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Let me take you across the globe on a Middle Eastern adventure! Allow the Lebanese to capture your heart with an authentic Middle Eastern dessert: Aish El-Saraya-Rose Water Bread Pudding!
Aish El Saraya boasts a layer of tender, soaked toast bread that melts in your mouth, topped with creamy ashta and garnished with pistachios and toasted almond slivers for a delightful finish. Make it a showstopper for special occasions, and prepare to be the talk of the party!
Lebanese Rose Water Bread Pudding!
This dessert has always held a special place in our family’s sweet repertoire. Growing up, my mom would frequently whip it up, and let me tell you, she nailed it every time! With a few tweaks and an added touch of flair, I’ve infused her recipe with even more flavor. And rest assured, my mom wholeheartedly approves of my take on Aish El Saraya!
This Middle Eastern delicacy is a delightful blend of comforting sweetness, airy clotted cream (Ashta), and a generous dose of affection. Each creamy bite is like a journey through our ancestors’ cherished traditions, wrapped in the warmth of homemade goodness.
Table of Contents
What is Aish El Saraya?
Aish El Saraya is a Middle Eastern dessert mainly found in the Levantine. The name literally translates to “palace bread,” so it is a dessert fit for kings, you know? The syrup-soaked breadcrumbs, clotted cream, and various toppings make it a widely enjoyed dessert, especially during Ramadan!
One of the main ingredients of this pudding dish is rose water. It has a unique flavor, so describing it simply as sweet wouldn’t do it any justice. But I will say it loud and proud! It gives this special dish a depth that no other essence or syrup can.
Also, a powerhouse ingredient in this yummy dessert is Ashta! Also known as kashta, or clotted cream, it is a recurring theme in many of my desserts because it is super versatile in its uses and adds that dense creaminess that some desserts need.
Heavenly Bliss!
What Makes This Recipe Special?
Countless reasons make this recipe simply irresistible!
Made with love, this Aish El Saraya dessert is truly a showstopper. Perfect for family gatherings, holy occasions, and Eid celebrations. Don’t wait any longer—indulge in this heartwarming treat now!
Aish El Saraya is a refreshing delight, particularly enjoyed during the summer season.
With just a handful of ingredients—toast, cream, syrup, and pistachios—you can create this wonderful treat.
Infused with the delightful essence of orange blossom and rose water, it offers an irresistible flavor combination.
Aish El Saraya is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to dessert for any occasion.
Get creative with your decorations; the possibilities are endless! Experiment and customize to your heart’s content.
Variations
Although, according to my Instagram friends, this recipe is bound to steal hearts and taste buds all on its own, I do know a few variations that you might consider trying.
- Gluten-free: Make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the white bread for a smooth gluten-free bread.
- Fruity: Top Aish Al Saraya with fresh fruit slices such as strawberries, kiwi, or peaches for a refreshing twist.
- Chocolate: Drizzle chocolate sauce over the creamy topping or sprinkle chocolate shavings on top for a decadent chocolatey version.
Pro Tip
Adjust the syrup amount based on toast size; for thick toast, use more syrup. Optionally, layer two slices for a richer dessert.
Toast to Perfection: Aish El Saraya Magic
Tips for The Best Results
Consistency of Syrup: Ensure the syrup is not too thick or too thin. It should have a pourable consistency to evenly soak the toast without making it soggy.
Toast Thickness: Use toast slices that are neither too thin nor too thick. Opt for slices that can absorb the syrup well without becoming overly mushy.
Even Distribution: Drizzle the syrup evenly over the toast to ensure that each piece absorbs the sweetness uniformly.
Chilling Time: Allow the dessert to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and enhances the overall taste and texture.
Garnish Gracefully: Garnish with pistachios or other nuts in a visually appealing manner. This adds texture and visual interest to the dessert.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different flavorings, such as rose water, orange blossom water, or vanilla extract, to customize the taste according to your preference.
Storage
You can store Aish El Saraya in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
The pudding can last for 2–3 days if properly stored in the fridge.
You can use both. If you use thick bread, make sure you use enough syrup to fully coat the bread. If you use thin bread, then put a second layer on top to soak the syrup
I would recommend chilling the dessert for about four hours before serving. This would allow the flavors to properly sit in for your maximum enjoyment.
Serving Tip
Garnish with edible flowers like rose petals or lavender for a beautiful presentation.
Savor the Sweetness: Aish El Saraya Euphoria
Ingredients
- white toast
- sugar
- water
- rose water
- Galbani ricotta cheese
- whole milk or heavy cream
- corn starch
- cane sugar
(Scroll down for recipe details.)
Other Dessert Recipes You May Want To Try
- Middle Eastern Pancakes (Atayif)
- Lebanese Maamoul Cookies
- Halawet EL Riz- Rice and Cheese Cream
- Osmaliyi Dessert With Ashta
- Simple Syrup (Ater)
- Easy Knafeh With Mozzarella Cheese
- Low Carb Turmeric Cake-Sfoof
- Halawet El Riz-Rice And Cheese Cream
- Date Biscuit Nut Bars
- Ashtello-Panna Cotta
Aish El Saraya- Rose Water Bread Pudding
Ingredients
Bread Pudding Ingredients
- 10 slices white toast
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 cups water
- 3 tbsp rose water
Instructions
Bread Pudding Instructions
- Cut the edges around the toast. Lay the toast on a large baking sheet, then broil on both sides until golden brown. Remove then place in a 9×13 baking dish stacking them into 2 layers.
- Meanwhile, add the sugar to a medium-size pot. High heat and whisk until sugar has melted and browned into a caramel color.
- Remove the pot off of stove top. Move away from the pot and gently pour in 2 cups of room temperature water. The sugar will harden.
- Be careful while pouring and be sure to move back since the sugar will bubble. Add rosewater and place the pot back onto the stove top and whisk over high heat until the sugar has melted again
- Pour the sugar syrup over the layered toast making sure they are all soaked. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes, Then broil on low for 10.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Spread a thick layer of Ashta, and garnish with ground pistachios and toasted nuts.
This is amazing!!! My husband who doesn’t usually like dessert looks forward to this when I make it! It’s on the menu for Thanksgiving dessert this year! Perfect balance of sweetness. A Must try!
Eva! This is a wonderful dessert to make for Thanksgiving indeed! Thank you so much for letting me know how much you and your husband enjoy it!! ❤️
Easy to follow recipe. So yummy
So glad to hear that thank you for leaving a review!!
Recipe is very easy to follow and the taste is phenomenal!
Thank you Lara!! So happy to hear you enjoyed this dessert ❤️
Oh my God! I’ve made many 3aysh el saraya recipes before but this one has been my official go to. Yes it is worth it to caramelize the sugar! Love love love!
So happy to hear how much you enjoy this recipe!! And yes!! To caramelize makes a big difference:)
My friends came over today so i made this Aish El-Saraya recipe. Every one loved it! Thanks!
Yay! This is a favorite of mine!
Yummy!!! I loved everything about this pudding. This has been in my to-do list for a long time and I am glad i made it today.
Thanks a bunch