Crinkle Cake is a delightful and nоstalgic dessert that is beloved by many. Its crinkled appearance gives it a unique and eye-catching look, making it a perfect addition to any special occasion. This cake is not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious, with a crunchy texture due to phyllo dough that melts in your mouth. This particular version of Crinkle Cake became popular in Eastern Europe but since has gone viral on social media.
This recipeis a versatile treat that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various sides to enhance its flavors. One perfect way to serve this cake is to accompany it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The coolness and creaminess of these sides complement the rich flavors of the cake, creating a heavenly combination. Additionally, fresh berries such as strawberries or raspberries can be served alongside the Crinkle Cake, providing a burst of freshness and a beautiful contrast of colors.
Ingredients:
1 package of phyllo dough (16 sheets), thawed
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup ground almonds or walnuts (optional)
Powdered sugar for dusting
For the syrup:
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract or a piece of lemon zest
Instructions:
Prepare the Syrup: In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and vanilla extract (or lemon zest). Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Phyllo Dough Preparation: Carefully unroll the phyllo sheets. Cover them with a damp cloth to prevent drying out as you work.
Assembly: Take one sheet of phyllo and brush it generously with melted butter. Sprinkle some sugar and a bit of the ground nuts if you’re using them. Fold the sheet in half lengthwise and brush with more butter. Gently crinkle the dough from one end to the other to create a wavy, accordion-likе shape and place it in a greased baking dish. Repeat this with all the sheets, placing them side by side in the dish.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and crispy.
Syrup Soak: Once out of the oven, slowly pour the cooled syrup over the hot Crinkle Cake, allowing it to soak in.
Serve: Allow the cake to sit for at least an hour for the syrup to be fully absorbed. Before serving, dust the cake with powdered sugar.
Accompaniments: Serve slices of the Crinkle Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Garnish with fresh berries for added color and flavor.
Tips:
Be gentle with the phyllo dough; it’s delicate and can tear easily. Always keep the unused sheets covered to prevent them from drying out.
For a richer flavor, you can sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg along with the sugar in each layer.
The syrup soak is essential to give the cake its distinct taste and texture. Ensure that the syrup is cool when pouring over the hot cake to achieve maximum absorption.
Enjoy your delightful Crinkle Cake, an Eastern European gem that’s won hearts worldwide!
Credit: seobegi