Cream horns are a classic pastry treat — light, crispy, and filled with rich, sweet cream. Traditionally, they’re made with puff pastry and sugar-laden cream, which makes them a no-go for keto or gluten-free eaters. But today, we’re reinventing the classic into a Keto, Gluten-Free, and Sourdough-Inspired Cream Horn — a pastry that’s as indulgent as it is healthy.
This recipe combines the richness of keto fats, the digestive benefits of sourdough fermentation (simulated in a low-carb way), and the gluten-free goodness of almond and coconut flours. You’ll end up with a flaky pastry horn filled with luscious vanilla cream — entirely guilt-free.
🍞 Why This Recipe Is Special
- Keto-Friendly: Just 3g net carbs per horn.
- Gluten-Free: Made with almond and coconut flour instead of wheat.
- Sourdough-Inspired: Uses a tangy, fermented flavor note to mimic sourdough pastry, enhancing taste and texture.
- Golden, Crispy & Buttery: You’ll never believe it’s low-carb.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Elegant enough for parties, easy enough for weekend treats.
🧈 Ingredients Breakdown
🧁 For the Keto Sourdough Pastry (makes about 8–10 horns):
- 1 ½ cups almond flour – fine ground for smooth dough
- 3 tbsp coconut flour – adds structure and lightness
- 1 tbsp psyllium husk powder – helps hold the dough together
- 1 tsp xanthan gum – gives elasticity like gluten
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp sour cream or keto yogurt – for that sourdough tang
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar – mimics fermentation flavor and activates baking powder
- 2 tbsp butter, cold and cubed
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, cold
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg white (for brushing)
Optional:
- ½ tsp yeast (inactive) – just for flavor (not for rise, as it’s keto-safe)
🍶 For the Vanilla Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 tbsp powdered erythritol or allulose
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp cream cheese – helps stabilize the cream
- Pinch of salt
Optional variations:
- Chocolate cream: add 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Coffee cream: add 1 tsp instant espresso powder.
- Berry cream: fold in 2 tbsp mashed raspberries or strawberries.
🧁 For Decoration (Optional but Recommended):
- Powdered erythritol for dusting
- Melted sugar-free chocolate for drizzling
- Fresh berries for garnish
👩🍳 Equipment You’ll Need
- Cream horn molds (metal cones or DIY foil cones)
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowls
- Electric hand mixer
- Baking tray with parchment paper
- Pastry brush
🕒 Preparation Time
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Dough prep | 20 minutes |
| Chilling | 30 minutes |
| Baking | 18–20 minutes |
| Cooling & Filling | 15 minutes |
| Total Time: | ~1 hour 25 minutes |
🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Keto “Sourdough” Dough
- Combine dry ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut flour, psyllium husk, xanthan gum, baking powder, and salt. - Add fats:
Cut in cold butter and cream cheese using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. - Add tang and structure:
Mix in sour cream and apple cider vinegar — this introduces that slight sourdough tang and improves elasticity. - Add egg:
Stir in one whole egg until a dough starts forming. If it feels too dry, add 1 tsp of water or sour cream at a time. - Knead:
Lightly knead the dough for 1–2 minutes to bring it together. Shape into a ball, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm the fats and improves flakiness when baked.
Step 2: Roll and Shape the Horns
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Roll the chilled dough between two sheets of parchment paper into a rectangle (about ⅛ inch thick).
- Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut into ½-inch wide strips.
- Lightly grease your cream horn molds (or foil cones).
- Starting at the pointed end, wrap each strip around the mold, overlapping slightly as you go.
- Brush the outside with beaten egg white for shine and structure.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
- Place wrapped cones on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 18–20 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then carefully remove the molds.
- Place horns on a wire rack to cool completely before filling.
Step 4: Prepare the Keto Vanilla Cream Filling
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until soft and smooth.
- Add sweetener, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Pour in heavy whipping cream and whip with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
- Transfer to a piping bag with a star or round tip.
Step 5: Fill and Decorate
- Once the pastry horns are completely cool, pipe the vanilla cream filling into each horn from both ends until full.
- Dust with powdered erythritol or drizzle with melted sugar-free chocolate.
- Garnish with berries if desired.
🧾 Nutritional Information (Per Cream Horn)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 kcal |
| Fat | 17g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Total Carbs | 5g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Net Carbs | 3g |
Note: May vary based on filling choice and ingredients used.
🧑🍳 Tips for Perfect Keto Cream Horns
- Keep ingredients cold – Cold butter = flaky pastry.
- Don’t over-knead – It can make the dough dense.
- Chill before baking – Helps retain the horn’s shape.
- Use parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Taste the cream – Adjust sweetness to your preference before filling.
🧬 How the Sourdough Element Works (Keto Version)
Traditional sourdough relies on natural yeast fermentation in gluten-based flour. Since this is gluten-free, we mimic that tang and complexity using:
- Apple cider vinegar + sour cream → mild tang like fermentation.
- Inactive yeast powder → gives subtle “bread-like” aroma.
- Resting the dough → lets fibers hydrate, improving texture.
The result? A pastry with a gentle sourdough flavor — without carbs or gluten.
🥐 Variations
1. Chocolate-Dipped Cream Horns
After filling, dip the edges in sugar-free melted chocolate and refrigerate for 10 minutes to set.
2. Lemon Curd Cream Horns
Mix keto lemon curd into the cream filling for a zesty, summery twist.
3. Berry-Filled Horns
Add crushed strawberries or raspberries into the cream filling for a fruity, colorful dessert.
4. Savory Keto Horns
Skip the sweetener and fill with herbed cream cheese or smoked salmon mousse for a brunch option.
🥄 How to Store and Serve
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the unfilled pastry horns (up to 2 months).
Reheating:
- Warm unfilled horns in an oven at 150°C (300°F) for 3–4 minutes to crisp them again.
Serving Suggestions:
- Dust with erythritol for a bakery-style finish.
- Pair with keto hot chocolate or bulletproof coffee.
- Serve on a fancy dessert platter for tea time or parties.
🧠 Health Benefits of Keto Sourdough Cream Horns
- Low-Carb, Diabetic-Friendly: Perfect for those managing blood sugar levels.
- Gluten-Free: Safe for celiac and gluten-sensitive eaters.
- High in Healthy Fats: Promotes satiety and energy.
- Sourdough Benefits (mimicked): Aids digestion and adds flavor complexity.
- Protein-Rich: Almond flour and cream cheese boost protein intake.
💡 Troubleshooting Guide
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Dough cracks when rolling | Too cold or too dry | Let it rest 5 minutes or add 1 tsp sour cream |
| Horns collapse during baking | Not chilled enough | Chill before baking |
| Filling too runny | Overmixed or warm cream | Chill ingredients and beat to stiff peaks |
| Horns stick to mold | No grease or too thin dough | Lightly grease molds and roll evenly |
🌿 Sourdough & Keto Fusion: The Science
Keto baking and sourdough rarely meet because sourdough relies on carbohydrates for fermentation. But by mimicking the flavor and fermentation profile — not the process — you create a fusion pastry that captures the tang of sourdough without gluten or sugar.
The vinegar, sour cream, and yeast essence give your pastry that nostalgic bakery-style aroma and flavor depth — something ordinary keto pastries often lack.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Holiday Dessert Board: Arrange cream horns with keto brownies, cookies, and truffles.
- Afternoon Tea: Pair with keto scones and lemon butter.
- Special Occasions: Dust with gold edible glitter for a fancy finish.
- Mini Versions: Make bite-sized horns using smaller molds — perfect for party platters.
🧁 Expert Baker’s Notes
- Make-ahead tip: Prepare the dough 1–2 days ahead and refrigerate.
- Flavor boost: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
- Texture secret: Almond flour provides richness, while coconut flour keeps it crisp.
- Cream tip: Stabilize your whipped cream with cream cheese — it stays firm for hours.
❤️ Final Thoughts
These Keto, Gluten-Free, and Sourdough-Inspired Cream Horns are the perfect example of how creativity can transform traditional pastries into something health-conscious yet luxurious. Every bite delivers buttery crispness, creamy sweetness, and that subtle tang that feels like authentic bakery sourdough.
Whether you’re following a ketogenic lifestyle, avoiding gluten, or simply looking for a guilt-free dessert that impresses, these cream horns deliver elegance, flavor, and nutrition in one.
Make them once, and you’ll see why this recipe has become a favorite among keto bakers and gluten-free pastry lovers alike.
