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Egypt · Dessert

Muhallabia (Egyptian Milk Pudding)

50 min
190 kcal
4 servings

By eatmundo · August 4, 2026

Muhallabia (Egyptian Milk Pudding)🇪🇬Jktab · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

9 matches

Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Muhallabia (Egyptian Milk Pudding). The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Same technique: Custard & pudding44 recipes from 18 countriesSee all 9 matches

A silky, fragrant milk pudding delicately flavored with mastic and orange blossom water. This refreshing dessert is a staple in every Egyptian home, especially during summer.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Muhallabia from another cuisine is Malabi (Lebanon): the two share 83% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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Adapt this recipe:
4 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Dissolve the cornstarch in a small amount of cold milk until no lumps remain.

  • 2

    In a saucepan, heat the remaining milk and sugar over medium heat.

  • 3

    Crush the mastic with a pinch of sugar using a mortar and pestle.

  • 4

    Add the mastic to the milk and stir constantly until the milk is hot but not boiling.

  • 5

    Slowly whisk the cornstarch mixture into the hot milk.

  • 6

    Keep stirring for 5 minutes until the pudding thickens to a custard-like consistency.

  • 7

    Remove from heat, stir in the orange blossom water, and pour into small bowls.

  • 8

    Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 2 hours before serving topped with pistachios.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Muhallabia?

Muhallabia is an Egyptian milk pudding thickened with cornstarch and flavored with mastic and orange blossom water. Often topped with pistachios, it is a chilled dessert commonly served during celebrations or as an everyday sweet finish to a meal.

What does mastic add?

Mastic adds a unique piney, cedar-like aroma that defines authentic Middle Eastern puddings.

Can I replace orange blossom water?

Rose water is the best alternative if you cannot find orange blossom water.

How do I prevent lumps?

Always mix the cornstarch in cold milk separately before adding it to the hot milk mixture.

How long does it last in the fridge?

It keeps well for up to 3 days if covered tightly with plastic wrap.

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