Servings | Total Time | Difficulty | Calories
Servings: 8–10
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Calories: Approximately 340 per serving
Crinkle Cake with Pear, Brie & Honey
This elegant Crinkle Cake transforms delicate sheets of crispy phyllo pastry into an irresistible dessert with buttery golden layers, creamy baked custard, sweet pears, and rich Brie cheese. Finished with fragrant thyme and a generous drizzle of honey, every bite offers the perfect balance of crisp, creamy, sweet, and savory flavors. Whether served for brunch, dessert, or a holiday gathering, this beautiful pastry is guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Beautiful bakery-style presentation
- Crispy golden phyllo layers
- Creamy baked custard
- Sweet and savory flavor combination
- Perfect for brunch or dessert
- Surprisingly easy to prepare
- Great for entertaining
- Delicious served warm or at room temperature
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) package frozen phyllo dough, thawed overnight in the refrigerator
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 medium Bosc or Anjou pear, thinly sliced
- 2 ounces Brie cheese, sliced
- ½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Honey, for drizzling
Optional Add-Ins
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Cinnamon
- Orange zest
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh rosemary
- Crushed pistachios
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 9×13-inch baking dish or baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Phyllo
Working with 2 sheets of phyllo at a time, gently gather them accordion-style.
Place the folded sheets into the prepared baking dish.
Continue until all the phyllo fills the pan, creating tightly packed folds.
Step 3: First Bake
Bake the dry phyllo for 10 minutes.
This helps create the signature crispy texture.
Step 4: Add Butter
Remove the pan from the oven.
Evenly drizzle the melted butter over the warm pastry.
Return to the oven and bake another 10 minutes, until lightly golden.
Step 5: Make the Custard
In a large bowl whisk together:
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Whole milk
- Kosher salt
Whisk until completely smooth.
Step 6: Assemble
Remove the pan from the oven.
Carefully tuck the pear slices and Brie cheese between the folds of the crispy phyllo.
Sprinkle the fresh thyme evenly over the top.
Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly across the pastry, allowing it to soak into the folds.
Step 7: Final Bake
Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until:
- The custard is fully set
- The top is deep golden brown
- The edges are crisp
Step 8: Finish
While still warm, drizzle generously with honey.
Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing into squares.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Success
- Completely thaw the phyllo before using.
- Keep unused phyllo covered with a damp towel to prevent drying.
- Don’t compress the folds too tightly; they need room for the custard.
- Use ripe but firm pears so they hold their shape.
- Drizzle the honey immediately after baking for the best flavor.
Variations
Apple & Brie
Replace pears with thin apple slices.
Berry Crinkle Cake
Use raspberries or blueberries instead of pears.
Fig & Honey
Add sliced fresh figs with Brie.
Nutty Version
Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans throughout the folds.
Dessert Version
Skip the Brie and thyme, then add cinnamon, vanilla, and powdered sugar.
Kitchen Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Pastry brush (optional)
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife
Storage
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Oven
Warm at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes to restore crispness.
Microwave
Heat for 20–30 seconds, although the pastry will be softer.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh whipped cream
- Extra honey
- Fresh berries
- Coffee
- Earl Grey or chamomile tea
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crinkle Cake?
Crinkle Cake is a dessert made by folding sheets of phyllo pastry into crinkled layers before baking them with butter and a rich custard, creating a crispy exterior and tender interior.
Can I use apples instead of pears?
Yes. Thinly sliced Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji apples work beautifully.
Does Brie melt completely?
Brie softens into creamy pockets throughout the pastry, adding a rich and luxurious texture.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Assemble it several hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
Can I use puff pastry instead?
No. Phyllo dough is essential for the delicate crispy layers that make Crinkle Cake unique.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 250mg
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
Final Thoughts
This Pear, Brie & Honey Crinkle Cake is an elegant twist on the viral pastry dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Crispy buttery phyllo, silky baked custard, sweet pears, creamy Brie, fragrant thyme, and a drizzle of honey come together in every irresistible bite. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, dessert, or a special gathering, this stunning recipe delivers bakery-quality results with surprisingly simple preparation.
