Crinkle Cake with Pear, Brie & Honey

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE ?

Crinkle Cake with Pear, Brie & Honey — An Effortlessly Elegant Crowd-Pleaser

Some desserts have a way of making people pause mid-bite and ask, “Wait… what is this?” — in the best possible way. This Crinkle Cake is exactly that kind of dish. It looks stunning straight out of the oven, with golden, rippled layers and a glossy honey finish, yet it’s surprisingly simple to make. No rolling, no fussing, no perfection required.

This is the kind of recipe you pull out when you want something that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s for brunch with friends, a holiday table, or a quiet evening when you want a little indulgence, this crinkle cake delivers cozy comfort with just enough elegance to feel impressive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Visually stunning with minimal effort — the crinkled phyllo does all the work
• Perfect balance of flavors — sweet honey, creamy brie, and delicate pear
• Light yet satisfying texture — crisp edges with a soft, custardy center
• Versatile for any occasion — brunch, dessert, or a sweet-savory treat
• Beginner-friendly — no special baking skills required

Ingredients

• 1 (16-ounce) package frozen phyllo dough, thawed
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 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 drizzling

Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush
• Mixing bowl or large measuring cup
• Whisk
• Sharp knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.

2. Crinkle the Phyllo

Working with two sheets at a time, gently scrunch the phyllo accordion-style and place it into the pan. Repeat until the pan is full and all phyllo is used. Don’t worry about perfection — rustic texture is the goal.

3. First Bake

Bake the crinkled phyllo for 10 minutes to help it dry slightly and hold its shape.

4. Butter the Layers

Remove from the oven and drizzle the melted butter evenly over the phyllo, using a pastry brush if needed to reach all the folds.

5. Second Bake

Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, until lightly golden and crisp on top.

6. Prepare the Custard

In a bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, milk, and salt until smooth.

7. Add the Fillings

Nestle the pear slices and brie cheese gently between the phyllo folds. Sprinkle evenly with fresh thyme.

8. Pour and Bake

Slowly pour the custard mixture over the entire cake, allowing it to soak into the layers.
Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until golden brown and fully set.

9. Finish and Serve

Drizzle generously with honey, slice into squares, and serve warm.

Pro Tips for the Best Crinkle Cake

• Work gently with phyllo — tearing is fine; it adds character
• Use room-temperature custard ingredients for even baking
• Slice pears thinly so they soften perfectly
• Let it rest 10 minutes before cutting for cleaner slices
• Add honey just before serving to keep the top crisp

Variations & Substitutions

• Fruit swap: Use apples, figs, or peaches instead of pears
• Cheese options: Camembert, goat cheese, or mascarpone
• Herb-free version: Skip thyme for a purely sweet dessert
• Nutty twist: Add sliced almonds or walnuts between layers
• Savory-leaning: Reduce honey and add black pepper or rosemary

Serving, Pairing & Storage

How to Serve

Serve warm for the best texture — crisp edges with a soft, custardy center.

Perfect Pairings

• Coffee or espresso
• Spiced chai or black tea
• Vanilla ice cream for dessert
• A light fruit salad for brunch

Storage

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days

Reheating

• Reheat in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes to restore crispness

Freezing

• Not recommended — phyllo loses its texture once frozen after baking

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Bake it fully, refrigerate, and reheat gently before serving.

Why is my center soggy?
Too much liquid or underbaking — ensure custard is fully set.

Can I use low-fat milk?
You can, but whole milk gives the best creamy texture.

Is this more dessert or brunch?
Both! It walks the line beautifully depending on how much honey you add.

>

Crinkle Cake with Pear, Brie & Honey

An elegant yet effortless dessert made with crisp phyllo layers, creamy custard, tender pears, and a drizzle of honey.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 16 oz phyllo dough, thawed
• ½ cup melted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup whole milk
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• 1 pear thinly sliced
• 2 oz brie cheese sliced
• ½ tsp fresh thyme
• Honey for drizzling

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• whisk
• pastry brush

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 pan with parchment.
2. Scrunch phyllo sheets accordion-style and place in pan.
3. Bake 10 minutes.
4. Drizzle with melted butter and bake another 10 minutes.
5. Whisk eggs, vanilla, milk, and salt.
6. Nestle pears and brie into phyllo; sprinkle thyme.
7. Pour custard over cake.
8. Bake 30–40 minutes until golden and set.
9. Drizzle with honey and serve warm.