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Egyptian Bread Pudding Recipe

4.9 from 149 reviews

Egyptian Bread Pudding is a delightful dessert featuring flaky puff pastry layered with a mix of nuts, coconut, and raisins, soaked in a sweetened milk mixture, topped with luxurious whipped cream and a caramelized brown sugar crust. This baked pudding combines crunchy, creamy, and sweet textures for an indulgent treat inspired by Egyptian flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry and Nut Mixture

  • 1 pound package puff pastry (thawed overnight in refrigerator if frozen)
  • 1/2 cup roughly chopped hazelnuts
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/2 cup roughly chopped pistachios
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup raisins (any color)

Milk Mixture

  • 2 cups whole milk (or plant-based alternative)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400°F. Line a 13×18×1-inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for the puff pastry.
  2. Bake the Puff Pastry: Lay the puff pastry on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until puffed and lightly golden brown. Remove and let cool briefly. Switch the oven to broil setting but keep it on.
  3. Assemble the Base: Tear the puff pastry into pieces. Place about three-fourths of these pieces in the bottom of a 9×13×2-inch baking dish, creating an even layer.
  4. Add Nuts and Fruit: Evenly sprinkle the chopped hazelnuts, sliced almonds, pistachios, shredded coconut, and raisins over the pastry layer.
  5. Prepare and Add Sweetened Milk: In a medium saucepan, combine milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium-high, stirring until sugar dissolves and mixture simmers (about 3 minutes). Pour this hot milk mixture evenly over the pastry and nuts in the baking dish. Then, arrange the remaining puff pastry pieces on top and gently press down with the back of a spoon to compact the layers.
  6. Make Whipped Cream Topping: Using an electric hand mixer on medium speed, whip the heavy cream in a medium bowl until stiff peaks form, about 5 to 7 minutes. Spread this whipped cream evenly over the puff pastry layer in the baking dish.
  7. Sprinkle Brown Sugar: Sprinkle the tablespoon of dark brown sugar evenly over the whipped cream to create a caramelizing topping.
  8. Broil to Finish: Place the baking dish on the center oven rack. Broil for 3 to 6 minutes, watching carefully, until the top turns a golden brown color and develops a nice crust.
  9. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pudding sit for a few minutes to set. Serve warm in bowls, noting that some liquid will be present from the soaked pastry.

Notes

  • Ensure puff pastry is thoroughly thawed for best puffing during baking.
  • You can substitute whole milk with any plant-based milk like almond or oat for a dairy-free option.
  • Watch the pudding carefully during broiling to prevent burning the brown sugar topping.
  • This dessert is best enjoyed warm but can be refrigerated and gently reheated before serving.
  • The water content in the milk mixture implies some liquid separation; serve carefully to include some of that flavorful syrup.

Keywords: Egyptian bread pudding, puff pastry dessert, nutty bread pudding, Middle Eastern dessert, baked pudding recipe, nut and raisin pudding