Crinkl Cake (often a misspelling or stylized version of “Crinkle Cake”) is a viral, TikTok-famous dessert with Middle Eastern roots — often made with phyllo dough, custard, and syrup, giving it a crispy top, creamy interior, and a caramelized edge. Think of it as a lazy baklava-meets-custard pie, and it’s absolutely addictive.
🌀 Crinkle Cake (a.k.a. Crinkl Cake or Phyllo Crinkle Cake)
🥄 Ingredients:
- 1 box (16 oz) phyllo dough, thawed
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar (split between custard and syrup)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: cinnamon, rose water, orange blossom, or cardamom
- Powdered sugar for dusting
🧑🍳 Instructions:
1. Prep the Phyllo
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Accordion-fold each sheet of phyllo (or scrunch it up loosely) and place it upright or zigzagged in the pan until full.
2. Butter It
- Pour melted butter evenly over the phyllo sheets.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes until just lightly golden.
3. Make the Custard
- In a bowl, whisk together:
- 1 cup milk
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla (plus optional flavorings)
4. Add Custard & Bake Again
- Pour custard evenly over pre-baked phyllo.
- Bake for another 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
5. Make the Simple Syrup
- In a small saucepan, simmer:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- Optional: squeeze of lemon or a drop of rose water
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Let cool.
6. Finish with Syrup
- Pour syrup over the hot crinkle cake as soon as it comes out of the oven.
- Let cool slightly before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
📝 Tips:
- Use room-temperature phyllo for easier handling.
- Let the cake sit for 15–20 minutes before serving to absorb the syrup.
- Serve warm or at room temp. Even better the next day.
🌟 Optional Add-Ins:
- Crushed pistachios or almonds on top
- A sprinkle of cinnamon in the custard
- A few raisins or dried fruit in between layers