Crinkle Cake

 

Originating from the viral “crinkle cake” trend, this version takes things up a notch with brie cheese, sweet pear slices, and a touch of fresh thyme. It’s buttery, creamy, and just the right amount of fancy — yet it comes together with only a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps.

Now, it’s one of my go-to recipes when I need a crowd-pleasing treat that looks stunning but takes almost no time. Perfect for brunches, holidays, potlucks, or just a cozy evening when you want to treat yourself to something special.

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🥐 Ingredients

• 1 (16 oz) package frozen phyllo dough, thawed

• ½ cup melted butter

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¾ cup whole milk

• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 medium pear, thinly sliced

• 2 ounces brie cheese, sliced

• ½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

• Honey, for garnish

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat the oven
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 13×9-inch baking sheet or pan with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the phyllo dough
   Working with 2 sheets at a time, gather and scrunch them accordion-style, then lay them into the prepared pan.
   Repeat until all the phyllo is used, forming soft, ruffled layers.

3. Bake the base
   Place in the oven and bake for 10 minutes.
   Remove from the oven, drizzle evenly with melted butter, then return to bake for another 10 minutes until lightly golden.

4. Mix the custard
   While the phyllo bakes, whisk together the eggs, vanilla, milk, and salt in a bowl or large measuring cup.

5. Assemble the crinkle cake
   Tuck pear slices and brie pieces into the folds of the baked phyllo.
   Sprinkle over the fresh thyme, then pour the egg mixture evenly across the top.

6. Bake to perfection
   Bake again for 30–40 minutes, or until the top is puffed and deep golden brown.

7. Finish with honey
   Once out of the oven, drizzle generously with honey, let cool slightly, then slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.

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✨ Tips for Perfect Crinkle Cake

• Thaw phyllo completely before using to prevent tearing.

• Don’t skip the first bake! This helps create those crisp, defined layers.

• Try adding thin apple slices, figs, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for delicious variations.

• For a savory twist, skip the vanilla and honey — use goat cheese and caramelized onions instead.

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🍯 Serving Suggestions

Crinkle Cake is versatile — serve it warm for breakfast with coffee, or chilled for dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s also a wonderful make-ahead dish for brunch gatherings and holiday spreads.

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❤️ Final Thoughts

Golden, flaky, creamy, and perfectly sweet, this Crinkle Cake is the kind of recipe that makes ordinary days feel special. With its gorgeous layers and delicate flavor, it’s proof that sometimes the most beautiful dishes are also the simplest to make.

So grab that pack of phyllo dough — your oven’s about to create something magical!