This Homemade Tapioca Pudding balances hearty flavor with a straightforward process, so you get a reliable, delicious result every time.
Homemade Tapioca Pudding captures the essence of desserts|puddings & mousses while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Homemade Tapioca Pudding becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
½ cup small pearl tapioca
4 cups milk, whole or 2%
¾ cup white sugar
3 eggs
¾ cup white sugar, additional
1 teaspoon vanilla
How To Make Homemade Tapioca Pudding
Rinse tapioca pearls and then pour into a small bowl and cover with water. Let soak 45-60 minutes.
Add milk and first ¾ cup of sugar to a large saucepan. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once small bubbles form, add the tapioca pearls and reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently and cook for 15-20 more minutes or until pearls become translucent.
As pearls cook, beat together the eggs and remaining ¾ cup sugar in a medium size bowl.
Slowly pour a stream of the hot mixture into the eggs about a ⅓ cup at a time, stirring constantly. Continue until half the hot mixture has been beaten into the eggs.
Slowly pour the contents of the egg bowl back into the saucepan, continuously stirring.
Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes or until the pudding starts to thicken (it will continue to thicken as it cools as well).
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Transfer to serving dishes and chill until serving.#TapiocaPudding
PREPARATION STEPS
Add milk and first ¾ cup of sugar to a large saucepan
Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat
Once small bubbles form, add the tapioca pearls and reduce heat to a gentle simmer
Stir frequently and cook for 15-20 more minutes or until pearls become translucent.
Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes or until the pudding starts to thicken (it will continue to thicken as it cools as well).
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 55 min | Servings: 12 | Calories: ~320 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Coffee; Tea; Vanilla ice cream; Fresh berries
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.