry horns are filled with a luscious, tangy cream that balances sweetness and richness perfectly. The flaky exterior gives way to a cloud-like, creamy filling that will leave everyone asking for more. Whether you bake them for a festive gathering or a cozy afternoon treat, Mom’s Cream Horns (Trubochki) Recipe brings warmth, tradition, and irresistible flavor to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Mom’s Cream Horns (Trubochki) Recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and taste. These basics ensure that every bite is flaky, creamy, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tart.
- 1 package (2 sheets) Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry, thawed: The buttery, flaky base that forms the delicate horns.
- Powdered Sugar: A light dusting adds a touch of sweetness and pretty finishing touch.
- 8 oz tub of Cool Whip: Provides a light, airy texture to the cream filling.
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened at room temperature): Adds richness and a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
- 3 Tbsp sugar: Sweetens the cream filling without overpowering it.
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice: Brings brightness and a subtle tartness to the cream, lifting the flavor.
How to Make Mom’s Cream Horns (Trubochki) Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400°F. This high temperature ensures that the puff pastry rises beautifully and turns a golden, irresistible brown as it bakes.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry Strips
Unfold one thawed sheet of puff pastry while keeping the other refrigerated for later use. Using a pizza cutter, slice the sheet into 30 uniform strips. Cutting them evenly helps the horns bake evenly and look picture-perfect.
Step 3: Roll Out and Shape
Roll each pastry strip to lengthen it about two and a half times, which ensures enough dough to wrap around the horns Mold. Carefully wind each strip around the mold, pressing the dough gently as you go to seal the edges and prevent unraveling during baking.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the wrapped molds on a baking sheet with the ends securely down so they don’t unravel. Bake at 400°F for around 12 minutes until the horns puff up and take on a gorgeous golden color. Depending on oven size, you might bake in batches for the best results.
Step 5: Cool Before Filling
Once baked, allow your trubochki to cool completely to room temperature. This step is crucial to keep the cream filling from melting or becoming runny when piped in.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar on medium for one minute until the mixture is smooth and blended. Adding sugar here ensures a perfectly sweetened base that complements the tang of the cream cheese.
Step 7: Add Lemon Juice and Fold in Cool Whip
Mix in the lemon juice gently but thoroughly to add a fresh zing to your filling. Then fold in the cool whip carefully, maintaining a fluffy and light texture that’s just dreamy to bite into.
Step 8: Pipe the Cream Into the Horns
Fill a piping bag with your luscious cream mixture and fill each cooled horn generously. This step is where the magic comes together—each horn stuffed with a cloud of creamy goodness.
Step 9: Dust with Powdered Sugar and Serve
A final sprinkle of powdered sugar not only makes these cream horns look stunning but also adds a delicate sweetness that finishes the dessert beautifully.
How to Serve Mom’s Cream Horns (Trubochki) Recipe

Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish like fresh berries, a sprig of mint, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce can elevate your Mom’s Cream Horns (Trubochki) Recipe from delightful to divine. These subtle touches add freshness, color, and extra flavor contrasts.
Side Dishes
These cream horns pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or strong coffee. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a light citrusy sorbet that complements the richness of the cream filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of serving them in a traditional basket, arrange the filled trubochki vertically in a decorative glass or vase to create a stunning cream horn bouquet. You could also serve smaller, bite-sized versions on a tiered dessert stand to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover cream horns in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to two days, though the pastry might lose a bit of its crispness over time.
Freezing
Mom’s Cream Horns (Trubochki) Recipe can be frozen but it’s best to freeze the pastry shells before filling. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and freeze for up to one month. Thaw and fill with cream just before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy the horns warm, gently reheat the pastry shells in the oven for a few minutes before adding the cream filling. Reheating after filling is not recommended as the cream can melt and lose its structure.
FAQs
Can I make Mom’s Cream Horns (Trubochki) Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based whipped topping to keep it light and fluffy. The puff pastry is often dairy-free, but always check ingredients to be sure.
What molds should I use to shape the cream horns?
You can find metal or wooden cone-shaped molds specifically for cream horns, or you can improvise with rolled aluminum foil. Just be sure to wrap them tightly so the dough holds its shape while baking.
Can I prepare the cream filling in advance?
Yes, the cream filling can be made a few hours ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a gentle whisk before piping to ensure it remains smooth and fluffy.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Making gluten-free Mom’s Cream Horns (Trubochki) Recipe is challenging due to the puff pastry base. However, using a high-quality gluten-free puff pastry brand can work, though the texture might differ slightly.
How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy once filled?
To prevent sogginess, make sure the pastry shells are completely cooled before filling, and fill just before serving. If preparing ahead, store shells and filling separately as mentioned above.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about making Mom’s Cream Horns (Trubochki) Recipe at home. The blend of flaky pastry and creamy filling captures the essence of comfort and celebration in every bite. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and create your own memories filled with sweetness and joy. Trust me, once you taste them, these cream horns will become a beloved staple in your kitchen just like they are in mine.
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Mom’s Cream Horns (Trubochki) Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 60 cream horns
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Mom’s Cream Horn (Trubochki) recipe features flaky puff pastry shells filled with a light, creamy lemon-flavored filling made from cream cheese and cool whip. Perfectly golden baked cream horns topped with powdered sugar offer a delightful, airy dessert that’s easy to make and ideal for gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 1 package (2 sheets) Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry, thawed
- Powdered Sugar, for dusting
Cream Filling
- 8 oz cool whip (tub)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) to warm up while you prepare the dough and filling.
- Prepare the puff pastry strips: Unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry and keep the other refrigerated for later use. Using a pizza cutter, slice this sheet into 30 even strips.
- Roll out and shape the dough: Stretch each strip gently until it is about 2.5 times its original length. Then, wrap each strip around a cream horn mold, pressing the dough down to seal as you go.
- Bake the pastry shells: Place each wrapped mold on a baking sheet with the seam end down to prevent unrolling. Bake at 400°F for 12 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown, baking in batches if needed.
- Cool the shells: Remove the baked cream horns from the oven and allow them to cool completely to room temperature before filling.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and sugar on medium speed for 1 minute until well blended. Add lemon juice and mix again until combined.
- Fold in cool whip: Gently fold the cool whip into the cream cheese mixture until the filling is smooth, light, and fluffy.
- Fill the cream horns: Spoon the filling into a pastry bag and pipe it evenly into each cooled pastry shell, filling them to the top.
- Finish and serve: Lightly dust the filled cream horns with powdered sugar. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature to ensure a smooth filling.
- Use cream horn molds to shape the pastry evenly; if unavailable, tightly wrap the pastry strips around a small cone-shaped object.
- Do not over-bake the pastry to keep it flaky and tender.
- The cream filling is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- For a citrus twist, you can substitute lemon juice with orange or lime juice.

