Egyptian Bread Pudding (Umm Ali)
Umm Ali is a warm, comforting dessert made with torn layers of puff pastry, milk, nuts, and coconut. Sweet and creamy, it’s Egypt’s most beloved dessert for good reason!
Servings: 10
Ingredients
- 1 pound package puff pastry, thawed overnight in refrigerator if frozen
- 1/2 cup roughly chopped hazelnuts
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup roughly chopped pistachios
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup raisins (any color)
- 2 cups whole milk or plant-based alternative
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
Instructions
- Get ready. Position a rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a 13×18×1-inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Bake the puff pastry. Lay the puff pastry in the pan on top of the parchment. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the pastry puffs up and turns a light golden brown. Set aside briefly to cool. Keep the oven on, but switch to the broil setting.
- Build the pudding. Tear the puff pastry into pieces and lay about three-fourths of them in the bottom of a 9×13×2-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios, coconut, and raisins on top in an even layer.
- Add the sweetened milk mixture. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved, about 3 minutes. Pour the hot milk over the pastry and nuts, then arrange the remaining pastry pieces on top and push down on them with the back of a spoon.
- Add the topping. In a medium bowl, using an electric hand mixer set to medium, beat the cream until it thickens and stiff peaks form, 5 to 7 minutes. Spread the whipped cream on top of the pastry and sprinkle the brown sugar over it.
- Broil the pudding. Place the baking dish on the center rack of the oven and broil for 3 to 6 minutes, watching carefully for the top to turn a nice golden brown.
- Rest and serve. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the pudding sit for a few minutes. Serve in bowls (there will be some liquid).
Notes
- Visit our shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients, including olive oils, honey, jams, and spices.
- How to store: Store leftover pudding covered in fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 302.5kcal | Carbohydrates: 25.9g | Protein: 5.9g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 8.6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8.5g | Trans Fat: 0.001g | Cholesterol: 32.8mg | Sodium: 39.7mg | Potassium: 315.7mg | Fiber: 2.6g | Sugar: 17.2g | Vitamin A: 446.1IU | Vitamin C: 1.1mg | Calcium: 107.5mg | Iron: 1mg
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