🍮 Homemade Tapioca Pudding: A Creamy Classic Dessert
There’s something undeniably nostalgic about a bowl of Homemade Tapioca Pudding. Silky, sweet, and delicately textured with pearls of tapioca, this old-fashioned dessert has been warming hearts for generations. Whether served warm on a cool evening or chilled as a refreshing treat, tapioca pudding offers comfort in every spoonful.
If you’ve only had store-bought versions, you’re in for a surprise — homemade tapioca pudding is creamier, richer, and far more satisfying. It’s a timeless dessert that brings back memories of simpler times, yet still feels elegant enough for today’s table.
🥛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich and creamy texture: Perfectly balanced between silky and chewy.
Simple ingredients: Made with staples like milk, eggs, sugar, and tapioca pearls.
Customizable sweetness: Adjust the sugar or add your favorite flavors.
Comfort in a cup: Delicious warm or cold — it’s always soothing.
🍚 Ingredients
½ cup small pearl tapioca (not instant)
3 cups whole milk (or any milk of choice)
2 large eggs
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
👩‍🍳 Instructions
Soak the tapioca:
Place the tapioca pearls in a bowl and cover them with water. Let soak for about 30 minutes, then drain.
Heat the milk:
In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, soaked tapioca, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to thicken slightly and the tapioca becomes translucent — about 10–15 minutes.
Temper the eggs:
In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar. Slowly add a few spoonfuls of the hot tapioca mixture to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
Combine and cook:
Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and continue cooking over low heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the pudding thickens to your desired consistency.
Add flavor:
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Serve:
Enjoy warm for cozy comfort or chill for a cool, creamy treat. The pudding will thicken more as it cools.
🍯 Tips & Variations
Dairy-free option: Use coconut milk or almond milk for a lighter twist.
Flavor upgrades: Add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a splash of rum extract.
Fruit topping: Serve with fresh berries, mango, or caramelized bananas.
