Brown Butter Crinkle Cake

The Brown Butter Crinkle Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter and the light, flaky texture of phyllo dough. This cake is perfect for any occasion, offering a unique blend of sweetness and moisture with every bite.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is worth making because it combines simple ingredients to create something truly special. The brown butter provides depth and flavor, while the layers of phyllo dough offer a unique texture. It is easy to prepare and can be served warm or at room temperature, making it suitable for gatherings, celebrations, or a cozy evening at home.

How to Make Brown Butter Crinkle Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick
• 1 (16-ounce) package frozen phyllo dough, thawed
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. For brown butter, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until browned, fragrant, and foamy with brown bits in it, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and pour into a small heat-safe bowl. Let cool.
3. For syrup, stir together sugar, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon stick in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Reduce heat to low; simmer until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Let cool.
4. Meanwhile, stack 2 phyllo sheets; starting with a short end, fold accordion-style into a strip, using approximately 1 1/2-inch folds. Arrange folded phyllo along the short end of prepared pan. (Keep remaining phyllo covered with a clean, damp kitchen towel while you work.)
5. Repeat stacking and folding with remaining phyllo, evenly spacing strips in the pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
6. Remove from the oven. Stir cooled brown butter, then drizzle over phyllo. Bake for 10 minutes more.
7. Meanwhile, whisk together milk, eggs, vanilla, and salt in a 2-cup liquid measuring cup until combined. Pour egg mixture evenly over phyllo. Bake until golden, 35 to 40 minutes.
8. Pour syrup over the warm cake (discard cinnamon stick). Let cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Cut into 20 squares. Serve warm.

How to Serve Brown Butter Crinkle Cake

Serve Brown Butter Crinkle Cake warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also enjoy it plain, as the flavors are rich and satisfying on their own. For another dessert idea, check out the Strawberry Crunch Cake Recipe for a refreshing treat.

How to Store Brown Butter Crinkle Cake

To store your leftover Brown Butter Crinkle Cake, place the squares in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week.

Tips to Make Brown Butter Crinkle Cake

• Make sure to keep the phyllo sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out while you work.
• Stir the brown butter continuously while heating it to avoid burning.
• Allow the cake to cool before cutting to get nice, clean edges.

Variation (if any)

You can experiment by adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the phyllo layers for added texture and flavor. Alternatively, try different syrups, such as maple or berry syrup, to change up the sweetness.

FAQs

1. Can I make Brown Butter Crinkle Cake in advance?
Yes, you can make it a day ahead. Just store it covered at room temperature, and it will be just as delicious the next day.

2. Is it okay to freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

3. Can I use fresh phyllo dough instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh phyllo dough if you have access to it. Just make sure to handle it carefully, as it is more delicate than frozen. For a more detailed approach to using phyllo dough, check out this article.