Tapioca pudding is one of those comfort and nostalgic classic-tasting foods that conjures up happy childhood memories. It’s actually really easy to make and can be served warm or cold.
This deliciously sweet and satisfying pudding that will impress and delight even the most discerning palate.
And it’s even better when it’s homemade! Homemade Tapioca Pudding is a simple, creamy, delicious, gluten free timeless dessert, easier to make than you might think!
Tapioca makes the consistency of the pudding somewhat lumpy with small chewy balls mixed throughout. It is nothing short of marvellous. I simply love this texture. And breaking through tapioca pudding’s crispy caramelized top is pure bliss.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Tapioca pearl - NOT instant
- 400 ml Milk
- 1 can Sweetened condensed milk - or 300 ml milk + ½ cup sugar
- 200 ml Coconut milk
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract - extract or 1 halved vanilla pod
- 50 g Coconut - optional
- Sugar - optional to caramelize
Instacart is available in the US only at the moment.
Instructions
- Soak Tapioca pearl in Milk for 1 hour (or more: look at the instructions on the package of tapioca that you buy. Some tapioca pearl requires overnight soaking) until the pearls have absorbed the milk.
- Then add Sweetened condensed milk (or 300 ml milk + ½ cup sugar), Coconut milk, vanilla extract (or vanilla pod), and Coconut, if using.
- Turn on the heat to medium-high and stir while bringing to a bare simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, if using vanilla pod, remove it and and cook the tapioca in milk misture, until the tapioca pearls have plumped up and thickened. Stir occasionally so that the tapioca doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Usually 5-10 minuts, but depending on the type or brand of tapioca you are using and if you've presoaked the tapioca as some brands call for, this could take anywhere from 5 minutes to 30 minutes of cooking at a low temperature.
- Taste the sugar, if you find it necessary to add a little more, and if you think the cream is too thick, add a little bit of cold milk and mix well until reaching the desired consistency, remembering that after chilled, the cream becomes thicker. I left it as it is in the recipe.
- The pudding may be served either warm or chilled. If serving chilled, pour into individual serving dishes and refrigerated for at least 2 hours until cold.
- Optional: Just before serving (or up to 2 hours before serving), sprinkle sugar evenly over surface of desserts (about 1 tsp to 1-1/2 tsp) and using a mini torch (or by placing the ramekins directly under the broiler) heat until sugar melts and form a crispy top. Allow the it to sit for at least 5 minutes before serving.
- Another option is to serve topped with your favorite jam.
Notes
It is also delicious with fruit Juices (do not add coconut and coconut milk in this version and use sugar instead of condensed milk) such as Orange, grape... Lots to play around with.
What is Tapioca?
Tapioca is a starchy substance extracted from a cassava root, also known as yuca.Cassava (or yuca) root is often used to make a gluten-free flour or starch or made into small pearls that we call tapioca pearls. Tapioca is become a staple in many countries, but actually has zero nutritional value, and often just used as a thickening agent in many foods, like stews, gravy, and pie. But, it is also low in calories and has no sugar or gluten, which are all key advantages. In terms of flavour, tapioca tends to be mild, with a slightly sweet taste. This makes it a good complement to many different types of food and is another reason why you find tapioca flour used over and over again in recipes. The low calorie count also makes this an especially good flour for people who are trying to lose weight or simply decrease their calorie intake. It’s gluten-free. Because of this, it’s often ground into a flour and used as an alternative to wheat in gluten-free breads, helping replace the texture and moisture missing from the lack of gluten.
Tapioca pearl
Tapioca pearls production process turns cassava starch into hard, opaque pellets also used in food. Tapioca pearls come in all different sizes and brands; you can use any kind, adjusting the recipe depending on the package instructions. You can usually find tapioca pearl in the baking section of the grocery store, do not use instant tapioca.What is the difference between boxed minute tapioca and tapioca pearl?
Minute (or Instant) Tapioca, is a smaller grain than the pearls, which helps it cook faster, making it widely popular. Tapioca pearls, although varying in size, are still larger than the Instant version and usually require pre-soaking before being used in a recipe. And honestly, it’s worth the wait.Important: Propane gas torches are highly flammable and should be kept away from heat, open flame and prolonged exposure to sunlight. They should be used only in well-ventilated areas. Follow torch manufacturer's instructions for use.
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
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