Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
2. Prepare Phyllo Dough: Unroll the thawed phyllo dough and cover it with a damp towel to prevent drying out. Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, allowing the edges to hang over the sides. Brush the phyllo dough with melted butter.
3. Repeat Layering: Continue layering the phyllo dough sheets one by one, brushing each layer with melted butter, until you have used half of the phyllo dough.
4. Prepare Cake Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and cardamom until well combined.
5. Pour Batter Over Phyllo Dough: Pour the prepared cake batter over the layered phyllo dough in the baking dish, ensuring that it is evenly distributed.
6. Continue Layering: Layer the remaining phyllo dough sheets over the cake batter, brushing each layer with melted butter as before.
7. Score the Top: Using a sharp knife, score the top of the cake into diamond or square shapes, being careful not to cut all the way through the bottom.
8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top of the cake is golden brown and crispy, and the center is set.
9. Prepare Syrup: While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and vanilla extract. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool slightly.
10. Drizzle with Syrup: Once the cake is baked and still hot from the oven, carefully pour the prepared syrup over the top, allowing it to soak into the cake and between the scored lines.
11. Cool and Serve: Allow the Crinkle Cake to cool in the baking dish for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. Serve slices of the cake warm or at room temperature, garnished with powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
Cook’s Tips and Variations:
Phyllo Dough Handling: Phyllo dough can dry out quickly, so be sure to keep it covered with a damp towel while working with it to prevent it from becoming brittle.
Spice Variation: Experiment with different spices to customize the flavor of the cake. Cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger can be used as alternatives or in combination with cardamom for a unique twist.
Nutty Addition: For added texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, between the layers of phyllo dough.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I use store-bought phyllo dough for this recipe? Yes, store-bought phyllo dough can be used for convenience. Just be sure to thaw it according to the package instructions before using it in the recipe.
