What Lebanese dessert is made with layers of ashta cream, bananas, and pistachios?

The Lebanese dessert made with layers of ashta cream, bananas, and pistachios is Layali Lubnan. Also called “Lebanese nights” or Qashtalia, it is built around a chilled layer of semolina pudding scented with rose water and orange blossom water. A layer of qishta, the thick cream known locally as ashta, is spread over the pudding.

The dessert is usually finished with ground pistachios and a drizzle of qatir, a clear sugar syrup, or honey. Banana slices are a recognized variation, along with toppings such as whipped cream or rose petals. It is refrigerated before serving, giving it a soft, cool, custard-like texture rather than the crisp bite of baklava or knafeh.

Layali Lubnan is especially associated with Lebanese home cooking, holidays, and special occasions. The name’s exact origin is uncertain, and spellings vary, including Layali Libnan and Layali Lubnan. It is sometimes confused with Umm Ali, an Egyptian dessert made from baked or soaked pastry, milk, and nuts. Halawet el jibn is also different: it uses a rolled semolina-and-cheese dough rather than a layered pudding base.