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top shot of om ali dessert served with ground pistachios, shredded coconuts, and edible rose petals

Om Ali (Egyptian Bread Pudding)

Fatimah
Om Ali, a beloved Egyptian dessert, combines layers of crisp pastry with a rich, spiced cream and a crunchy nut topping. Every spoonful is a balance of crispy, creamy, and nutty goodness, making it a must-try treat for any dessert lover.
5 from 1 Rating
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Egyptian
Servings 4
Calories 1472 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package puff pastry (490g)
  • 5 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1¼ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cinnamon stick

Topping

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish

  • ground pistachios
  • coconut flakes

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  • Thaw the puff pastry sheets according to the package instructions, but keep them cold.
  • Cut the puff pastry into squares. Place them flat on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15-25 minutes or until golden. Remove and set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan on the stove, combine the 5 cups of heavy whipping cream along with the granulated sugar, cinnamon stick, ground cinnamon, and ground cardamom.
  • Stir on medium heat until the sugar is dissolved and the cream is well heated, almost boiling.
  • Break apart about ¾ of the baked puff pastry into a 9x13 pan.
  • Pour the spiced hot heavy cream mixture on top. Add ground pistachios and shredded coconut, as desired.
  • Top with the remaining amount of broken puff pastry on top. Smash it down lightly with a spoon.
  • Return the Om Ali tray to the oven and broil on the middle rack at 400°F until the pan begins to bubble.
  • Remove from the oven and garnish with more pistachios or nuts.

Notes

  • Use Freshly Baked Puff Pastry: For the flakiest and crispiest layers, bake the puff pastry fresh rather than using stale or pre-baked versions.
  • Warm the Cream Mixture Properly: Heat the cream with spices until it's hot but not boiling to ensure the flavors infuse well without curdling.
  • Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar slightly or balance it with unsweetened nuts.
  • Broil for a Golden Top: Keep an eye on the broiling step to avoid burning; a few minutes under the broiler will give you a beautifully caramelized top.
  • Let It Rest Before Serving: Allow the dessert to sit for a few minutes after baking so the flavors meld together while still keeping its texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 1472kcalCarbohydrates: 77gProtein: 10gFat: 129gSaturated Fat: 82gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 32gCholesterol: 403mgSodium: 97mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 1gSugar: 76gVitamin A: 5251IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 249mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Egyptian Bread Pudding, Egyptian Om Ali, Egyptian Om Ali Pudding, Om Ali, Om Ali Pudding, Um Ali, Umm Ali
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