Whether you are hosting an intimate dinner with friends or simply indulging in a quiet weekend at home, few desserts capture the essence of comfort and heritage quite like Umm Ali.
This reimagined classic takes the traditional Egyptian bread pudding to sophisticated new heights by swapping standard pastry for buttery, store-bought croissants and ready-rolled puff pastry. The result is a multi-textural masterpiece: as the layers bake in a sweetened cream base, they soften into a rich, velvety custard while the tops achieve a beautiful, golden crispness.
In 2025, Chef Carmen Rueda Hernandez was named MENA’s Best Pastry Chef 2025 by the World's 50 Best. Speaking to us about this conceptual recipe and the elevating of this traditional and wholesome dessert, Chef Carmen of BRIX Journey said:
“Umm Ali is a dessert that carries memory, heritage and comfort in every spoonful. I wanted to reinterpret this beloved classic in a way that feels both elevated and effortless for home cooks. Using high-quality store-bought croissants and ready-rolled puff pastry allows you to recreate that signature flaky richness without complexity. As they bake in warm sweetened cream, the layers soften into a luscious custard while the top turns beautifully golden and crisp. This is a dessert designed for the centre of the table — generous, warm and meant to be shared. It is indulgent, nostalgic and wonderfully simple to prepare.”
Croissant Umm Ali
Designed to be shared, and placed at the centre of the table, this generous and nostalgic dish balances refined and rich flavours with wonderful simplicity. By allowing the pastry to soak overnight, you achieve a depth of texture that feels both elevated and deeply comforting. Finished with a cloud of softly whipped cream and a crunch of toasted pistachios and almond flakes, it is a celebratory dessert that invites everyone to lean in and enjoy a spoonful of tradition.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 300g or approximately 3–4 good-quality, store-bought, all-butter croissants, torn into large pieces
- 250g of store-bought, ready-rolled puff pastry, cut into medium squares (If puff pastry isn't available, simply use additional croissants - the results will be just as delicious!)
- 500ml of full cream milk
- 500ml of whipping cream
- 100g of fine sugar
- 200ml of whipping cream (and extra for serving)
- 2 tablespoons of toasted almond flakes
- 2 tablespoons of toasted pistachios, lightly crushed
Method
1. Prepare the cream base
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, cream and sugar. Bring gently to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat.
2. Assemble
Arrange the torn croissants (reserve the ends for garnish in the end) and puff pastry pieces in a generously sized baking dish.
3. Soak
Pour the hot cream mixture evenly over the pastries, gently pressing them down so they fully absorb the liquid. Allow to cool, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours — ideally overnight — to achieve a rich, custard-like texture.
4. Bake
Preheat the oven to 220°C. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and lightly crisp.
5. Final touch
The ends of the croissants (reserved earlier), arrange them over the top and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until crisp and warmed through.
6. Finish and serve
Whip the remaining cream to soft peaks. Serve warm, topped with whipped cream and finished with toasted almond flakes and pistachios.
BRIX Journey Desserts, Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, Al Urouba St, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dedicated exclusively to the art of the pastry, this dessert-only restaurant offers sophisticated set course menus that redefine the fine dining experience, beyond what you've tried before.
Book your dessert experience at BRIX Journey here
@brixjourney @chefcarmenrueda6
