Crinkle Cake – Food Faith Fitness

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.

Is Crinkle Cake Healthy?

Since it’s a sugary, carb-filled dessert, crinkle cake is not considered healthy. There are some ways, however, to make it more agreeable for certain diets. For example, you can use gluten-free phyllo dough if needed. For dairy-sensitive folk, replace regular milk with cashew or almond milk and use coconut oil instead of butter.

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.

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

Prep

Preheat oven, prepare and bake phyllo layers.

Bake

Add custard to phyllo, bake until golden.

Serve

Make syrup, drizzle over cake, and serve.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

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.

Recipe