Crinkle Cake with Apples and Camembert Recipe

Cook Time: 55 minutes

This phyllo cake, filled with creamy Camembert cheese and fresh apple slices, makes for a perfect savory-sweet dish. The delicate layers of phyllo dough, paired with thyme and honey, create a mouthwatering treat. Follow these steps for a delightful dessert or snack!

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) package frozen phyllo dough, thawed
• 1 cup butter, melted
• 1 (8 ounce) wheel Camembert cheese
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 Fuji apple, cored and thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1/4 cup honey

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (180C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Take 2 sheets of phyllo dough and stack them on top of each other. Starting from the short end, fold them accordion-style into 1 -inch folds. Arrange these folded strips along one short edge of the prepared pan. Be sure to cover the remaining phyllo sheets with a clean, damp towel while working.

3. Repeat this stacking and folding process with the remaining phyllo dough, spacing the strips evenly across the pan.

4. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the pan from the oven and drizzle the phyllo with the melted butter. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

5. While the phyllo bakes, cut the Camembert cheese in half horizontally, keeping the rind intact. Slice each half into thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick.

6. In a separate bowl or 2-cup measuring cup, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.

7. After the phyllo is done baking, use a small spatula or table knife to gently separate the layers. Insert the sliced apple and Camembert cheese into the folds of the phyllo, distributing them evenly throughout.

8. Sprinkle the thyme over the top, then pour the egg mixture evenly over everything.

9. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the egg mixture has set.

10. Let the cake cool for 15 minutes on a wire rack. Once cooled, drizzle with honey and serve warm for the best flavor.

Cook's Note

If you'd like to make this dish ahead of time, you can store the cooled cake, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 215
• Total Fat: 14g (18% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 8g (41% DV)
• Cholesterol: 52mg (17% DV)
• Sodium: 305mg (13% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 17g (6% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (2% DV)
• Total Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 5g (10% DV)
• Calcium: 64mg (5% DV)
• Iron: 1mg (5% DV)
• Potassium: 74mg (2% DV)

The Story Behind Crinkle Cake with Apples and Camembert

The crinkle cake with apples and Camembert is a modern twist on traditional European layered pastries, combining the flakiness of phyllo dough with the rich creaminess of Camembert cheese. Its origins trace back to the inventive dessert culture of France and Central Europe, where sweet and savory flavors were often paired to create elegant treats. Over time, American bakers adopted and modified the recipe, introducing local ingredients like Fuji apples and honey, resulting in the unique fusion cake we enjoy today.

Regional Variations and Characteristics

Regional differences of this dessert can be seen across Europe and North America. In France, versions tend to use more butter and a slightly tangier cheese, while in the United States, sweeter apples and a touch of vanilla or honey are added for balance. Some regions favor folding the phyllo dough more densely for extra crispness, while others create looser, airy layers for a lighter bite. The use of thyme in this recipe is a nod to Mediterranean influences, adding a subtle herbal note that enhances the cheese and apple combination.

Distinguishing It From Similar Dishes

While crinkle cake shares similarities with strudel or galette, its folded phyllo layers set it apart, creating a distinct texture that is both crispy and tender. Unlike a traditional apple tart, the inclusion of Camembert adds a creamy, savory depth, balancing the sweetness of the apples. The crinkle effect is achieved through accordion-style folding of the phyllo dough, a technique not commonly used in other layered pastries, giving this cake a unique visual appeal as well as a distinctive mouthfeel.

Where It Is Commonly Served

This versatile cake can be enjoyed as both an appetizer and a dessert. In European cafs, it is often served warm with a drizzle of honey and a side of fresh fruit, while in North American brunches, it appears alongside coffee or tea as a centerpiece treat. Its combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it suitable for festive occasions, family gatherings, or casual afternoon tea, where the delicate layers and aromatic thyme leave a lasting impression on guests.

Interesting Facts About Crinkle Cake

• The term "crinkle" refers to the folded and slightly cracked appearance of the baked phyllo layers.
• Camembert was originally developed in Normandy, France, and its creamy texture melts perfectly within the phyllo dough without overpowering the apples.
• Using Fuji apples adds a natural sweetness and firmness that prevents the fruit from becoming mushy during baking.
• The combination of cheese and fruit is a classic European culinary tradition, often seen in tarts, quiches, and savory pastries.
• Drizzling honey on the finished cake not only enhances flavor but also gives a subtle glaze, highlighting the crinkle effect and making the dessert visually appealing.

Overall, Crinkle Cake with Apples and Camembert is a celebration of texture, flavor, and culinary tradition, offering a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and herbal notes that reflect both European roots and American innovation.

FAQ about Crinkle Cake with Apples and Camembert Recipe