Vegan “Schillerlocken” (Cream Horns)

“Schillerlocken” is a sweet, cone-shaped German pastry. The name was inspired by the typical curly wigs that men, like the German poet Friedrich Schiller, used to wear in the 18th century (“Locke” means curl in English)(source). When I told people I was working on a vegan version for it, most of them were disgusted, which didn't make any sense to me. What could be gross about puff pastry filled with cream? But pretty quickly, I learned that there is also savory “Schillerlocken”, which sounds anything but delicious.

The hearty version is made of the "skinned, smoked belly flaps of the spiny dogfish" (source). No wonder my friends reacted like that. But don't worry, we will be making the sweet version.

To achieve the typical cone shape, I used special “Schillerlocken” molds (which are a thing in Germany). I ordered mine online, but you can also find them at houseware stores. You just have to grease them, roll the puff pastry strips around, and put them in the oven. Once they are baked and cooled down, you can fill them with cream. If you don't have these molds at home, you can use aluminum foil to make them yourself or wrap the puff pastry strips around upside-down muffin tins to make small pastry baskets. Of course, you can use whatever fruit is in season – cherries, gooseberries, strawberries, etc., would also be suitable. But remember to fill the cream into the rolls right before serving, so the puff pastry stays crispy.

Well then, let's make some belly flaps ... er, “Schillerlocken”!