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Homemade Tapioca Pudding Recipe

Homemade Tapioca Pudding Recipe


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4.7 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 7 hours 27 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Classic homemade tapioca pudding delights dessert enthusiasts with its creamy texture and delicate sweetness. Pearl tapioca creates a silky custard that beckons you to savor each comforting spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 3 eggs (thoroughly beaten)
  • 1 1/2 cups (750 ml) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) large tapioca pearls
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Rinse tapioca pearls in cold water, draining completely to remove excess starch.
  2. Submerge pearls in fresh water, allowing them to soak for 7-8 hours or overnight at room temperature.
  3. Drain soaked pearls thoroughly, ensuring no excess liquid remains.
  4. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine milk and sugar, stirring until sugar begins to dissolve.
  5. Heat the milk mixture over medium heat, watching for small bubbles forming around the pan’s edges.
  6. Add drained tapioca pearls to the simmering milk, reducing heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
  7. Cook for 25 minutes, stirring frequently, until pearls become translucent and mixture thickens.
  8. Whisk eggs and remaining sugar in a separate bowl until smooth and well-combined.
  9. Slowly temper the egg mixture by gradually adding hot milk, 1/4 cup at a time, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
  10. Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan, stirring continuously.
  11. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the pudding reaches a creamy, thick consistency.
  12. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  13. Transfer pudding to a serving bowl, cover surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation.
  14. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until completely chilled and set before serving.

Notes

  • Rinse tapioca pearls thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring a smoother, less sticky pudding texture.
  • Soak pearls overnight for maximum softness and consistent cooking, preventing any hard or uncooked centers.
  • Temper eggs slowly by adding hot milk gradually to prevent scrambling, creating a silky, creamy consistency.
  • For dairy-free options, substitute whole milk with coconut milk or almond milk, maintaining the pudding’s rich, comforting flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 7 hours (or 8 hours)
  • Cook Time: 27 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 45 g
  • Sodium: 70 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg