Crinkle Cake Recipe

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Crinkle Cake Recipe (Easy Phyllo Dessert with Vanilla Syrup)

This Crinkle Cake recipe is a viral, bakery-style dessert made with buttery phyllo dough, warm spices, and a sweet vanilla syrup. Known for its crispy, flaky layers and soft custard center, crinkle cake is a show-stopping dessert that’s easy to make at home. If you’re searching for the best crinkle cake, phyllo dough cake, or Middle Eastern–inspired dessert, this recipe is exactly what you need.

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Why You’ll Love This Crinkle Cake

  • Ultra crispy phyllo layers
  • Soft, creamy custard center
  • Infused with cardamom and vanilla
  • Finished with sweet vanilla syrup
  • Elegant yet easy dessert
  • Perfect for holidays, gatherings, and tea time
  • Inspired by Middle Eastern & Mediterranean desserts

What Is Crinkle Cake?

Crinkle Cake is a layered phyllo pastry cake where sheets of phyllo dough are crinkled or layered, baked until golden, then soaked in a warm syrup. The result is a dessert that’s crispy on top, soft inside, and deeply aromatic—similar to baklava but lighter and custard-based.

Ingredients for Crinkle Cake

For the Cake

  • 1 lb phyllo dough, thawed
  • 1 cup butter, melted
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom

For the Vanilla Syrup

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Crinkle Cake (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare Phyllo Dough

Unroll phyllo dough and keep covered with a damp towel. Lay one sheet in the pan, letting edges hang over. Brush generously with melted butter.

Step 3: Layer the Phyllo

Repeat layering and buttering until half the phyllo dough is used.

Step 4: Make the Custard Batter

Whisk milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, almond extract, and cardamom until smooth.

Step 5: Add Batter

Pour custard evenly over the phyllo layers.

Step 6: Finish Layering

Add remaining phyllo sheets on top, brushing each with butter.

Step 7: Score the Cake

Score into diamond or square shapes without cutting through the bottom.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 45–50 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.

How to Make the Syrup

While the cake bakes:

  1. Combine sugar, water, and vanilla in a saucepan
  2. Bring to a boil until sugar dissolves
  3. Remove from heat and cool slightly

Finish the Crinkle Cake

Pour warm syrup over the hot cake immediately after baking. Let it soak and rest for 15–20 minutes before serving.

Expert Tips for the Best Crinkle Cake

  • Always keep phyllo covered to prevent drying
  • Use real butter for maximum flavor
  • Pour syrup while cake is hot for best absorption
  • Let cake rest so layers set properly

Crinkle Cake Variations

  • Nutty Crinkle Cake: Add pistachios or almonds
  • Cinnamon Crinkle Cake: Replace cardamom with cinnamon
  • Orange Syrup Cake: Add orange zest to syrup
  • Honey Crinkle Cake: Replace syrup with honey drizzle

How to Serve Crinkle Cake

  • With tea or Arabic coffee
  • Topped with powdered sugar
  • Served warm or at room temperature
  • Optional whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

  • Store at room temperature up to 2 days
  • Refrigerate up to 4 days (reheat to restore crispiness)
  • Best enjoyed fresh for maximum crunch

Frequently Asked Questions

Is crinkle cake the same as baklava?
No—crinkle cake uses custard and syrup, not nuts between every layer.

Can I use store-bought phyllo dough?
Yes, store-bought phyllo works perfectly.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes, bake a day ahead and reheat lightly before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Crinkle Cake recipe is the perfect combination of flaky phyllo pastry, creamy custard, and sweet vanilla syrup. Elegant, indulgent, and incredibly satisfying, it’s a dessert that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a quiet moment with coffee, this easy crinkle cake dessert is guaranteed to impress 🍰✨

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