Description

Classic Homemade Tapioca Pudding is a creamy, comforting dessert featuring tender tapioca pearls simmered in whole milk and sweetened with sugar and vanilla. This easy-to-make pudding offers a nostalgic, velvety texture with a delightful chew, perfect served warm or chilled. Naturally gluten-free and customizable with variations like coconut milk or fruit additions, it brings cozy sweetness to your table with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1/3 cup small tapioca pearls
4 cups whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Soak the Tapioca Pearls: Begin by soaking the tapioca pearls in water for about 30 minutes to soften them slightly, which helps them cook evenly and prevents clumping.
Heat Milk and Tapioca: In a saucepan, combine the soaked tapioca and whole milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes just to a simmer and the pearls become translucent, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Temper and Add Eggs: Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl. Slowly add a ladle of the hot tapioca mixture to the eggs, whisking constantly to avoid scrambling. Pour the tempered eggs back into the saucepan, stirring continuously over low heat.
Sweeten and Flavor: Add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Continue cooking gently, stirring until the pudding thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 more minutes.
Cool and Serve: Remove the pudding from heat. Serve warm immediately or refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to enjoy chilled. Stir before serving for a silky smooth finish.

Notes

Patience matters: Cook the tapioca pearls low and slow to avoid toughness and clumping.
Constant stirring prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
Temper eggs carefully by gradually mixing hot liquid to avoid curdling.
Use whole milk for richest creaminess; lower fat milks will alter texture.
Soaking tapioca pearls is essential for consistent cooking and smooth texture.

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 220
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 85mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: tapioca pudding, homemade dessert, gluten free pudding, classic pudding, creamy pudding, nostalgic dessert