Om Ali is a scrumptious classic Egyptian dessert that is made with puff pastry, milk and nuts and topped with whipped cream. It is yummy, creamy, yet simple dessert.
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What Is Om Ali?
Om Ali is the Middle Eastern version of bread pudding; it is an easy dessert that is so popular in Arab countries. The name is sometimes written as Oumm Ali or Umm Ali, and in Arabic, it is (أم علي). However, the meaning in English is literally (Ali's mother).
Upon tasting this dessert, you'll notice how creamy and velvety its texture is. That's all thanks to the full-fat milk and heavy cream this recipe has!
There are also crispy bits that balance the smooth texture, and I honestly think it makes the whole experience so much better!
Om Ali Recipe is versatile and can be made in so many different ways; however, this recipe is the Egyptian version of Om Ali.
After you've assembled your this dessert, allow it to soak in the milk mixture for at least 30 minutes before baking. This trick will help the pastry absorb the milk and become soft and creamy!
I like to serve this dessert fresh and straight out of the oven. If you're gonna prepare and make it ahead of time, I suggest reheating it in the oven or microwave before serving.
What's in This Om Ali Recipe?
Note: See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Puff Pastry Sheet. I use store-bought puff pastry for an easy dessert.
Full Fat Milk. To have a rich and creamy texture, full-fat milk is the key!
Granulated Sugar. I use granulated sugar to sweeten this dessert.
Vanilla Extract: For extra flavor.
Heavy Cream. Together with full-fat milk, heavy cream creates a creamier and richer dessert.
Nuts and dried fruits: I use almonds, walnuts, raisins and shredded coconut.
How to Make Om Ali - Step By Step
One: Preheat the oven to 200C / 390F and line a baking tray with parchment pepper.
Two: In a small bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peak forms and then put in the fridge until needed.
Three: Unroll the puff pastry sheet and place it into the baking tray.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Then, allow to cool.
Four: Cut the puff pastry into small pieces and put in an oven-safe baking dish, and add in the nuts.
Five: In a medium saucepan, over medium-high heat, add milk, sugar and vanilla extract, stir together until the sugar dissolves, and then bring to a boil.
Six: Pour the hot milk over the pastry, cover and leave it for 30-45 minutes to allow the pastry to absorb the milk.
Seven: Evenly spread the whipped cream on top and put in the center of the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbling and the top is golden brown. Serve immediately.
Recipe Variations
- You can add dried fruits like apricots, figs, or dates for more taste and texture!
- Did you know you can actually add spice to this dessert? Yes, you can! Just add ground cinnamon for a bit of spice! I promise it will taste so good.
- Use stale croissants instead of puff pastry in making this middle eastern dessert.
Serving Suggestions
like to drizzle it with some honey before serving! Most people who like Om Ali love to pair it with floral tea; chamomile and jasmine tea are the favorites!
Storage
To Store: I refrigerate this dessert for 3 days, but first, I have to let it cool to room temperature and then put it in an airtight container.
To Freeze: This dessert is a freezer-friendly recipe you can store in your freezer for up to two months. Just make sure it's placed in an airtight container!
To Reheat: Thaw overnight; if this dessert comes from being stored in the freezer, then microwave until hot or bubbling.
Recipe FAQs
If you are conscious of the calories of granulated sugar, you can use a sweetener with lower calories, like stevia or erythritol. It will provide the same sweetness, depending on how much you'll be adding.
It's possible to make it without using nuts, but the eating experience wouldn't be as superb. Om Ali is typically made with nuts in the mix, and removing them from the ingredients will change the whole recipe.
Yes, you can. However, the taste will not be as creamy as using full cream milk.
More Middle Eastern Recipes
Easy Dessert Recipes
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Recipe
Om Ali Recipe
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Electric mixer
Ingredients
- 390 g puff pastry sheet
- 4 cups full fat milk
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup almonds , coarsely chopped
- ⅓ cup walnuts , coarsely chopped
- ¼ cup raisins
- ¼ cup shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200C / 390F and line a baking tray with parchment pepper.
- In a small bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peak forms and then put in the fridge until needed.1 cup heavy cream
- Unroll the puff pastry sheet and place it into the baking tray.390 g puff pastry sheet
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Then, allow to cool.
- Cut the puff pastry into small pieces and put in an oven-safe baking dish, and add in the nuts.⅓ cup almonds, ⅓ cup walnuts, ¼ cup raisins, ¼ cup shredded coconut
- In a medium saucepan, over medium-high heat, add milk, vanilla extract and sugar, stir together until the sugar dissolves, and then bring to a boil.4 cups full fat milk, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pour the milk over the pastry, cover and leave it for 30-45 minutes to absorb the milk.
- Evenly spread the whipped cream on top and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until bubbling and the top is golden brown. Serve immediately.
Nancy
Lovely dessert! All my family love it.
Hend
I usually make this recipe during Ramadan. My children love it.
Marian
SOOO Good! Thanks.