Love baklava? This light and crispy Crinkle Cake will melt in your mouth!
While golden crispy crinkle cake has Middle Eastern roots, it became a viral TikTok trend in 2022 thanks to a creator named Ramena. Since then, it’s spread across the internet as a fun recipe to try that most Westerners aren’t familiar with. Crinkle cake is light yet syrupy and rich, so if you’re looking for a unique dessert that tastes a bit like baklava, then this can be your next taste test.
In many ways, this dish is more like a custard pastry than a cake, but each piece strikes the perfect balance between airy and structured, so the name is still apt. Everything comes together to create a flaky yet cake-like slab of nutty sweetness. Thin, phyllo dough is layered sideways in a pan and baked to perfection, then drenched in a smooth custard. The final step is to drizzle a tangy lemon syrup over the cake to make it glisten. Many people top their finished dishes with crushed pistachios or powdered sugar, but there are a surprising number of variations on how to decorate and serve it.
Endless Topping Possibilities
One of the joys of making crinkle cake is how customizable it is. While the classic version pairs perfectly with the simple lemon syrup I use in the following recipe, the options for toppings and flavors are nearly endless. Crushed pistachios and powdered sugar are traditional choices, but you can experiment with additions like toasted almonds, shredded coconut, or even a drizzle of chocolate. For a fruity twist, consider layering in thin slices of fresh figs or oranges, or topping the finished cake with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cardamom. Whether you stay true to tradition or get creative, crinkle cake is a dessert that invites you to make it your own.
How to make ahead and store
Before storing leftovers, let the cake cool completely to room temperature. Then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or eat it cold. I don’t recommend freezing it; crinkle cake is best enjoyed as fresh as possible.
Serving Suggestions
If you’re still searching for more tasty options for topping your crinkle cake, some unique options include Candy Grapes or Strawberry Whipped Cream. Otherwise, you could serve your crinkle cake with Coconut Yogurt, Cottage Cheese Ice Cream, Vanilla Mousse, or even a dark and dreamy Coffee Smoothie. Whether you go creamy or fruity, there are plenty of potential pairings that can complement crinkle cake.
Ingredients
- 1 package phyllo dough 1 pound, thawed
- 8 ounces unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups granulated sugar divided
- 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup water
- 3/4 teaspoon lemon juice
- Powdered sugar for dusting optional
- Chopped pistachios for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Unroll thawed phyllo dough and cover with a damp towel to prevent drying.
- Take two sheets of phyllo at a time, crinkle into accordion folds, and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake the arranged phyllo in the oven for 10 minutes, then remove and drizzle with the melted butter. Return to oven and bake for another 10 minutes.
- While phyllo bakes, in a medium bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, 1 cup granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the baked phyllo and bake for 30-35 minutes until set and golden.
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes.
- Drizzle the hot syrup over the baked cake. Allow to cool.
- If desired, serve with a dusting of powdered sugar and chopped pistachios sprinkled on top.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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