Layali Lubnan (Lebanese Nights Dessert) – Recipe & Cooking Instructions

Layali Lubnan (Lebanese Nights Dessert) – Recipe & Cooking Instructions

Layali Lubnan, or "Lebanese Nights," is one of the most famous traditional desserts from Lebanese cuisine. This cold, creamy treat has spread to many Arab countries thanks to its delicious flavor, simple preparation, and nutritious ingredients like semolina, starch, sugar, and milk.

It’s often served at gatherings, especially during Ramadan, and can be adapted in different ways—such as omitting sugar and using syrup (qater) instead, and decorating with a variety of toppings.

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Ingredients for Layali Lubnan:

 

• 3 cups fresh liquid milk

• 5 tablespoons fine granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon orange blossom water (ma’ zaher)

• 1 tablespoon rose water (ma’ ward)

• 500 grams (½ kg) store-bought ashta (clotted cream)

• 1 tablespoon ground mastic (mastika) crushed with sugar

• ½ cup crushed pistachios for garnish

• 2 bananas, sliced into thin rounds

• ½ cup roasted pine nuts

• ¼ cup roasted almonds

For the syrup (qater):

• 6 cups sugar

• 3 cups water

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

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How to Prepare the Syrup:

In a large saucepan, mix the sugar and water thoroughly until the sugar dissolves. Place the pan over low heat and bring to a boil for about 10 minutes.

Once boiling, add the lemon juice and continue to simmer for another 15 minutes, until the syrup thickens.

Remove from heat, pour the syrup into a serving jug, and let it cool completely.

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How to Prepare Layali Lubnan:

In a deep saucepan, pour 2 cups of the milk and bring to a boil over medium heat.

In a separate small bowl, mix the remaining 1 cup of cold milk with the cornstarch until fully dissolved.

Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the boiling milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens into a pudding-like consistency, then remove from the heat.

Add the crushed mastic, rose water, and orange blossom water to the mixture. Stir well until fully combined and smooth.

Pour the mixture into a large serving dish and allow it to cool at room temperature.

Once cooled and set, spread the ashta (clotted cream) evenly on top using a spatula.

Decorate the surface with sliced bananas, crushed pistachios, roasted almonds, and roasted pine nuts as desired.

Place the dessert in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours to chill and fully set.

Before serving, slice the dessert into even portions, place on individual serving plates, and drizzle each piece with the prepared syrup.

Serve chilled, ideally alongside a cup of coffee.

Sahtein – Enjoy!