Phyllo Cake with Blackberries and Honey Whipped Cream

This dessert is so versatile. It’s like an artist’s blank canvas. It’s not too sweet so you can dress it up anyway you’d like. Here’s the basic recipe, which I love just as it is. Below that are lots of variations, but it’s really up to your imagination and palate.

This cake puffs up while cooking, but as it cools will fall back into place. For such an easy dessert, it really turns out impressive. Perfect for company!

INGREDIENTS
2 cups Milk of your choice
3 Eggs
4 Tbsp Sugar
1 Tbsp Pure Vanilla Extract
1/2 tsp Cinnamon

1/2 lb. Phyllo Dough (note: this is only half the box)
1/3 cup Butter, melted

METHOD
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Butter a 9-inch cake pan.

In a medium bowl whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla and cinnamon.
Set aside.
Carefully unroll the phyllo dough.
Brush a little of the melted butter on the top layer phyllo dough.
Take the top 2 sheets of phyllo and fold them in an accordion fashion.
Place into the center of the cake pan and roll into a pinwheel shape.
Brush a little of the melted butter on top of the next phyllo layer.

Take the top 2 sheets of phyllo and fold them in a zig-zag fashion.
Place into the pan around the center phyllo.
Repeat this process until all the phyllo and butter have been used.
Next whisk the milk mixture and pour it evenly over the phyllo.
Place in the oven for about 45 minutes, or until light golden and puffed.
You may need to turn pan halfway through the cooking time to insure even cooking.
Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream, Vanilla Frozen Yogurt or Whipped Cream.
Enjoy!

VARIATIONS
Additions to the basic recipe:
~ Substitute honey instead of sugar.
~ Instead of cinnamon, try cardamom.
~ Any type of berry always works!
~ Rum Raisins (a fav of mine)
~ Bananas (delicious served with warm Caramel Sauce)
~ Nuts (delicious served with warm Chocolate Sauce)

Instead of Vanilla Extract you can substitute any other extract flavor; almond | coconut | orange | peppermint | etc. and then play on those flavors and what works as a good combo.
~ Almond Extract, Slivered Almonds, Caramel Topping served with Whipped Cream
~ Coconut Extract, Coconut and Chocolate Chips (or top with Chocolate Drizzle)
~ Orange Extract, Mandarin Oranges (drain well!)
~ Peppermint Extract, Chocolate Chips