Here’s a complete guide to making Tapioca Pudding—a creamy, comforting dessert that’s easy to make from scratch.
1. Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- ½ cup small pearl tapioca
- 2 ½ cups whole milk (or any milk of choice)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg, or ¼ cup raisins
2. Instructions
Step 1: Soak Tapioca
- Soak tapioca pearls in ½ cup water for 30 minutes.
- Drain any excess water.
Soaking helps them cook evenly and prevents clumping.
Step 2: Heat Milk
- In a medium saucepan, combine milk and salt.
- Heat over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling.
Step 3: Cook Tapioca
- Add soaked tapioca to warm milk.
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, for about 15–20 minutes, until pearls turn translucent and the mixture thickens slightly.
Step 4: Temper Eggs
- In a small bowl, beat eggs with sugar.
- Slowly add ½ cup of the hot milk mixture to the eggs while whisking (this prevents curdling).
- Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining tapioca.
Step 5: Thicken Pudding
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, for another 5–10 minutes until creamy and slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Step 6: Chill or Serve Warm
- Serve warm, or transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 1–2 hours for a chilled version.
- Optional toppings: a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of caramel.
Tips & Variations
- Creamier pudding: Replace ½ cup of milk with heavy cream.
- Coconut tapioca pudding: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk for tropical flavor.
- Sugar alternatives: Honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup can be used instead of sugar.
- Mini pearls vs. large pearls: Mini pearls cook faster and give a smoother texture.
💡 Fun fact: Tapioca pudding has been enjoyed for centuries as a comforting, easy-to-digest dessert. The translucent pearls are made from the starch of the cassava root.
If you want, I can also give a microwave or one-pot version of tapioca pudding that’s ready in under 20 minutes with minimal stirring.
Do you want me to do that?
