Tik Tok Phyllo Crinkle Cake Recipe
Introduction
This Tik Tok Phyllo Crinkle Cake is a beautifully textured dessert featuring delicate layers of flaky phyllo dough soaked in a rich custard and topped with a sweet lemon-infused syrup. Crispy on top and soft inside, it’s a unique and impressive treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients
- 16 oz phyllo dough
- 1 cup butter, melted
Custard
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (recommended, but optional)
Syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Thaw phyllo dough completely in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper if desired.
- Step 2: Working with two sheets of phyllo dough at a time (stacked), hang the sheets from your hands and gather or fold into a loose accordion about 1 inch thick.
- Step 3: Place the folded phyllo pieces in the prepared pan with the folds facing up. Repeat until all phyllo is used, fluffing lightly to fill the pan loosely without dense areas.
- Step 4: Bake the phyllo dough alone in the oven for 10 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove from oven and drizzle the melted butter evenly over the phyllo. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes.
- Step 6: While the phyllo bakes, whisk together milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract for the custard in a container with a spout for easy pouring.
- Step 7: Remove the pan from the oven and pour the custard evenly over the phyllo. Bake again until the top is golden and crispy, about 30-40 minutes.
- Step 8: As the cake bakes, prepare the syrup. Combine sugar, water, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk and bring to a simmer, then cook until thickened to a maple syrup consistency, about 10 minutes.
- Step 9: When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and drizzle the warm syrup evenly over the top.
- Step 10: Allow the cake to cool to room temperature before cutting and serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use a pastry brush to apply the melted butter evenly to ensure every fold is properly coated for extra crispiness.
- If you don’t have almond extract, you can omit it or substitute with a few drops of rose water for a different but delightful flavor.
- For a nutty twist, sprinkle toasted pistachios or almonds on top right after drizzling the syrup.
- Make sure your syrup is thick enough; a thin syrup can make the cake soggy instead of moist and flavorful.
Storage
Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a low oven to help crisp the top again before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen phyllo dough for this recipe?
Yes, frozen phyllo dough works well as long as it is thawed completely in the refrigerator overnight before assembling.
Is almond extract necessary?
Almond extract is recommended for added flavor but is optional. You can leave it out or substitute with another extract like rose or orange blossom for a unique twist.
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Tik Tok Phyllo Crinkle Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes plus overnight thawing
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Tik Tok Phyllo Crinkle Cake is a wonderfully textured dessert featuring delicate layers of flaky phyllo dough folded into airy accordions, baked to a golden crisp, and soaked with a luscious homemade custard and sweet lemon-infused syrup. This cake combines a crisp exterior with a rich, creamy interior, delivering a delightful balance of textures and flavors that make it a standout treat perfect for special occasions or an elegant everyday dessert.
Ingredients
Phyllo Dough Layers
- 16 oz phyllo dough
- 1 cup butter, melted
Custard
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional, recommended)
Syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Thaw Phyllo Dough: Thaw the phyllo dough completely by placing it in the refrigerator overnight to ensure it is pliable and ready for folding.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Fold Phyllo Dough: Working with two sheets of phyllo dough stacked, loosely gather and fold them into an accordion fold about 1 inch thick, holding them by the edges as you accordion-fold. Place each folded stack into the lined pan with the folds facing upwards, fluffing each to create an airy texture and ensuring the pan is loosely filled without dense packing.
- Initial Bake: Bake the phyllo dough alone for 10 minutes to start crisping the layers.
- Add Butter and Continue Baking: Remove the pan, drizzle the melted butter evenly over the phyllo folds, and return to the oven to bake for an additional 10 minutes for deeper golden crisping and buttery flavor absorption.
- Prepare the Custard: Whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) in a bowl or large measuring cup with a spout for easy pouring while the phyllo finishes baking.
- Add Custard and Bake: Remove the phyllo from the oven and pour the custard evenly over the top, then return the pan to the oven. Bake for 30-40 minutes until the top is golden and crispy and the custard is set.
- Make Syrup: As the cake bakes, combine sugar, water, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk and bring to a simmer, then continue simmering until the syrup thickens to a consistency similar to maple syrup, about 10 minutes.
- Finish with Syrup: When the cake finishes baking, remove it from the oven and while still warm, drizzle the warm syrup evenly over the top, allowing the flavors to soak in without making the cake soggy.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool to room temperature before cutting into portions and serving to enjoy the perfect balance of crispness and creamy custard.
Notes
- Ensure phyllo dough is completely thawed and handled gently as it is very delicate and can tear easily.
- Using a measuring container with a spout for the custard makes pouring over the phyllo much easier and more even.
- The syrup consistency is key; too thin syrup will make the cake soggy, and too thick will make it overly sticky.
- The optional almond extract adds a subtle nutty note that complements the vanilla flavor beautifully.
- If desired, parchment paper lining helps with easy removal and clean-up but lightly greasing the pan can be used as an alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes plus overnight thawing
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American with Middle Eastern influence
Keywords: Phyllo cake, Crinkle Cake, Custard dessert, Syrup soaked cake, Easy phyllo recipe, TikTok dessert

