Indulge in a classic dessert with my traditional tapioca pudding recipe. Made with simple ingredients and easy instructions, this creamy treat will become a family favorite in no time. It is a cinch to make and tastes so much better than store-bought.
So Creamy Tapioca Pudding
With just eight ingredients and a little patience, even the novice cook can master this creamy dessert dish. This is an all-time favorite family dessert that should always be homemade, at least in my opinion. The key to a great tapioca is soaking the pearls, vigilant stirring, and tempering the eggs.
There is nothing better than a creamy homemade pudding. If you don’t believe me, ask my husband. He will give you the whole lowdown. If you love this recipe, try rice pudding, banana pudding, and chocolate pudding are just a few of our favorites.
What is tapioca pudding?
It is a warm creamy pudding made from tapioca pearls, milk and cream, and eggs. Tapioca pearls are starch balls made from the root of the cassava plant. The pearls give it that unique texture that we are so familiar with.
Tapioca Pudding Ingredients
Recipe Tips
- Ensure you temper the eggs so you do not end up with curdled or scrambled eggs in your pudding.
- Do not add the vanilla until 1-2 minutes after you remove the pudding from the heat.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut or almond milk for the cow’s milk.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Enjoy warm, chilled, or at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Small pearl tapioca can be a little hard to find. Bob’s Red Mill has a non-GMO, paleo-friendly tapioca. Call around first or order from Amazon. Do not use instant tapioca.
Tapioca pudding freezes quite well, maintaining its original consistency and texture. To freeze, first cool thoroughly, then spoon the tapioca into a freezer-safe container and cover the top of the pudding with plastic wrap. Secure the lid and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the fridge. Do not refreeze.
After the pudding is cooked, continue stirring every couple of minutes to prevent a skin from forming, and place a piece of plastic wrap right on top of the pudding before chilling in the fridge.
More Dessert Recipes
Tapioca Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup small tapioca pearls
- 1 cup cool water
- 2 cups 2% milk or whole milk
- 1 cup half n half
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Soak the pearl tapioca in cool water for 30-40 minutes. Drain any unabsorbed water from the tapioca.
- Combine the tapioca, milk, half and half, and salt. Bring to a low simmer over medium heat stirring almost constantly. Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the sugar stirring constantly. Cook until the pearls are plumped and the pudding has slightly thickened, stirring constantly; approximately 5-7 minutes. Scrape the bottom of the pan.
- Remove the tapioca from the heat. Using a large spoon add 2-3 tablespoons of the hot tapioca mixture to the beaten eggs in a small bowl and whisk vigorously to combine. Do this several times to ensure that the beaten eggs warm.
- Return the pan to medium-low heat and slowly add the egg mixture. Cook (but do not boil) until thickened to pudding consistency stirring constantly; approximately 3-5 minutes. Scrap the bottom of the pan to prevent anything from burning.
- Remove from the heat. Wait 1-2 minutes and stir in the vanilla. Continue to stir frequently while it cools to prevent a skin from forming. Serve warm or cover with plastic wrap to further prevent a skin from forming.
Nutrition
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Mae H
My husband absolutely loves this tapioca pudding. He said it is the best he has ever had. Thanks for sharing your amazing recipe.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Mae! So glad that he loves the pudding!
Mel E
This was so good. It was super creamy and it tasted amazing. I love that it’s so easy to make and such a treat. Sometimes you just deserve a little treat.
Beth Pierce
I agree, Mel!
Harold R
I love puddings of all kind. They fulfill my soul. This tapioca pudding is my favorite. It is rich, smooth, and creamy. Life just does not get much better than this!
Beth Pierce
I agree, Harold!
Marie K
I had not had tapioca pudding since I was a kid. This was delicious and brought back such fond memories of my mother, brothers, and sisters. Thanks for the great recipe.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Marie! I am glad that you enjoyed it!
Mel W
I have been using this recipe for years. Ever since you first posted it. I love it and the grandkids do too! They just can not get enough of it.
Karen Sykes
Thank you so so much for the recipe, it was very easy to follow and so delicious. A good pudding is worths its weight in gold.
Beth Pierce
I agree, Karen!
Lisa Andrews
Tapioca pudding has always been my favorite. My aunt used to make it for us when we would spend the night at her house. Your recipe was jsut as good. I am going to share it with my sisters so they can appreciate a little time travel.
Beth Pierce
Food can be so nostalgic!
Norma L
What a creamy and delicious treat! I love this pudding… I enjoyed every single bite. I am looking forward to making it again real soon.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Norma!
Laura Dowd
This is one of my favorite sweet treats! I could make these every other week for the rest of my life. I love it that much!
Beth Pierce
I feel the same way, Laura!