Umm Ali Recipe – Easy Authentic Egyptian Dessert

Growing up, the smell of warm milk and toasted pastry drifting from the oven meant family was gathering around the table. On Eminent Recipes, I share comforting dishes inspired by tradition and simple home cooking, and Umm Ali is one of those desserts that brings everyone closer. This classic Umm Ali recipe blends flaky layers, creamy milk, and crunchy nuts into a rich Middle Eastern dessert that feels both nostalgic and effortlessly elegant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Umm Ali recipe delivers everything you want in a traditional Middle Eastern dessert: warmth, richness, and simplicity. Whether you are craving authentic Umm Ali or exploring an easy Umm Ali recipe with bread, this version is designed for real home kitchens. The creamy milk mixture soaks into flaky pastry, creating the perfect balance of soft and crispy textures.

You will love how customizable this Umm Ali dessert can be. Add extra nuts, swap puff pastry for croissants, or turn it into Umm Ali chocolate for a decadent twist. The ingredients are pantry-friendly, making it ideal for busy weeknights, yet elegant enough for celebrations.

This authentic Umm Ali recipe is quick to assemble, family-friendly, and baked in one dish for easy cleanup. It’s a balanced dessert that feels indulgent without being overwhelming. If you’ve searched for the best Umm Ali recipe or wondered how to make bakery-style Umm Ali at home, this comforting classic will become your go-to Middle Eastern dessert.

Ingredients for This Recipe

The beauty of this Umm Ali recipe lies in its simple, traditional Umm Ali ingredients that transform into a rich and creamy Middle Eastern dessert. The flaky pastry or toasted bread forms the base, absorbing the sweet milk mixture for that signature soft texture. Whole milk and heavy cream create the luxurious custard-like consistency that defines authentic Umm Ali. Sugar adds sweetness, while vanilla enhances the aroma.

Nuts and raisins provide crunch and natural sweetness, making this classic Umm Ali dessert layered and satisfying. For those wanting variation, condensed milk deepens richness, and chocolate chips create a delicious Umm Ali chocolate version. Whether you prepare an Umm Ali recipe with bread or puff pastry, each ingredient plays a key role in building flavor and texture.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 8–10)

For the Base:
4–5 sheets puff pastry (baked and broken into pieces)
OR 5 cups toasted bread or croissants (for umm ali recipe with bread)
4 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
¾–1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling:
½ cup raisins
½ cup sliced almonds
½ cup chopped pistachios
¼ cup shredded coconut

Optional Additions:
½ cup condensed milk
½ cup chocolate chips (for umm ali chocolate variation)
½ teaspoon cinnamon

How to Make This Recipe

Making this authentic Umm Ali recipe is surprisingly simple. Start by preparing the pastry or bread base, which forms the heart of this traditional Umm Ali dessert. Crisp layers are essential for absorbing the creamy milk mixture without becoming soggy.

Heat the milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla gently to create the rich custard base that defines Umm Ali ingredients. Layer the baked pastry or toasted bread with raisins, almonds, pistachios, and coconut in a buttered baking dish. Pour the warm milk mixture evenly over the layers, allowing the flavors to combine.

Bake until golden and bubbling to achieve the signature Umm Ali texture—soft underneath with a slightly crisp top. For a modern Umm Ali chocolate twist, sprinkle chocolate chips between layers before baking. This easy Umm Ali recipe with bread or puff pastry ensures bakery-style results at home.

🛒 Steps:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
Prepare puff pastry or toasted bread
Heat milk, cream, sugar, vanilla
Layer pastry with nuts and raisins
Pour warm milk mixture evenly
Bake 25–30 minutes until golden
Broil briefly for crispy top
Serve warm authentic Umm Ali dessert

Expert Cooking Tips

Creating the perfect Umm Ali recipe depends on texture balance and ingredient quality. Always bake puff pastry until deeply golden before layering; underbaked pastry can make the Umm Ali dessert too soft. If using an Umm Ali recipe with bread, toast thoroughly to maintain structure.

Use full-fat milk and heavy cream for authentic Umm Ali richness. The creaminess is essential for achieving the luxurious Middle Eastern dessert consistency. Allow the milk mixture to fully soak into the layers before baking to ensure even flavor distribution.

For enhanced flavor, lightly toast nuts before adding them to the Umm Ali ingredients. This intensifies aroma and crunch. If making Umm Ali chocolate, add chocolate chips between layers rather than on top to prevent burning.

💡 Expert Tips:

Toast pastry until deeply golden
Use full-fat milk and cream
Let milk mixture soak 10 minutes
Toast nuts for deeper flavor
Broil briefly for crisp top
Add chocolate between layers
Serve warm for best Umm Ali texture

FAQs

Want more sweet and savory recipes like this? Follow us on Facebook for daily dinner ideas, cooking tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from Eminent Recipes.

See how others are plating this dish on Instagram! Tag your version with #Eminentrecipes and get featured.

Love collecting recipes? Don’t miss our latest pins on Pinterest—perfect for saving your favorite meals in one spot.

Fish and Chips Recipe – Crispy, Golden & Easy to Make

Easy Irish Lamb Stew – Hearty One-Pot Family Dinner

Easy Chicken and Mushroom Pie – Classic British Style

Dublin Coddle Recipe – Classic Irish Comfort Food Made Easy

This Umm Ali recipe brings together tradition, comfort, and simplicity in one unforgettable Middle Eastern dessert. With classic Umm Ali ingredients, customizable options like Umm Ali chocolate, and the flexibility of an Umm Ali recipe with bread, this dish fits both everyday dinners and special celebrations. Warm, creamy, and layered with flavor, authentic Umm Ali is more than dessert—it’s a shared experience around the table that turns simple ingredients into lasting memories.

Umm Ali

---

• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Umm Ali is a warm, comforting Middle Eastern dessert made with layers of flaky pastry or toasted bread soaked in sweet milk, topped with nuts and raisins, then baked until golden and bubbly. It’s rich, creamy, and lightly crisp on top — the ultimate cozy dessert served fresh from the oven.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 8–10)

For the Base:

• 4–5 sheets puff pastry (baked and broken into pieces)
  OR 5 cups toasted bread or croissants (for umm ali recipe with bread)

• 4 cups whole milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ¾–1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• ½ cup raisins

• ½ cup sliced almonds

• ½ cup chopped pistachios

• ¼ cup shredded coconut

Optional Additions:

• ½ cup condensed milk (for extra richness)

• ½ cup chocolate chips (for umm ali chocolate variation)

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

---

Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry or Bread

If using puff pastry, bake according to package directions until golden and crisp. Let cool, then break into bite-sized pieces.
If using bread or croissants, lightly toast in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until crisp.

Step 2: Heat the Milk Mixture

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla. Stir until sugar dissolves. Do not boil — just heat until warm.

Step 3: Assemble

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish:

• Layer half the pastry or bread pieces

• Sprinkle half the nuts, raisins, and coconut

• Repeat layers

Pour the warm milk mixture evenly over the top. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to absorb.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly on top.
For a crispier top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end (watch carefully).

Step 5: Serve

 

Serve warm. Garnish with extra pistachios or a drizzle of cream.

Notes

• Authentic Style: Traditionally made with puff pastry for flaky texture.
• Budget Version: Umm ali recipe with bread works perfectly and reduces waste.
• Chocolate Twist: Add chocolate chips between layers for umm ali chocolate.
• Make Ahead: Assemble ahead and bake just before serving.
• Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat in oven for best texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: Egyptian / Middle Eastern