Some recipes look like they came from a bakery window — tall, golden, and impossibly flaky — but they’re secretly simple once you know the trick. That’s the magic of crinkle cake: you ruffle up phyllo dough like an accordion, bake it crisp, then let it soak up buttery goodness.
This version leans sweet-salty and elegant: tender pears tucked into the folds, creamy brie melted into pockets, and warm honey drizzled over the top. It’s the kind of dish you bring to a brunch, holiday table, or cozy dinner party and people immediately ask, “What IS this?”
Flaky. Creamy. Lightly sweet. And completely unforgettable.
Crinkle Cake with Pear, Brie & Honey
Ingredients
1 package phyllo dough (16 oz), thawed
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
3 ripe pears, thinly sliced (Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc)
8 oz brie, sliced (rind on is fine)
2–3 tbsp honey (plus more for serving)
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional but lovely)
Pinch of salt
Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
Optional finishing (highly recommended):
1 tbsp powdered sugar (tiny dusting)
Extra honey drizzle
Instructions
1) Preheat
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2) Crinkle the Phyllo
Unroll phyllo and keep it covered with a slightly damp towel while working.
Take 2 sheets at a time, gently scrunch/ruffle lengthwise like an accordion.
Lay the ruffled sheets into the baking dish.
Repeat until the dish is full of upright “waves” of phyllo.
3) First Bake
Bake the plain crinkled phyllo for 10 minutes to help it hold its shape.
4) Add Pears & Brie
Remove dish from oven.
Tuck pear slices into the folds evenly.
Tuck brie slices into pockets throughout.
5) Butter + Honey
Drizzle melted butter all over the top (get into the folds).
Drizzle 2–3 tbsp honey over the surface.
Sprinkle thyme and a pinch of salt.
6) Bake Until Golden
Bake 25–30 minutes, until deeply golden and crisp, with melted brie bubbling in spots.
7) Finish & Serve
Cool 10 minutes.
Drizzle extra honey on top.
Optional: add a tiny dusting of powdered sugar and nuts.
Slice and serve warm.
Why This Recipe Works
Phyllo bakes into crisp layers without heavy pastry work
Pears soften and sweeten inside the folds
Brie melts into creamy pockets
Honey ties it together with warm, glossy sweetness
Salt + thyme make it feel balanced and grown-up
Tips for Perfect Crinkle Cake
Keep phyllo covered so it doesn’t dry out
Don’t worry about perfection — rustic ruffles look best
Use ripe-but-firm pears so they hold shape
Drizzle butter slowly so it reaches into the folds
Let it rest 10 minutes so slices hold together
Serving Suggestions
As a brunch centerpiece
With arugula salad and walnuts
With sparkling cider or white wine
As a holiday appetizer (cut smaller squares)
Add a side of fig jam for extra elegance
FAQ – Crinkle Cake with Pear, Brie & Honey
Is this a dessert or appetizer?
Both! Serve it as dessert with extra honey, or as a savory-sweet appetizer with salad.
Can I make it ahead of time?
You can assemble the crinkled phyllo and keep it covered for a few hours. Bake fresh for best crispness.
What pears work best?
Bosc and Anjou hold their shape well. Bartlett is softer and sweeter.
Can I use another cheese instead of brie?
Yes — camembert is closest. Goat cheese also works for tang, but won’t melt the same way.