Tapioca Pudding Recipe for Homemade Dessert
Tapioca pudding is a classic dessert that never fails to delight with its comforting texture and subtly sweet flavor. Made with simple ingredients like tapioca pearls, milk, eggs, and sugar, this pudding is a timeless treat that brings a touch of nostalgia to any table. The process of soaking the tapioca pearls in milk before cooking allows them to absorb the creamy liquid, resulting in a pudding that is creamy yet slightly chewy. The addition of eggs gives the pudding a rich, custard-like consistency, while the vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic flavor. Whether enjoyed as a comforting dessert on a cold evening or as a sweet treat any time of day, tapioca pudding is sure to satisfy your cravings for something sweet and comforting.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup small pearl tapioca
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Soak Tapioca: In a medium saucepan, soak the tapioca in the milk for 30 minutes. After soaking, add the salt.
- Cook Tapioca: Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring often, until the tapioca pearls are almost completely translucent (about 30 minutes).
- Whisk Eggs and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until well combined.
- Temper Eggs: Slowly pour 1 cup of the hot tapioca mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining tapioca mixture, stirring constantly.
- Thicken Pudding: Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the pudding thickens (about 5-10 minutes). Do not let it boil.
- Add Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Chill: Transfer the pudding to a bowl and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Serve: Serve chilled, sprinkled with ground cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.
