Apple Crinkle Cake (Gâteau Froissé)

Looking for a show-stopping yet simple dessert? This Apple Crinkle Cake combines crispy phyllo layers, sweet apples and a rich vanilla custard, for the perfect balance of crunch and creaminess.
Rustic yet indulgent, buttery yet light, whether you’re craving a cozy treat or a simple yet impressive dessert, this irresistible pastry is surprisingly easy to make in your own kitchen.
A Crinkle Cake, known as Gâteau Froissé in French, is a delightful pastry loved for its irresistibly crispy, flaky layers. And I have to say it has become one of my new food obsessions! This is a unique dessert made using phyllo dough, which is crinkled and par-baked before being soaked in melted butter. A rich, velvety custard is then poured over the layers, and the cake is baked to golden perfection.
This Apple crinkle cake takes this classic treat to the next level by incorporating tender apple slices nestled between the delicate phyllo sheets. The luscious custard is infused with vanilla and cinnamon, and the cake is topped with chopped pecans for added crunch.
- 16 sheets of phyllo, thawed
- 2 large apples
- 2/3 cup (150g) unsalted butter, melted (+ 1 tbsp for greasing the dish)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream, 35% m.f.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- ½ cup (100g) sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 50g pecans, chopped