Muhallebi Amardeen Pudding, also known as Muhallabia Qamar al-din Pudding or apricot pudding, is a classic Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dessert. This decadent pudding marries a silky smooth texture with a balance of sweet and tart apricot flavors. Every creamy spoonful is comforting and delicious, making it the perfect treat for Ramadan, Easter, and every occasion in between!
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What Is Muhallebi Amardeen Pudding?
Muhallebi goes by many names including Muhallabia and apricot pudding. However, no matter what it’s called, it is always a sweet Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dessert consisting of a combination of milk, sugar, cornstarch, and Amardeen (a type of dried apricot paste).
The mixture is cooked slowly over low heat until it thickens into a creamy pudding. Then, it is poured into serving bowls or cups and placed in the fridge to chill.
To serve, it is often topped with a variety of toppings such as chopped nuts like in this plain Mahalabia recipe, fresh fruit, or a dash of cinnamon. As a result, it features a unique balance of sweet and tart flavors with a silky smooth texture that makes it a favorite among those who have tried it.
Origins of Muhallebi
The exact origins of Muhallebi Amardeen Pudding are unknown. However, it is believed to have originated in the Levant region of the Middle East. Today, that portion of the world includes Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. Originally, the dessert was always made with dried apricots ground into a paste and mixed with water to form a thick liquid known as Amardeen.
Today, you will find countless versions of the dish all around the world. While many still contain the traditional thick apricot topping, they can also have additions like jam, fruit sauces, and toppings. No matter how it is prepared, it’s always delicious and is a staple during special occasions and holiday celebrations!
Why You’ll Love It
Muhallebi is a staple in our home during Ramadan, but we also love to make it for holiday celebrations and gatherings! Here are a few reasons why it’s so great:
- Just 4 ingredients are all you need.
- One batch makes enough to feed a crowd.
- The sweet and tangy flavors are unlike anything else.
- It’s easy to prepare in advance for a quick treat when you need something sweet.
What You’ll Need
One of the best things about Muhallebi Amardeen Pudding is that you only need a handful of simple ingredients!
Amardeen
- Amardeen – This is our favorite pre-made Amardeen. However, you can also make it on your own with a homemade apricot leather recipe!
- Water – Used to combine the ingredients and create a slurry.
- Sugar – Used to sweeten the Amardeen filling.
- Cornstarch – Combines with water and acts as a thickener for the apricot purée.
Muhallebi
- Whole Milk – Used to form the base of the pudding creating a rich flavor and silky texture.
- Cornstarch – Mixed with water and used to thicken the pudding.
- Heavy Whipping Cream – This helps make the pudding extra fluffy and creamy.
- Granulated Sugar – Helps sweeten the ingredients.
- Vanilla – Use vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste, or both to bring out the rest of the ingredients.
How to Make Muhallebi Amardeen Pudding
This Muhallebi Amardeen Pudding is a beautiful, vibrant dessert. Plus, it’s super easy to make! Here’s what to do:
For the Amardeen
- Soak. Slice the Amardeen, and submerge it in a bowl of water. Let it soak for at least 5-6 hours or up to overnight.
- Blend. Drain the water, and transfer the apricot leather to a high-speed blender or food processor. Pulse until a smooth purée is formed.
- Thicken. In a large pot over medium heat, combine the sugar and apricot purée. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk the cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Add the mixture to the pot, and bring the ingredients to a boil, stirring continuously. Reduce the heat to medium, and let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken.
- Chill. Pour the mixture into a container with a spout, and place it in the fridge to chill.
For the Muhallebi
We follow a traditional Muhallebi recipe for the base of the pudding. Here’s what to do:
- Form a Slurry. In a measuring cup, combine part of the milk and cornstarch, whisking until a slurry is formed.
- Combine. In a pot over medium-high heat, add all of the ingredients except the vanilla, stirring ot combine.
- Boil. Increase the heat to medium-high, bringing the mixture to a boil. Then, remove it from the heat, and stir in the vanilla.
- Chill. Divide the mixture into individual bowls, and place it in the fridge to chill
To Make Muhallebi Amardeen Pudding
- Layer. Portion the pudding into small goblets, and layer as much or as little of the Amardeen on top. We like to use a ratio of ¼ or ¾ Muhallebi or Amardeen. However, some prefer a 1:1 ratio of Amardeen and pudding while others enjoy just a sliver of apricot purée over their pudding.
- Refrigerate. Place the dessert in the fridge to chill, and enjoy!
Can You Make Muhallebi Ahead of Time?
Yes! We actually recommend making either version of this dessert at least 1-2 hours ahead of time so it has plenty of time to chill. However, if you want to prepare it in advance, it can be transferred to a sealable jar and stored in the fridge for 1-2 days.
How to Serve
Muhallebi Amardeen Pudding is enjoyed cold. No matter which version you choose, it’s plenty flavorful on its own. But you can never go wrong with extra toppings! Our favorites include unsweetened coconut flakes and chopped nuts like pistachios, almonds, or pecans. Edible rose petals and vermicelli noodles that have been toasted and coated in sugar are popular options, too!
More Middle Eastern Dessert Recipes
Looking for more scrumptious Middle Eastern treats? Here are some of our favorites!
- Coconut Rice Pudding
- Basbousa (Middle Eastern Semolina Cake)
- Atayef with Cream Cheese Filling (Ishta Filling)
- Easy Baklava
Muhallebi Amardeen Pudding
Ingredients
For the Amardeen
- 1 14-ounce package Amardeen (apricot fruit leather)
- 3 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 5 Tablespoons cornstarch + 1/2 cup water
For the Muhallebi
- 3 1/2 cups whole milk divided
- 5 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and/or vanilla bean paste
- Optional: coconut flakes and chopped nuts for garnish
Instructions
For the Amardeen:
- Slice the Amardeen into large pieces, and submerge them in a bowl of water for 5-6 hours or up to overnight.1 14-ounce package Amardeen (apricot fruit leather), 3 1/2 cups water
- Drain the water, and transfer the Amarden to a food processor. Pulse until a smooth purée is formed.
- In a large pot over medium heat, add the apricot purée and sugar. Stir to dissolve. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and water until smooth.1/2 cup sugar, 5 Tablespoons cornstarch + 1/2 cup water
- Pour the mixture into the pot with the apricot purée. Increase the heat, and bring the ingredients to a boil, stirring continuously. Stir for 1-2 minutes, and divide the mixture into small goblets.
For the Muhallebi:
- In a measuring cup, whisk ½ cup milk and the cornstarch until smooth.3 1/2 cups whole milk, 5 Tablespoons cornstarch
- In a pot over medium heat, add the remaining milk, heavy cream, cornstarch slurry, and sugar, mixing to combine.1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- Increase the heat to medium-high, bringing the mixture to a boil and whisking continually.
- Once the pudding thickens, remove it from the heat, and stir in the vanilla.2 teaspoons vanilla extract and/or vanilla bean paste
- Transfer the Muhallebi to small goblets or serving bowls. Spoon the chilled Amardeen on top.
- Chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours. Garnish with coconut flakes and nuts, if desired.Optional: coconut flakes and chopped nuts for garnish
- Store in the fridge for 1-2 days.
Equipment
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Forgot to add a rating with my review!
This recipe is so unique! The apricot really gives it a different sweet/slightly tangy flavor that meshes surprisingly well with the vanilla on the bottom. I ended up filling each cup about 3/4 the way with the muhallebi, which is essentially homemade vanilla pudding, and filling the remaining 1/4 with the amardeen apricot mixture. I followed the recipe as written, and both parts came out very well.
My only recommendation would be to strain everything. I wish I had strained the muhallebi before pouring it into the cups to refrigerate and set. The lumps were super small and not detectable when eating it, but my perfectionist self would have preferred it totally smooth. I also strained the amardeen after putting it through my food processer and right before I transferred it into the cups. One other thing is that when you pour the muhallebi (vanilla pudding) into a container/cup to refrigerate and set, if you do not put saran wrap on then a thickened skin will form on the top. It is totally fine to eat, and I should have known better than to refrigerate something that needed to set without putting saran (cling) wrap on, as I always do for things like lemon curd and creme brulee. *It is important that there is saran wrap coming into contact with the entire exposed surface of the muhallebi, it will not look very pretty but will prevent a skin from forming.
Loved the recipe and the unique combination of flavors!
Thank you for such detailed feedback, Mirabella! We truly appreciate it and are so glad you enjoyed the recipe. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa