Layali Lubnan (Lebanese Nights Dessert)

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Traditional Lebanese sweet, Layali Lubnan. Usually served in nights gatherings or during Ramadan month.
Bright, light, and creamy


What is Layali Lubnan?


Ingredients of Layali Lubnan

You’ll need to use the following:

For Layali Lubnan (pudding):

Milk

Fine semolina: some use coarse semolina

Crushed mastic

Orange blossom: for the fresh smell and flavor

Rose water: to give the authentic fragrance of Arabian Sweets

Sugar

For Ashta/Qashta:

Milk

Heavy whipping cream

Cornstarch

Sugar

Orange blossom

Rose water


Steps To Prep

Lebanese Nights Dessert is an easy and quick dessert to make. Yet, all you have to make sure of is to prepare it 4-6 hours before serving.

It’s better to start by preparing the Ashta or Qishta cream so that it can cool while the pudding is finished.

So for Ashta, here’s what you need to do:

First, whisk together all ingredients in a pot making sure that the cornstarch dissolves.

Then, add it to the stove on medium-high heat and whisk until thickened but still pourable for about 10 minutes.

After it thickens, transfer it to a plate or bowl and place a plastic wrap on top making sure to touch the surface of the ashta so it doesn’t crust over.

Lastly, Place in the fridge to cool as you prepare the pudding.

Mix together all ingredients well then add to the stove on medium heat.

Continue Whisking together until it thickens and still is able to be poured, also about 10 minutes.

Pour into a 9×9 pan, or divide into small cups and let it cool for 20 minutes in the fridge.

Spread the qishta on top and sprinkle with chopped pistachios.

Place into the fridge and let it cool and set for 3-4 hours.

Serve with qater (simple syrup).



Make Layali Lubnan, Lebanese Nights Dessert, and spread happiness, sweetness, and love in the company of the dearest to your heart!


Lebanese Nights Dessert served in plates. Garnished with chopped pistachios and rose petals.
An irresistible dessert made with Lebanese Love!



Qatayef Asafiri (Middle Eastern Cream-Filled Pancakes)

Basbousa Bil Qishta (Semolina Cake With Cream)

Namoura (Harissa)

Aish El Saraya Dessert


  • Refrigeration Layali Lubnan should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain its texture and freshness. Place it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge. It will typically last 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

What can I replace the rose water with?

Although I advise you to use rose water because of its fresh fragrant smell, you can replace it orange blossom water, vanilla extract or powder if you prefer.

How long does Layali Lubnan keep well in the fridge?

Layali Lubnan keeps well for around 3 to 4 days in the fridge covered with a wrap or put in a closed jar.

What is Ashta cream?

Ashta or Qishta cream is the whipped cream of the Middle East. Qishta is a clotted cream that is made with milk, corn starch, whipping cream, and fragrant water. You can use it either as a main ingredient in a dessert or as a topping. Although there are authentic ways of making the Ashta, in this recipe we offer a shortcut for a homemade delicious one!

How can I store Ashta leftovers for later use?

You should store clotted cream in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks. Once, opened it can last for 4 days. You can also freeze clotted cream the freezer for up to 6 months. Yet, the longer the freezing, the drier it becomes. So use it as soon as you can, and take it out of the freezer a day before using it.

Is Layali Lubnan difficult to make?

Yes, it is easy to make, but it does require attention to detail, especially when preparing the semolina pudding base. The key to success is to stir constantly to avoid lumps and to cook it until it reaches the right consistency.


A delicious Lebanese Nights dessert cup, flavored with rose and orange blossom, and topped with pistachios.
A delicious cup that will be your new addiction


If you’ve tried this recipe, don’t forget to rate it and leave a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience. You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.


creamy no bake arab dessert

Layali Lubnan (Lebanese Nights dessert)

A simple traditional Lebanese dessert fragrant with rose and orange blossom water. It is topped with pistachios and a drizzle of sweet syrup making it a delicious velvety layered dessert.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Lebanese, Middle Eastern
Servings 14 people
Calories 281 kcal

Ingredients
  

Layali Lubnan

  • 4 cups milk
  • 1 cup fine semolina
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed mastic
  • 1 teaspoon orange blossom
  • ½ teaspoon rose water
  • 3 tablespoons sugar

Ashta/ Qishta

  • cups milk
  • cups heavy whipping cream
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon orange blossom
  • ½ teaspoon rose water

Qater Syrup

  • 2 cups sugar
  • cups water
  • 1 teaspoon orange blossom water
  • Squeeze of lemon juice

Instructions
 

Ashta/Qishta

  • Whisk together all ingredients in a pot making sure that the cornstarch dissolves.
  • Add it to the stove on medium high heat and whisk until thickened but still pourable, about 10 minutes long.
  • Once thickened, transfer to a plate or bowl and place plastic wrap on top making sure to touch the surface of the ashta so it doesn't crust over.
  • Place in the fridge to cool as you prepare the pudding.

Layali Lubnan Semolina Pudding

  • Mix together all ingredients well.
  • Add onto the stove on medium heat.
  • Continue whisking together until it thickens and still is able to be poured, also about 10 minutes.
  • Pour into a 9×9 pan, or divide into small cups.
  • Let it cool for 20 minutes in the fridge.

Final Construction

  • Spread the ashta/qishta on top of the semolina pudding and sprinkle with chopped pistachios.
  • Place into the fridge and let it cool and set for 3-4 hours.
  • Serve with qater (simple syrup)

Notes

1. Cool the semolina pudding layer well before adding any other layers so that they don’t melt into each other.
2. When spreading the Ashta or qishta (clotted cream), try distributing it in small amounts over the pudding and then spread it over smoothly. This prevents it from mixing with the underlying layer and keeps it aesthetically pleasing.
3. When storing your Lebanese Nights Dessert in the fridge, make sure to cover it with plastic wrap to keep it fresh at all times.
4. Use unsalted pistachios for a more balanced taste.
5. You can substitute pistachios for any other nut of your choice or a mix of them. It’s best that the nuts are coarsely chopped to help give added texture and balance out flavors.
6. Offer the sweet syrup on the side instead of pouring it on the dessert ahead of time. This is to give everyone the choice of adjusting the sweetness level according to their preference.
7. If you don’t have qater and don’t want to make it (it’s simple though and I encourage you to), you can drizzle honey or sweetened condensed milk over Layali Lubnan to level up the sweetness.

Nutrition

Calories: 281kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 4gFat: 12gFiber: 0.02g
Keyword Easy Ramadan Desserts, Layali Lubnan, Lebanese Nights Dessert, Traditional Arabian Dessert
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About Me

Hi, I'm Fatimah!

I’m here to guide you through the world of Palestinian cooking with a modern twist. Whether you’re longing for those nostalgic meals you grew up with or looking to try something new and international, you’ll find recipes here that connect the past with the present—all designed to be easy, approachable, and packed with flavor. Let’s bring the heart of home-cooked meals back into your kitchen!

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