Ruffled Milk Pie with Phyllo Spirals and Orange Cinnamon Custard Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Ruffled Milk Pie with Phyllo Spirals and Orange Cinnamon Custard Recipe because it’s one of those desserts that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The combination of buttery, golden phyllo spirals nesting perfectly inside a creamy, lightly spiced custard makes for a showstopper that’ll wow any guest or make your family go crazy on a cozy weekend. To me, it’s that warm, flaky texture paired with bright orange zest and cinnamon that feels both comforting and a little fancy — perfect for when you want an elegant dessert that’s actually easy to pull off.

When I first tried this recipe, I was surprised at how the ruffled phyllo holds its shape and adds this wonderful crispness, while the custard fills in the nooks and crannies with soothing creaminess. You’ll find that it works beautifully for holiday dinners, brunches, or even as a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of tea. Plus, since it isn’t overly sweet, it lets those fresh flavors shine through — which makes it worth trying if you’re looking to mix things up from your usual pies.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Ruffled Milk Pie with Phyllo Spirals and Orange Cinnamon Custard Recipe plays a role in building the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Choosing quality phyllo and fresh orange zest really elevates the pie, while simple pantry staples like cinnamon and vanilla gently deepen the custard’s warmth.

• Unsalted butter: Use good quality for a rich, golden phyllo and to control salt levels perfectly.
• Phyllo sheets: Thaw them carefully to avoid breakage; they’re the star for that beautiful ruffled effect.
• Milk: Whole milk works best for creamy custard, but you can experiment with alternatives.
• Sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the custard without overwhelming the orange and cinnamon.
• Eggs: They’re key for binding and setting the custard flawlessly.
• Pure vanilla extract: For a soft floral note that complements the citrus and spice.
• Orange zest: Fresh zest is crucial for that bright, aromatic kick.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, cozy flavor that pairs beautifully with orange.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.

Variations

I love to tweak this Ruffled Milk Pie with Phyllo Spirals and Orange Cinnamon Custard Recipe depending on the season or mood—it’s an inviting base that really invites creativity. You can add nuts for crunch or swap out spices to suit your taste.

• Nutty Upgrade: Adding toasted almonds or pistachios sprinkled on top gives a fabulous crunch—my family can’t get enough of it!
• Spice Swap: Sometimes I use cardamom instead of cinnamon for a more exotic twist that still plays nicely with the orange zest.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap milk for coconut or almond milk and use vegan butter to adapt for dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
• Sweetener Adjustments: You can experiment with honey or maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness, but reduce the overall liquid a bit to keep custard set just right.

How to Make Ruffled Milk Pie with Phyllo Spirals and Orange Cinnamon Custard Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Phyllo

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and getting your 9-inch cake pan ready: brush it generously with melted butter, then line it with parchment paper, pushing the paper into the edges and leaving a little extra hanging over the sides. This trick not only keeps your custard contained but also makes lifting the finished pie out a breeze. For the phyllo, keep the sheets covered with damp towels to prevent drying and tearing—it really pays off in the end!

Step 2: Create the Phyllo Spirals

Lay one sheet of phyllo horizontally and brush gently but thoroughly with melted butter. Here’s the fun part: scrunch the phyllo accordion-style into a thin strip—you don’t have to be perfect as a few rips just add to the ruffled charm. Then, gently roll this strip into a loose spiral and place it right in the center of your cake pan. Repeat this for all sheets, arranging each spiral snugly around the previous one to form a lovely ring. You’ll fit about 6-7 spirals in total. Once arranged, bake these phyllo spirals for 15-20 minutes until golden and crisp.

Step 3: Whisk the Orange Cinnamon Custard

While your phyllo spirals cool (about 10 minutes), whisk together the milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla, fresh orange zest, ground cinnamon, and salt. I always love taking a moment here to inhale that beautiful orange-cinnamon combo—it’s the comforting scent of a dessert well-made. Make sure everything is well combined for a smooth custard.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the custard gently over the cooled phyllo spirals, letting it seep into all the lovely gaps. Pop the dish back into the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the custard sets. You’ll notice it’s ready when the edges look firm and the center jiggles just slightly if nudged. Let it cool before dusting with powdered sugar and a pinch more cinnamon—this step makes it look irresistible!

How to Serve Ruffled Milk Pie with Phyllo Spirals and Orange Cinnamon Custard Recipe

Garnishes

I often dust the finished pie with powdered sugar and a sprinkle of extra cinnamon—simple, elegant, and it highlights the warm tones nicely. Sometimes, I add a few fresh orange slices or a sprig of mint for a pop of color, especially when serving to guests. A light drizzle of honey over the top right before serving adds a charming sheen and just a touch more sweetness.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side. For brunch, I like serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a simple arugula and citrus salad to keep things light and balanced. Coffee or a mild spiced tea rounds out the experience perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving this for a special occasion, try placing the whole pie on a beautiful wooden board with edible flowers scattered around for an artsy touch. You could also divide it into individual ramekins using mini phyllo spirals for a personalized, portable dessert—great for holiday parties or brunch gatherings. I once made it in a tart pan and paired it with candied orange peel for extra flair, which was a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the pie cools completely, I cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps well for 3-4 days, and honestly, the flavors deepen even more after a day. Just remember the phyllo won’t be as crisp when cold, but the custard stays heavenly.

Freezing

Freezing this pie is possible but tricky because phyllo tends to lose its crisp texture when thawed. If you want to freeze it, I recommend freezing individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic and foil. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently in a low oven to help revive some crispness.

Reheating

I warm leftover slices in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes—it helps refresh the phyllo’s flakiness without drying the custard out. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve texture, as it makes the pastry soggy and the custard rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ruffled Milk Pie with Phyllo Spirals and Orange Cinnamon Custard Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen repertoire because it’s one of those comfort desserts that’s surprisingly easy and brings out big flavors with a stunning look. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy the process—trust me, once you make those buttery spirals and smell that cinnamon-orange custard baking, you’ll have a new favorite to share with friends and family. It’s definitely worth making when you want to impress without stress, and the leftovers (if there are any!) are a real treat.

Print