Apple Crinkle Cake

A cake that’s as easy to make as it is beautiful, capturing a true taste of the Fall season in every slice!

This Apple Crinkle Cake is layers of flaky phyllo, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and a creamy custard filling, all topped with a rich homemade caramel drizzle. Each bite brings together the perfect blend of textures and cozy fall flavors. It’s so simple, ready in no time, and perfect for weekend gatherings or the holidays.

Personally, I love apple desserts and pretty much anything with cinnamon and phyllo. In Greece, we call this a pie, but no matter what you call it, there’s nothing like the aroma of apple, cinnamon, and buttery phyllo baking in the oven. It smells so good and comforting. The custard is nice and light, and caramel sauce may seem complicated, but it’s so much easier than you think. You’ll have a bit left over after the cake is gone, and you’ll thank me for this later. Ha!

Why will I make this all Fall?

Light, creamy custard

Melt in your mouth, cakey phyllo

Sweet, soft cinnamon apples

Perfectly warm cinnamon sugar

Deep, rich caramel sauce

What do I need for apple crinkle cake?

Phyllo #4 -thaw it out overnight in the refrigerator and then let it come to room temperature on the counter for at least an hour before you use it.

Unsalted butter -melted to drizzle over the sheets of phyllo. American salted butter is too salty for this, so I wouldn’t recommend it.

Granulated sugar -to add sweetness to the phyllo.

Ground cinnamon -nothing goes better with sweet apple and caramel than cinnamon sugar!

Apple -Gala or Honey crisp cut in half, cored, and thinly sliced about an 1/8^th of an inch thick. You can take the skin off, but I leave it on because it looks pretty. If you like a tarter apple, try Granny Smith.

What do I need for the custard?

Eggs -at room temperature to allow the custard to come together easily.

Granulated sugar -to add just the right amount of sweetness.

Milk -the blend of milk and heavy cream helps make the perfect texture.

Heavy cream -thickens the custard with the eggs to make it so rich and creamy.

Pure vanilla extract -a good quality that’s great tasting since it’s the main flavor.

Orange zest -optional to brighten the custard with a little citrus.

What do I need for the Caramel Sauce?

Granulated sugar -this is actually the only ingredient you need to make caramel.

Water -helps the sugar melt, creating a simple syrup.

Butter -cubed and whisked in to make a richer, thicker sauce.

Heavy whipping cream -lightens the sauce and gives it a creamier, smoother texture.

Pure vanilla extract -vanilla is almost like a secret ingredient to make the most delicious caramel sauce.

Salt -just a pinch to balance out the sweetness of the sauce.

How do I make the caramel sauce?

In a deep saucepan, combine the water and sugar and cook over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes or until a caramel color is reached. Remove from heat and add the butter. Whisk together while wearing oven mitts to prevent getting burned from the dangerously hot steam! Add the cream and vanilla and return to medium heat. Cook for 3-4 minutes while stirring. Add a pinch of salt and pass through a strainer and into a heat-proof bowl. As it cools, the caramel sauce will thicken.

How do I create the crinkle cake layer?

Preheat the oven to 350 °F, 180 °C. Grease a 9 x 1/2-inch springform pan with butter or baking spray. Place the pan onto a baking tray. Brush each sheet of phyllo with melted butter and sprinkle the top with cinnamon and granulated sugar. Then, scrunch the first phyllo sheet up like an accordion and then roll it into a spiral. Place it in the center of the prepared pan. Leave the remaining layers in accordions and wrap each one around the spiral.

How do I add the apples?

Slice an apple in half and remove the core. Thinly slice the apple and tuck the slices into the cake. Brush the top with the remaining butter and sprinkle with about a tablespoon of granulated sugar. Bake on the center rack for 30-40 minutes until golden.

How do I make the custard?

Combine all the custard ingredients together in a bowl or pitcher and whisk until smooth.

How do I add the custard to the cake?

Pour the custard over the cake and bake for an additional 25 minutes. Allow the cake to cool, and then transfer to a serving platter.

How do I serve the cake?

Drizzle the cake with the caramel sauce or leave it on the side for everyone to add as much as they like to their piece. It also tastes delicious with homemade whipped cream or ice cream. Kali Orexi!

What other things can I do with the caramel sauce?

My recipe makes more than you’ll need for this cake, but the leftovers keep fresh in the refrigerator for at least a month, or you can freeze it. Think of the endless possibilities you’ll have with caramel sauce on hand at all times! Drizzle it over any dessert or ice cream, dip apples in it, or stir a bit into a hot cup of coffee. Yum!

Do you have more phyllo cakes?

Baklava Crinkle Cake

Ruffled Pumpkin Pie (Phyllo Crinkle)

Tik Tok Crinkle Greek Custard Cake

Blueberries & Cream Crinkle Cake

Portokalopita: Greek Orange Phyllo Cake

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