Elegant Brie & Pear Crinkle Cake (Viral Crinkle Cake Trend)
If there’s one recipe that always makes guests think you spent hours in the kitchen, it’s Crinkle Cake. With its beautifully crisp layers and irresistible golden folds, this dessert (or brunch delight!) is pure elegance—without the effort.
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.
🥐 Ingredients
Yields: 1 (13×9-inch) cake
- 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
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a **13×9-inch** baking sheet or pan with parchment paper.
- 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.
- Bake the Base: Place in the oven and bake for . Remove from the oven, drizzle evenly with **melted butter**, then return to bake for another until lightly golden.
- Mix the Custard: While the phyllo bakes, whisk together the eggs, vanilla, milk, and salt in a bowl or large measuring cup.
- 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.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake again for **30–40 minutes**, or until the top is puffed and deep golden brown.
- 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.
✨ 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.
🍯 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.