Umm Ali is a traditional dessert that originated in Egypt and popularized throughout the Middle East. This recipe is my Vegan twist on the original recipe.
What is Umm Ali?
Umm Ali is sometimes referred to as “Om Ali” as well, it is a bread pudding that typically includes a form of pastry (puff pastry, bread, or croissant) milk, sugar, and a mix of nuts, raisins, and desiccated coconut.
Umm Ali in Arabic means “Ali’s Mother”, and if you are wondering who Ali’s mother is, that story goes back 700 years. During the early years of Egypt’s Mamluk era.
Umm Ali was the second wife of the Sultan Izz al-Din Aybak and the mother for his son Ali. The Sultan’s first wife was Shajar al – dur, who plotted the murder of Aybak. Ultimately Shajar al-dur was killed by Umm Ali as a revenge. To celebrate Shajar al-dur death, a dessert was prepared and distributed all over Egypt and was named Umm Ali.
I first came to know Umm Ali, when we moved to the UAE, It is very popular around here especially during the month of Ramadan.
I learned how to make it when I was in high school, it is one of the easiest Arabic desserts that anyone can make.
Today’s recipe is my Vegan twist on the original Umm Ali recipe.
What ingredients you need to make the recipe?
- Vegan Croissant: The recipe can be done with Vegan Puff pastry or bread as well, but its much easier and taste incredibly delicious with croissants.
- Barista Oat milk: I’ve found that the barista oat milk works best for this recipe, it has a thick consistency than other plant-based milk varieties. Specifically, I use the Oatly barista oat milk brand , it is by far the best oat barista milk in the market in my humble Vegan opinion!
- Plant-based double cream: I used this twice, added some to the milk to thicken it more, and the rest of the cream was whipped to add at the top of the dessert before popping in the oven.
- Brown sugar: White sugar can be used instead.
- Cinnamon: its optional but recommended
- Desiccated coconut
- Vanilla extract
- Mixed nut : You can add any nuts you like/prefer. For this recipe the following was used:
- Toasted hazelnut
- Almond flakes
- Pistashios
- Traditionally raisins are used as well, but I like mine without raisins.
How to make Umm Ali the Vegan way?
- Cut the vegan Croissant into bite sizes
- Place them in baking sheet and pop it in the oven to bake, until golden crispy.
- Add sugar, milk, and cream to a pan and bring to a light simmer. Add cinnamon and vanilla extract. Mix everything together till the sugar is dissolved.
- To a baking dish add the baked croissant and your choice of nuts and coconut.
- Pour the hot milk mixture on top.
- Add the whipped cream to cover the top
- Pop in the oven and bake. Sprinkle more nuts and coconut on the top after baking
How to serve it ?
Can be served either hot or cold, but preferably hot straight from the oven.
How to store it ?
Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Can be eaten cold or heat it in the oven. The longer it sits the soggier the croissant will get but still taste delicious!
Recommended Vegan recipes to try :
Vegan Umm Ali Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Vegan croissants Big
- 1 L Oatly barista oat milk
- 250 g Vegan double cream
- 120 g brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon powder optional
- ¼ cup desiccated coconut
- ¼ cup toasted hazelnuts chopped
- ¼ cup sliced almond
- ¼ cup pistachios chopped
Instructions
- Cut croissants into bite-size pieces, and layer them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Pop in the oven to bake for 10 minutes till golden and crispy.
- Add the sugar, milk, and ¼ cup of the double cream to a pan on medium heat and stir. Let it reach a gentle simmer. Add vanilla extract and cinnamon, mix till the sugar is dissolved, and turn the heat off.
- Using the hand mixer whip the double cream to a thick consistency, and set aside.
- Transfer the baked croissant to a baking dish or ramekins, add chopped nuts, and coconut and start pouring the milk mixture and spread it evenly on the croissants, they will start soaking up the milk slowly.
- Add the whipped cream and coat the croissants. Pop it in the oven to bake for 10 minutes.
- Take it out from the oven, top it with more mixed nuts and coconut. Serve and enjoy.
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