Umm Ali

Name: Umm Ali (Egyptian Bread Pudding Dessert)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 (17 1/4 ounce) package frozen puff pastry, thawed; 5 cups milk; 1 cup white sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup raisins; 1/4 cup slivered almonds; 1/4 cup pine nuts; 1/4 cup pistachio nut, chopped; 1/4 cup sweetened flaked coconut

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Umm Ali is a traditional Egyptian dessert featuring crispy baked puff pastry layered with nuts, raisins, and coconut, then soaked in hot sweetened milk and broiled until golden. It's best served warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream.

🏷️African 🏷️< 60 mins

Total

40 min

Servings

8

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Food.com · by Sassy in da South

Ingredients

Check what you already have. We'll leave it off your shopping list.

Instructions

1
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2
Unroll the puff pastry sheets, and place flat on a baking sheet.
3
Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until puffed and golden brown.
4
Break the puff pastry into pieces, and place in a large bowl.
5
Add the raisins, almonds, pine nuts, pistachios, and coconut, and toss to distribute.
6
Pour into a 9x13 inch glass baking dish, and spread evenly.
7
Pour the milk into a saucepan, and stir in the sugar and vanilla.
8
Heat until hot but not quite boiling.
9
Pour over the mixture in the baking dish.
10
Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven.
11
Turn the oven to broil, and broil for 2 minutes to brown the top.
12
Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes.
13
Serve warm.

Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Bake puff pastry until it's puffed and golden brown (15 minutes at 400°F) before breaking it up—this ensures crispness and prevents sogginess.
Heat the milk to hot but not boiling before pouring; this cooks the dessert gently and prevents curdling.
Watch the broiler closely during the final 2-minute step; it can brown too quickly and burn the top.
Let the dessert rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven before serving; this sets the custard slightly and makes serving easier.

Substitutions

Pine nuts → walnuts or cashews (milder flavor, similar texture)
Pistachio nuts → hazelnuts or blanched almonds (no major flavor shift)
Sweetened flaked coconut → unsweetened coconut (reduce sugar by 2 tablespoons if using unsweetened)
White sugar → honey or light brown sugar (use same amount, may darken the custard slightly)

Storage & make-ahead

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave individual portions until warm.

Equipment

9x13 inch glass baking dish · baking sheet

Common Questions

What is the difference between Umm Ali and bread pudding?

Umm Ali uses puff pastry instead of bread cubes and includes a mix of nuts, raisins, and coconut. The custard is poured hot over the mixture rather than soaked beforehand, creating a lighter, flakier texture.

Can I make Umm Ali ahead of time?

Prepare the puff pastry and nut mixture up to 4 hours ahead and store covered in the refrigerator. Pour the warm milk mixture and bake just before serving for best results.