Egyptian Bread Pudding: Om Ali

overhead image of a pan of yawmiyat om ali topped with coconut flakes

Om Ali, also known as Egyptian bread pudding, is a decadent dessert straight from the heart of Egypt. This classic recipe is made with bread or pastry pieces that have been soaked in a luxurious blend of sweetened milk and heavy cream before being baked to crisp, flaky deliciousness. Topped with toasted hazelnuts, coconut flakes, and raisins, it’s served warm and will have you licking your plate!

Origins of Om Ali?

Om Ali, sometimes also spelled Umm Ali, Um Ali, Oumm Ali, and Omali is essentially Egyptian bread pudding. When translated the name means Ali’s mother, really! The dessert can be traced all the way back to the 12th century, and the legend says that it is named after Sultan Ezz El Din Aybak’s wife.

There are countless stories as to how the dish got its name. For instance, some say that the sultan’s wife ordered cooks to make it for a holiday to celebrate the dynasty. Meanwhile, other food historians say that a random baker developed the recipe for the funeral of a Sultan after a coup.

No matter its origins, we are eternally grateful to whoever created the dessert! Take just one bite, and you’ll understand why!

cubes of croissants in a single layer in a baking dish

a sweetened milk and heavy cream mixture being poured over pieces of croissants in a round dish

Ingredients You’ll Need

Traditionally, Om Ali is composed of phyllo dough or puff pastry that is baked in sweet milk and topped with cream. However, for our version, we incorporate a slight twist by using croissants instead! Here’s everything you’ll need:

Croissants – Similar to phyllo dough or puff pastry, these are made with laminated dough and are extremely simple to work with. The more stale your bread the better because it will absorb more liquid! Or, feel free to use any kind of laminated dough or pastry you prefer.
Whole Milk and Heavy Cream – These are combined to create a rich, silky liquid used to coat the croissants.
Sugar – Regular granulated sugar helps sweeten the milk mixture.
Clotted Cream or Ashta – This is dolloped on top of the dessert for extra creaminess and a rich flavor.
Vanilla Extract – Used to enhance the sweetness of the dish.
Optional Toppings – Technically optional but highly recommended, we love to sprinkle shredded coconut, toasted hazelnuts, raisins, and almonds on top for extra texture and flavor.

close up image of baked yawmiyat om ali topped with shredded coconut flakes

How to Make Om Ali

Don’t be intimidated by its bakery-worthy appearance! Om Ali is simple to make.

Prepare the Croissants.Slice the stale croissants into pieces, and arrange them in an even layer in the bottom of a 2-quart deep baking dish or dutch oven.

Note: Let your croissants sit out at room temperature for 1-2 days before making this recipe. Or, pop them in the oven at 300° Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes to help dry them out.

Coat the Croissants. In a bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Pour the liquid over the croissants.
Dot. Dollop spoonfuls of the clotted cream on top of the coated croissants.
Bake. Place the baking dish in the oven until the dessert is bubbly and the croissants are golden brown on top.
Garnish. Sprinkle hazelnuts, almonds, raisins, and coconut flakes on top, and enjoy your om ali while it’s warm!

Add-Ins, and Variations

This Om Ali recipe is fairly simple, but you can easily experiment with different add-ins and variations to make the flavor your own! For example, some of our go-to options include:

Spices – Adding a sprinkle of a warm spice like cinnamon or cardamom on top before baking helps elevate the flavor making it even more cozy and comforting.
Fruit – For extra texture and more flavor, feel free to mix chopped or dried fruit like apples, pears, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries into the mixture.
Chocolate – Everything tastes better with chocolate, right? Sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Or, add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or from-scratch Nutella to make this dessert extra decadent.
Honey – Add a drizzle on top for the reliable touch of extra sweetness.
Ice Cream – The standout go-to for any bread pudding-like recipe, you can never go wrong with a good scoop of your go-to ice cream!

a dutch oven of yawmiyat om ali with a serving missing

Storage Options

Om Ali tends to disappear fast and is finest served right away while it’s still warm and the bread is crisp!

To Store: On the rare chance that you have leftovers, let them cool completely. Then, transfer them to an airtight container, and store them in the fridge for 3-5 days.

To Reheat: You can easily reheat individual servings for 1-2 minutes in the microwave. Or, place the whole baking dish back in the oven until it is heated through. For the finest results, we recommend placing the dish under the broiler for the last minute or two to help the brad crisp back up!

Common Questions about Egyptian Bread Pudding(Om Ali)

Is there a vegan version of Om Ali?

Yes, you can make a vegan Om Ali by using plant-based milk (like almond or coconut milk) and opting for vegan puff pastry or bread. Substitute traditional cream with coconut cream to maintain the dessert’s rich texture.

Can I add spices to Om Ali?

Absolutely! Adding spices like cinnamon or cardamom can add memorable warm flavor to the bread pudding!

Is Om Ali served hot or cold?

Om Ali is traditionally served warm, straight from the oven but it can also be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled!

Can I use different types of bread for Om Ali?

Absolutely! While we like to use croissants, many traditional recipes use puff pastry. You can also use toasted bread if you prefer!

overhead image of a pot of yawmiyat om ali topped with coconut flakes with a spoon sticking out and a serving missing

More Bread Pudding-Inspired Desserts

If you fell in love with the decadence of this Om Ali recipe, you won’t want to miss out on more of our go-to bread pudding-inspired recipes!

the Ayyem kitchenServings: 12 servings

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 15 mins
Total: 25 mins

A classic Egyptian recipe, Om Ali is a rich, flakey bread pudding-inspired dessert that's full of flavor and simple to make! Email

Ingredients

6 large stale croissants cubed*
3 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
5 Tablespoons clotted cream or ashta
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Optional Toppings: 1/2 cup toasted coconut flakes hazelnuts, raisins, almonds

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a 2-quart deep baking dish, arrange the stale croissants in a single layer.6 large stale croissants
In a bowl, whisk the milk, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Pour the mixture over the croissants.3 1/2 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 2/3 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Dollop the clotted cream across the top.5 Tablespoons clotted cream or ashta
Bake 15-20 minutes or until the liquid is bubbly and the bread is golden brown on top.
Garnish with toasted coconut flakes, hazelnuts, raisins, and almonds, if desired. Serve warm.Optional Toppings: 1/2 cup toasted coconut flakes
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.

Notes

*For the finest results, leave your croissants on the counter for 1-2 days before baking to allow them to dry out. Or, lace them in the oven at 300° Fahrenheit for 12-15 or until dry. Be careful not to let them burn! Nutrition information does not include optional toppings.