Classic Tapioca Pudding Recipe

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Classic Tapioca Pudding is a timeless dessert that evokes comfort and nostalgia. With its creamy custard base and chewy pearls, it delivers a unique texture that feels both indulgent and familiar. This recipe uses only five ingredients, yet it creates a dish that tastes rich, satisfying, and reminiscent of simpler times. The pudding is lightly sweetened, infused with vanilla, and thickened to perfection, making it a dessert that warms you from the inside out.

INGREDIENTS:

  • ½ cup small tapioca pearls
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

INSTRUCTION:

  1. Soak tapioca: Place tapioca pearls in a bowl and cover with water. Let soak for 30 minutes, then drain.
  2. Heat milk and pearls: In a saucepan, combine milk and soaked tapioca. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until pearls become translucent (about 15 minutes).
  3. Add sugar: Stir in sugar and continue cooking until dissolved.
  4. Temper eggs: In a small bowl, beat eggs. Slowly add a few spoonfuls of hot tapioca mixture to the eggs while whisking to prevent curdling.
  5. Combine and cook: Pour tempered eggs back into the saucepan. Cook gently, stirring constantly, until pudding thickens (5–7 minutes).
  6. Finish with vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
  7. Serve warm or chilled: Spoon into bowls and enjoy immediately for warmth, or refrigerate for a cool, creamy treat.

SERVINGS:

This recipe yields 4 servings, perfect for a family dessert or a few cozy bowls to enjoy over several days.

NOTE:

  • Texture tip: Stir constantly while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure pearls cook evenly.
  • Sweetness balance: Adjust sugar to taste; some prefer a lighter sweetness, while others enjoy a richer flavor.
  • Storage: Keep pudding in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover tightly to prevent a skin from forming.
  • Presentation: Serve with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon for added warmth.
  • Mindful preparation: Tempering eggs is key to achieving a smooth custard without lumps.
  • Serving ritual: Enjoy warm for a nostalgic, comforting experience, or chilled for a refreshing twist.

Final Thoughts

Classic Tapioca Pudding is more than just a dessert—it’s a memory in a bowl. With only five ingredients, it captures the essence of home cooking: simple, nourishing, and deeply satisfying. The chewy pearls suspended in creamy custard create a texture unlike any other, while the vanilla adds a gentle fragrance that makes each spoonful feel special.

This recipe embodies the warmth of tradition, reminding us of family kitchens, shared meals, and the joy of uncomplicated pleasures. Whether served warm on a cold evening or chilled on a sunny afternoon, tapioca pudding remains a timeless favorite that connects generations through flavor and comfort.

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