5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-egg mixture, alternating with milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; overmixing can make the cake dense.
6. Create the Rustic Crinkle Top
Transfer the batter to your prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Lightly dust the surface with powdered sugar. As the cake bakes, the sugar will crack slightly, creating the iconic crinkled top that makes this cake so visually appealing.
7. Bake to Perfection
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges should be golden brown while the top forms its signature cracks.
8. Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with additional powdered sugar if desired. Serve with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or enjoy it on its own with a cup of tea or coffee.
Tips for the Perfect Crinkle Cake
Room Temperature Ingredients: Butter and eggs should be at room temperature to ensure a smooth, cohesive batter.
Do Not Overmix: Overmixing flour can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
Experiment with Flavors: Vanilla is classic, but you can add citrus zest, almond, or even a splash of liqueur for a French twist.
Check Early: Ovens vary, so start checking your cake a few minutes before the suggested bake time.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
The Crinkle Cake combines a rustic appearance with refined flavors, making it perfect for afternoon tea, casual gatherings, or a special dessert. Its lightly crisp exterior contrasts beautifully with the moist, tender crumb inside, and the powdered sugar cracks give it that unmistakable French-inspired charm.
With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this cake is accessible to beginners while still impressing even seasoned bakers. Each bite carries a hint of buttery richness, a soft, fluffy texture, and that rustic elegance that makes French baking so beloved.
If you want, I can also create a visual step-by-step guide with illustrations for this Crinkle Cake so you can follow it even more easily while baking. It’ll make it almost impossible to mess up!
Do you want me to do that?
