Om Ali is a traditional Egyptian dessert featuring crispy baked puff pastry soaked in warm sweetened milk and topped with whipped cream, dating back to the 13th century. This rich, comforting dessert combines toasted pastry squares with mixed nuts for texture and depth.
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Preheat oven to 400 F.
Cut the puff sheet into squares and place in a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Poke holes in each square using a fork and bake and bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
In an oven safe dish (2 quarts size), break the baked squares into chunks.
Mix in nuts of your choice.
Pour 2 cups of milk in a microwave safe bow or measuring cup.
Heat milk in the microwave for 1 minute. Dissolve sugar in warm milk and add vanilla extract.
Pour milk over the puff pastry and let it soak for 5-10 minutes.
Spread the Cool Whip over the top evenly. Broil in the oven for 5-10 minutes until top is golden.
Heat the remaining milk and sweeten to your liking.
Serve Om Ali hot with the sweetened milk on the side.
Om Ali is best served fresh and warm immediately after broiling. Store baked pastry squares in an airtight container for up to 2 days and assemble just before serving.
2-quart oven-safe baking dish · Baking sheet with parchment paper
Bake the puff pastry squares ahead and store in an airtight container. Assemble and broil the dessert just before serving to keep the pastry crisp and the topping golden.
Any mixed nuts work well—almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios, or walnuts are traditional choices. Toast them lightly before mixing in for enhanced flavor.
Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F and bake for the full 15 minutes. If squares are browning unevenly, rotate the baking sheet halfway through.
Yes, whip heavy cream with a tablespoon of sugar until stiff peaks form, then spread over the soaked pastry before broiling.
Broil for 5–10 minutes until the topping is golden brown. Watch closely as broiler intensity varies; check at the 5-minute mark to avoid burning.
