Umm Ali with Croissant | Video

Umm Ali is a rich and decadent dessert. It is an Egyptian version of bread pudding that is made with croissants and condensed milk. Chopped nuts and dry coconut add a nice crunch to this delicious sweet treat.

This is an easy to make dessert which takes just a few minutes to put together. I love using my air fryer to bake them, but they can be made in an oven too. Serve either warm or at room temperature and enjoy!!

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About the Recipe

Umm Ali is the national dish of Egypt. It is very similar to bread pudding but made with puff pastry or phyllo dough or stale bread instead of bread. This version uses flaky croissants.

Umm Ali literally means 'mother of Ali'. The history of the dish has a very interesting but differing stories. One gory version involves a murder and this dish being made as a celebratory offering. A not so violent story is about a cook called Umm Ali making this dish to feed a hungry Sultan (aka king) and the dish was so well received that it was named after the creator.

Unlike regular bread pudding, um ali recipe uses freshly baked puff pastry or phyllo pastry or store-bought palmiers or croissants. I use regular sized store bought croissants for an easy dessert.

Also there are no eggs in this recipe. Soaking the croissants in a rose water-vanilla flavored sweet milk mixture makes the dish absolutely delightful. A layer of chopped nuts and raisins add crunch.

Final layer of softly whipped cream adds decadence to this baked dessert. Umali is best eaten warm but it tastes pretty amazing at room temperature as well.

Ingredients

For the details of the exact quantities of each ingredient and the list of ingredients needed, check the printable recipe card below.

Here are the ingredients to need to make umm ali recipe:

• Croissants - use slightly stale ones to ensure that the pudding does not get too soggy after baking. You can also use puff pastry or phyllo pastry or store-bought palmiers or croissants.
• Milk - either 2% or whole milk would work.
• Sweetened condensed milk ~ you can use regular sugar instead.
• Chopped nuts - I use almonds and pistachios. Use your favorite nuts or omit them.
• Unsweetened shredded coconut or coconut chips
• Raisins ~ either golden or dark.
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract and rose water.

I use an air fryer to make this dessert and it makes it very easy and convenient. But you can also make it an oven.

Instructions

For the detailed instructions on how to make the recipe with exact timings, check the printable recipe card below.

Here is how to make this easy om ali recipe:

Preheat oven or air fryer to 375°F. Chop croissants into bite size pieces and set aside.

In a small saucepan on medium heat, combine milk, condensed milk and bring the mixture to a boil. Turn off the heat and stir in vanilla extract and rosewater. Let cool for a couple of minutes.

In a small pan on medium-low heat, toast chopped nuts, coconut and raisins until lightly golden brown and fragrant.

Divide the chopped croissants between 4 individual ramekins (about 6~7oz.) or a medium size baking dish. Divide the milk mixture between the ramekins and pour evenly over the croissants. Top with the toasted nuts. Let the croissants soak up with milk for a few minutes.

While the croissants are soaking up the milk, combine heavy cream and confectioner's sugar in a medium size bowl. Whip the cream until soft peaks form, about 5~7 minutes. Evenly spread the whipped cream over the croissant mixture in the ramekins.

Bake for 20~25 minutes in the oven or 12~15 minutes in an air fryer or until the mixture is nice and bubbly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

You can broil for 1~2 minutes in the oven to get the nice crispy top. Air fryer does the magic without broiling.

Expert Tips

• Use slightly stale croissants to ensure that the pudding does not get too soggy after baking. Set them out overnight to dry before using in the recipe.
• You can also use puff pastry or phyllo pastry or store-bought palmiers or croissants.
• Either 2% or whole milk would work.
• Feel free to use your favorite chopped nuts. I use almonds and pistachios. Cashews, walnuts etc are all great.
• You can also skip the nuts.
• To whip heavy cream faster, place the bowl and whisk in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes. Also make sure to use chilled heavy cream.
• Um ali is great to serve hot from oven or at room temperature. If you have any leftovers, then store them in the fridge and reheat in the microwave before serving.
• Since this is a eggless bread pudding, you can very easily make umali vegan. Use non-dairy milk like oat or almond and non-dairy whipped cream & condensed like coconut and proceed with the recipe as written.

Frequently asked questions

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I love hearing from you!! If you’ve tried this and liked it, then don't forget to let me know. Give a star rating and let me know in the comments below. Also tag me in your creations on Instagram @cooks_hideout. I love sharing photos when people make my recipes. You can use the hashtag #cookshideout too.

Recipe Card