Creamy, comforting, and delightfully nostalgic, this homemade tapioca pudding is a dessert masterpiece that blends simplicity with elegance. Made with small pearl tapioca, rich whole milk, and a hint of heavy cream, it achieves the perfect balance of smooth and chewy textures. Lightly sweetened with granulated sugar and finished with a touch of pure vanilla extract, this classic pudding is elevated by its silky custard base, created by tempering a single egg for added depth and creaminess. Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, this 30-minute recipe is a versatile treat that can be personalized with toppings like fresh fruit, cinnamon, or whipped cream. Perfect for a cozy dessert or a make-ahead dish, this tapioca pudding recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Place the tapioca pearls in a medium bowl and cover them with 1 cup of water. Let the tapioca soak for 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is warm but not boiling.
Stir in the soaked and drained tapioca pearls. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently, stirring frequently, for about 20-25 minutes, or until the tapioca pearls become soft and translucent.
In a small bowl, whisk the egg until smooth. Gradually add a few tablespoons of the hot milk mixture to the egg, whisking constantly to temper it and prevent curdling.
Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the tapioca, stirring constantly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the pudding thickens slightly. Do not allow it to boil.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the pudding to cool slightly before transferring it to a serving bowl or individual cups.
Serve the tapioca pudding warm or chilled. Optionally, garnish with fresh fruit, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Calories |
1466 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 60.4 g | 77% | |
| Saturated Fat | 34.6 g | 173% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 365 mg | 122% | |
| Sodium | 593 mg | 26% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 196.6 g | 71% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.1 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 94.6 g | ||
| Protein | 22.5 g | 45% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.4 mcg | 32% | |
| Calcium | 652 mg | 50% | |
| Iron | 2.8 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 816 mg | 17% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.