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Mahalabia Vanilla Slice

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This Mahalabia Vanilla Slice is a Middle Eastern–inspired dessert featuring crisp puff pastry layered with thick, creamy vanilla milk pudding. Delicately flavored with rose water or orange blossom, it’s an elegant and easy make-ahead dessert ideal for entertaining.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 slices
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop and Baking
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 2 sheets ready-rolled puff pastry
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten (optional, for egg wash)
  • 4 cups full-cream milk
  • 3/4 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup cornflour
  • 2 tablespoons plain flour
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon rose water or orange blossom water
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons icing sugar (optional, for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (or 200°C if your oven runs cooler). Line two baking trays with parchment paper.
  2. Place puff pastry sheets on the trays and prick all over with a fork. Brush with egg wash if using.
  3. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden and puffed. Let cool completely. Set one sheet aside for the base; the other will be crumbled for the topping.
  4. In a large saucepan, whisk cold milk, sugar, cornflour, and plain flour until smooth with no lumps.
  5. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens into a pudding-like consistency. Cook for 1 more minute.
  6. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract, rose water or orange blossom water, and butter. Mix until butter is fully melted.
  7. Pour hot mahalabia over the puff pastry base. Spread evenly and smooth the top. Cool slightly, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set.
  8. Before serving, break the second puff pastry sheet into shards and place on top of the set pudding layer.
  9. Dust with icing sugar if desired. Slice carefully and serve chilled.

Notes

  • Infuse milk with a cinnamon stick or citrus zest for added flavor.
  • Reduce sugar slightly for a less sweet dessert (no more than 25%).
  • Use a sharp knife and clean between slices for neat presentation.
  • Chill overnight for best results and structure.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/mahalabia-vanilla-slice/