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Pear & Brie Crinkle Cake Recipe


 A beautiful sweet-and-savory pastry made with crispy phyllo dough, creamy brie, fresh pear, thyme, and a drizzle of honey. This elegant yet easy recipe is perfect for brunches, holidays, potlucks, or a special treat at home.

Ingredients

  • 1 (16-ounce) package frozen phyllo dough, thawed
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 medium pear, thinly sliced
  • 2 ounces brie cheese, sliced
  • ½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Honey, for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven
    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Create the crinkle layers
    • Unroll the thawed phyllo dough and keep it covered with a slightly damp towel.
    • Take two sheets at a time and gently scrunch them accordion-style.
    • Place the folded dough into the prepared pan.
    • Repeat until the pan is filled.
  3. First bake
    • Bake the dry phyllo for 10 minutes to help create a crisp texture.
  4. Add butter
    • Remove from oven and drizzle melted butter evenly over the phyllo.
    • Return to the oven and bake another 10 minutes.
  5. Prepare the custard
    • Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
  6. Add pear and brie
    • Remove the pan from the oven.
    • Tuck pear slices and brie pieces into the folds of the phyllo.
    • Sprinkle with fresh thyme.
  7. Add custard and finish baking
    • Pour the egg mixture evenly over the pastry.
    • Bake for 30–40 minutes, until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
  8. Finish and serve
    • Drizzle warm cake generously with honey.
    • Let cool slightly, then slice into squares.

Prep & Cook Time

  • Prep: 15 minutes
  • Baking: About 50–60 minutes
  • Total: About 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Servings: 12 squares

Storage

Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Warm in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes or in an air fryer until crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the phyllo.

Variations

  • Sweet Version: Skip the brie, pear, and thyme. Add cinnamon to the custard and dust with powdered sugar.
  • Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or sliced almonds before baking.
  • Cheese Swap: Replace brie with goat cheese, camembert, or ricotta.
  • Apple Version: Substitute thinly sliced apples for pears.
  • Savory Twist: Add caramelized onions and herbs for a more appetizer-style crinkle bake.

Serving Ideas

Serve warm with:

  • Vanilla ice cream for a dessert-style version
  • Fresh fruit for brunch
  • A cheese board for entertaining
  • Coffee, tea, or sparkling drinks

This Pear & Brie Crinkle Cake combines buttery crisp layers, creamy cheese, sweet fruit, and honey for an impressive dish that looks fancy but is surprisingly simple to make.