Creamy Classic Tapioca Pudding
Experience the nostalgia of a classic dessert with this rich and creamy tapioca pudding. Unlike traditional recipes that require beaten egg whites, this version delivers a dense and velvety texture that will melt in your mouth. Perfectly sweetened with sugar and enhanced with the aromatic essence of vanilla, this pudding is a comforting treat for any occasion. Whether you choose to use a luxurious vanilla bean or a dash of vanilla extract, the flavor remains undeniably delightful. Serve it warm for a cozy dessert or chill it for a refreshing cold treat—either way, it’s sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
milk
3 cups (divided (can use half fat-free milk and half fat-free half-and-half))
small pearl tapioca
1/3 cup (not instant)
egg
1 (lightly beaten)
salt
1/4 teaspoon
sugar
1/3 cup
vanilla bean
1 (split (or substitute with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract))
nutmeg
1 dash (optional)
cinnamon
1 dash (optional)
Instructions
1
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine 1 cup of milk with the tapioca pearls. Allow them to soak for at least 30 minutes to soften.
2
Once the soaking is complete, whisk in the beaten egg, salt, sugar, and the remaining milk. If using a vanilla bean, split it and scrape the seeds into the mixture, adding the pod as well. If opting for vanilla extract, set it aside to add later.
3
Place the saucepan over medium heat and gradually bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly for about 15 minutes. Make sure to keep the mixture moving to prevent scorching; if it burns, unfortunately, you'll need to start anew.
4
Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and continue stirring until the tapioca is fully cooked and the pudding has thickened. This process may take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes, so keep an eye on the tapioca: when it swells and turns mostly translucent, it's ready. Taste for doneness, adjusting the cooking time until it reaches your preferred level of chewiness.
5
When the pudding is done, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and any spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, if desired. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.
6
This pudding can be enjoyed warm for a comforting dessert or chilled for a refreshing treat. Indulge in the smooth, creamy goodness!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Classic Tapioca Pudding?
It is a rich and creamy dessert with a dense and velvety texture that uses small pearl tapioca, milk, and eggs.
What type of tapioca pearls should be used?
You should use 1/3 cup of small pearl tapioca that is not the instant variety.
Can I use instant tapioca for this recipe?
No, this recipe specifically calls for small pearl tapioca and notes it should not be instant.
How long do the tapioca pearls need to soak?
The pearls should soak in 1 cup of milk for at least 30 minutes to soften before cooking.
What kind of milk can I use?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of milk, and you can use a combination of half fat-free milk and half fat-free half-and-half.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe requires one lightly beaten egg.
Does this recipe require beating egg whites separately?
No, unlike some traditional recipes, this version does not require beaten egg whites, resulting in a denser texture.
How much sugar is added to the pudding?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of sugar for sweetening.
Can I use a real vanilla bean?
Yes, you can use one split vanilla bean, scraping the seeds into the mixture and adding the pod during cooking.
What is a good substitute for a vanilla bean?
You can substitute one vanilla bean with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
When should I add the vanilla extract?
If using extract, it should be stirred in after the pudding is removed from the heat.
Why must I stir the mixture constantly while heating?
Constant stirring is necessary to prevent the mixture from scorching or burning on the bottom of the pan.
How long does it take to bring the mixture to a boil?
It takes approximately 15 minutes of constant stirring over medium heat to reach a gentle boil.
How long should the pudding simmer?
The simmering process can take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes until the pearls are cooked and the pudding thickens.
How do I know when the tapioca is fully cooked?
The tapioca is ready when the pearls swell and become mostly translucent.
What should I do if the pudding burns?
If the mixture burns, the recipe indicates that you will unfortunately need to start over.
What spices can I add to the pudding?
You can add a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon at the end if desired.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is categorized with a vegetarian tag.
Can I serve this pudding warm?
Yes, it can be served warm for a cozy, comforting dessert experience.
Can I serve this pudding cold?
Yes, you can chill the pudding and serve it as a refreshing cold treat.
What type of saucepan is recommended?
A heavy-bottomed saucepan is recommended to help ensure even heating and prevent burning.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients: milk, small pearl tapioca, egg, salt, sugar, vanilla bean, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
What is the texture of this pudding like?
The pudding has a rich, dense, and velvety texture that is intended to melt in your mouth.
Is this considered an easy recipe?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as easy and home-cooked.
Is this a traditional dessert?
Yes, it is described as a classic, traditional comfort food.
How much total milk is used?
A total of 3 cups of milk is used in the recipe.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The primary flavors are sweet sugar and aromatic vanilla.
Do I keep the vanilla bean pod in the mixture while cooking?
Yes, you add both the scraped seeds and the pod to the mixture during the cooking process.
Can I adjust the chewiness of the pearls?
Yes, you can adjust the simmering time until the pearls reach your preferred level of chewiness.