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!
Suzanne Davis
This blog post invited me to indulge in the comfort of a classic dessert – tapioca pudding! With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe delivered a delightful taste and a warm heart. Here’s to creating cherished memories and savoring the simple pleasures of homemade goodness! Cheers!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Suzanne!
Meloday
This tapioca pudding is as good as I remember my grandmas. Creamy and rich and so yummy! Thanks for the detailed directions and the great recipe. It was like a little time travel.
Beth Pierce
Food can bring back such wonderful memories!
Shannon Davis
I had not had tapioca pudding since I was a child, this instantly took me back. It is a classic. It was easy to prepare and even better to eat. Thanks for the recipe, Beth.
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Shannon!
Yvette
This is a very warming and tasty pudding. I really like the texture that the tapioca adds to the pudding, it tastes like a creamy rice pudding but with an added dimension.
Beth Pierce
I think it is a little creamier than a rice pudding. It is quite delicious!
Jenna H
Thanks for an awesome tapioca recipe. I struggle so much with tempering eggs – so the tips were so helpful. It turned out creamy and delicious and I will use your recipe from now on.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Jenna! I am glad that you enjoy it!
Collette
I am ready to try this recipe. Many years ago, I tested a tapioca recipe, but it literally took hours to make it. Your recipe looks quick and easy. The time for a tapioca pudding has come!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Collette! Enjoy!
Tish Roberts
Thanks for the great tapioca recipe, it always reminds me of home and family get togethers! It was rich and creamy! The kids and hubby loved it!
Mackenzie
Delicious with the best texture ever! We just love It!
Shelby
I could eat this dessert anytime of the day! It was so good and I can’t believe how easy it is to make!
Beth Pierce
Me too!
Brielle M
I loved making homemade tapioca pudding! It was simple to prepare and turned deliciously creamy.! Can’t wait to make it again!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Brielle! We love it too!
Kamilia R
This pudding brought back happy memories and has become one of my favorite desserts. I’m looking forward to making it again and trying new twists on it!
Emma Wright
So yummy! So creamy and just as good as I remember my grandmothers. Can’t wait to make this again!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Emma!
Gigi
I love making classics like this – all the nostalgia just comes flooding back!
Beth Pierce
Food can be so nostalgic!
Jack B
This was a delicious pudding, first time making it. It was easy to make. Thank you for sharing!
Monica
Your tapioca pudding recipe was a game-changer! Super easy, even for a non-cook like me. Didn’t make it myself, but the instructions were so clear that my friend nailed it. Thanks a bunch!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Monica! I am so glad that you and your fried enjoyed it!
Noel
Tapioca is my favorite. My great aunt used to make it for us when we were kids. Your recipe brought back lots of great memories and it was just as delicious as I remember it. Thanks for the blast from the past.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Noel! Food can be so nostalgic!
Marysa
I haven’t had tapioca pudding since I was a child. This brings back memories! I would love to make this especially with the nostalgic feelings it gives me.
Lisa
This tapioca recipe is easy and delicious. I never knew that it was this easy to make. Thanks for all the great tips.
Rich D
This is the best tapioca pudding I have very had. It was creammy and flavorful like my Aunts. I swear I could eat this everyday for the rest of my life. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Rich! So glad that you liked it!
Stephanie
I love tapioca pudding, and so does my family! I’ve have always wanted to make it at home before but never tried it. It’s the perfect texture and so much cheaper than buying the little containers (and having all of that waste). Thanks for the great recipe. I will make it again.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Stephanie! So glad that you love the tapioca pudding!
Isabellita Pabalan
Absolutely love your homemade tapioca pudding! A family favorite indeed!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Isabellita!
Deborah
After having tried multiple tapioca recipes and every one of them being watery, this recipe hit it exactly right! I followed the instructions very carefully and was thrilled with the results. Somehow, I’ve always brought the tapioca to a boil and that may have caused it to separate. Not this time! It was creamy, soft not watery, and positively delicious.
Thank you SO much for a wonderful recipe. After too many failed attempts, I now can make a great tapioca pudding!
Beth Pierce
That is awesome! The pleasure is all mine. I love love love tapioca!
Estella DeLosh
i will try this,i make the box kind but leave out the vanilla as im diabetic an it taste great thanks
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Estella! Enjoy!
Rita Kelley
I’ve had this with the addition of nuts, berries, fruit, and nuts. Delicious!
Beth Pierce
I could not agree more, Rita!
Casey Milner
Question: is Kraft Minute tapioca the same as the tapioca pearls? Would love to make this
Beth Pierce
No, it is not. It is partially cooked and granulated pearls.
Debbie
Can you substitute the sugar with Stiva or use less sugar
Beth Pierce
Sorry Debbie, I have not tried. Perhaps one of the readers will know.
Rosalie
Can I use almond or cashew milk?
Beth Pierce
Not sure. I have never tried Maybe one of the readers will know.
Tammy
I love this tapioca recipe. It was absolutely delicious and so flavorful! A perfectly easy dessert when you’re want something in a pinch. I could not find the right tapioca pearls so I ordered them on Amazon.
Rhian westbury
My family and I really loved this tapioca recipe. It was so creamy that it reminded me of my Grandma’s pudding. Thanks for the great recipe.
Melissa Cushing
This was so delicious! My husband just loves this recipe. Now he wants me to make this again.
Natasha Mairs
I can’t believe I have only just realised that Tapioca isn’t the same as rice pudding. All these years I thought they were the same thing. But I do love rice pudding so will now have to give this a try
Beth Pierce
Thanks Natasha! Enjoy!
Paula Richie
Oh, we haven’t had tapioca in a least a decade. So hard to find good-tasting ones.
JSR_SDCA
This came out… a 👏🏽 ma 👏🏽 zing 👏🏽! I used a heaping half cup of tapioca with 1c and a little extra water, and it came out exactly as thick as I like it. Will be making this often from now.on. Thanks!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much! So glad that you liked it!
carolyn
where can you buy tapioca pearl small or large ?
Beth Pierce
I purchase it at the grocery store. They also sell it on Amazon.
Clark
My favorite classic and gluten free treat ! I serve it warm and creamy and refrigerate the rest. Great recipe.
Marilyn
I love tapioca pudding. Can it be made using Almond milk and no calorie sweetener?
Beth Pierce
I am not sure. Maybe one of the readers will know.
PJ
Yes Marilyn you can use almond milk. Add unsweetened almond milk coffee creamer as a substitute for half and half. Low calorie sweeteners can take strange when heated to the temperature needed to thicken. Add it once the pudding has cooled.
Melissa
Can you use heavy whipping cream instead of half & half?
Beth Pierce
Yes you can.
Kathy
I haven’t had tapioca pudding in so long. I think it’s really good too. I will definitely have to make this soon.
Tara
I grew up on tapioca pudding. My mom made this pudding about once week.
Anjali
Tapioca pudding is one of my favorite classic easy desserts! Your version turned out great! It was super creamy sweet and delicious!
Kushigalu
Love tapioca and this pudding looks so creamy and delicious. Thanks for sharing.
Kristen Wood
This was so easy and delicious! Thank you!!
Sara
I have always been a fan of tapioca pudding, and this recipe was no exception! So creamy and delicious and way better than any store bought version, indeed!
Blair
Best recipe! My family loved it.
Patty
Tapioca is my son’s favorite dessert and I cannot wait to make this for his birthday this Saturday! He’ll be tickled to pieces 🙂
Seema
We cook tapioca pearls in Asian / Indian recipes. This sounds so creamy and with a custard flavour to the pudding so I will for sure try it.
Jessie
This turned out so amazing!! Everyone loved it. Such an easy recipe to follow.
Ada
Me nd my kids loves this tapioca pudding, SO addicting!
Alex
I’ve never had homemade tapioca pudding, but I can imagine that it’s so much better than any of the versions I’ve tried pre-made! You have some great tips here for making sure it turns out well too.
Carrie Robinson
I haven’t had tapioca in forever, but it used to be one of my favorite puddings! 🙂 I will have to try your recipe soon.
Kechi
I made this last weekend and it was so good! Thanks so much for sharing!
Jac
Love creamy puddings and this recipe looks so easy. Saving for later when I can source some tapioca. I have been looking for a while but its not that easy to find in Scotland sadly.
Beti
This was SO GOOD! Everyone loved it!
katerina @ diethood.com
I love tapioca pudding! This looks incredibly delicious!! Can’t wait to give it a try!
Erin
This Tapioca Pudding looks so perfect! Definitely a must try!
Toni
This is really good! I love that it is really easy to make!
Catalina
This pudding looks very inviting! I would like to wake up with this.
Zeo
I’ve always loved tapioca pudding, but this recipe takes it to a new level! Awesome! I WILL be make this very soon!
(btw, any thoughts on folding whipped egg whites into cooked mixture?)
Erik
Never knew how easy it was to make your own tapioca pudding. Thanks for sharing!
Amanda
This was fantastic and I could not get enough!
Sarah
I never was a fan of tapioca pudding– this recipe has changed my mind.
Tara
Oh yum! I love that creamy texture! So much better homemade. Looks amazing with the blueberries and mint on top.
Amanda Dixon
I always love a good homemade pudding, and this one looks fabulous! That creamy texture just looks incredible. Whipping up a batch ASAP!
Anjali
This simple dessert was so easy to make but was the perfect end to our dinner yesterday! It was creamy and sweet!
maryanne
I love tapioca pudding and it’s so hard to find these days! My whole family will love this!
Rika
I love everything about this recipe! It’s so creamy, so comforting! It’s my go-to dessert on a busy night.