Can I prepare Umm Ali in advance and bake it later?

Yes, you can prepare the puff pastry, nut, and milk mixture and store it in the refrigerator. Add the cream just before baking.

Which nuts go well with Umm Ali?

Besides almonds and pistachios, walnuts or hazelnuts are also excellent for giving the dessert an individual touch.

How do I best store leftover Umm Ali?

Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to two days. Gently reheat them in the oven before serving.

Can I use less sugar or substitute it?

You can reduce the amount of sugar or use alternative sweeteners like honey or date syrup to make the dessert healthier.

Umm Ali

Name: Umm Ali
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Arabic cuisine
Ingredients: 4 Puff pastry sheets; 1 L Whole milk; 150 g Granulated sugar; 50 g Almonds, chopped; 50 g Pistachios, chopped; 100 g Raisins; 100 ml Heavy cream; 1 EL Shredded coconut; 1 TL Vanilla extract; Eine Prise Cinnamon

Umm Ali is a luxurious Egyptian dessert made with crispy puff pastry, milk, nuts, and cream, a true delight served warm.

⏱ 35 min 👨‍🍳 easy 🍽 6 servings

5.0 / 5 · 1 ratings

Published on: 2026-02-19 · Last updated: 2026-05-09

Introduction

Umm Ali is more than just a dessert; it’s a culinary embrace from the heart of Egypt. This traditional dish, whose name translates to "Ali's Mother," boasts a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. It is said to have been prepared in honor of a sultaness and has since evolved into a staple of Oriental cuisine. Essentially, Umm Ali is a luxurious bread pudding, though it often uses crispy puff pastry instead of bread. The combination of warm, milky puff pastry, rich nuts, and raisins, all crowned with a lightly caramelized cream topping, makes this dessert a true feast for the senses. It's the perfect sweet treat to impress guests or to indulge yourself after a delicious meal.

Mise en Place: Umm Ali — Mise en Place – Umm Ali

Ingredients

4 Puff pastry sheets
1 L Whole milk
150 g Granulated sugar
50 g Almonds, chopped
50 g Pistachios, chopped
100 g Raisins
100 ml Heavy cream
1 EL Shredded coconut
1 TL Vanilla extract
Eine Prise Cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the puff pastry sheets on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
Remove the puff pastry from the oven and let it cool slightly. Then, break it into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
In a saucepan, heat the whole milk with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Do not bring the milk to a boil.
Evenly distribute the broken puff pastry pieces in an oven-safe baking dish. Sprinkle the chopped almonds, pistachios, raisins, and shredded coconut over them.
Carefully pour the warm milk mixture over the puff pastry and nut mixture in the baking dish, ensuring everything is well saturated.
Spread the heavy cream evenly as the top layer over the dessert.
Place the baking dish under the broiler for 5-7 minutes, until the top is golden brown and lightly caramelized. Be careful not to burn it.
Remove Umm Ali from the oven, sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition

450 kcal · 12g Protein · 45g Carbs · 25g Fat

Tips & Variations

Substitute raisins with dried apricots or dates for a different sweetness.
Prepare the puff pastry ahead and store it airtight to save time.
Be careful not to boil the milk to avoid curdling.
Serve Umm Ali with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Use plant-based milk and cream for a lactose-free version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare Umm Ali in advance and bake it later?: Yes, you can prepare the puff pastry, nut, and milk mixture and store it in the refrigerator. Add the cream just before baking.
Which nuts go well with Umm Ali?: Besides almonds and pistachios, walnuts or hazelnuts are also excellent for giving the dessert an individual touch.
How do I best store leftover Umm Ali?: Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to two days. Gently reheat them in the oven before serving.
Can I use less sugar or substitute it?: You can reduce the amount of sugar or use alternative sweeteners like honey or date syrup to make the dessert healthier.