Tapioca Pudding

This is a twist on the old-fashioned tapioca pudding. It's rich and creamy with a hint of vanilla and a dash of cinnamon. With only a handful of ingredients, this pudding is an easy and delicious recipe! It's the perfect dessert or afternoon snack. Serve while still warm or prep for the week!

What are Tapioca Pearls?

Tapioca pearls are composed of a starch derived from Cassava root that is native to Brazil. They can be quite versatile; utilizing different flavor profiles, and of course, various dishes such as puddings and boba! Important to note that there are various sizes and textures of pearls. The most common are small pearls that are used to make tapioca pudding and large pearls that are used in boba and bubble drinks. There are also instant ‘minute’ pearls and uncooked pearls. In this instance, uncooked small pearls will be needed to yield the best texture and taste for this tapioca pudding recipe.

History and Significance

Originating in Brazil, Tapioca became a popular item due in part to the availability of cassava root, but also the affordability. Spread throughout Asia and Africa by the Portuguese, coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk were traditionally used with the essence of vanilla and/or cinnamon, however, as the popularity of this pudding grew, new variations were cultivated.

How to Make: Ingredients and Steps

Ingredients -

Small Tapioca Pearls: Small pearls are best to use to yield the perfect texture and consistency.

Unsweetened Cashew Milk: Any plant-based milk of your choice may be opted for. The creaminess of the cashew milk helps with the texture of the pudding and provides a neutral yet nutty undertone.

Eggs: Serve as the thickener in this recipe, and the yolks make the mixture rich and velvety.

Granular Sugar: The addition of the sugar is purely for taste preference and does not impact this recipe. Adjust according to preference, or use a sweetener of choice such as honey or maple syrup for a floral earthy flavor profile or if you prefer a liquid sugar-free sweetener, this will work just fine as well.

Vanilla Extract: No substitute.

Salt: A pinch to balance and enhance the flavors.

Whipped Cream (optional): For topping

Cinnamon (optional): sprinkle on top of pudding or on whipped cream

Steps -

1. In a medium-sized pot, add the cashew milk, salt, and sugar and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Add the tapioca pearls once it has begun simmering and reduce the heat to low. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the tapioca has softened - this will take about 45 to 50 minutes.

2. Whisk the eggs in a small bowl. This step requires tempering the eggs, which is just a fancy term for preventing the eggs from curdling by slowly heating them. Slowly add 1 cup of the tapioca mixture into the eggs while whisking to incorporate. Next, add the now tempered eggs to the pot and increase the heat to medium. Continue stirring until the tapioca pudding has thickened - this will take 6 to 10 minutes.

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Vegan Tapioca Pudding

1: 4-6

Danielle: Danielle

: 14 Min5 minutes: 14 Min

Ingredients

Vegan Tapioca Pudding

• 1/3 cup (58g) Tapioca Pearls, Small
• 4 cups (960mL) Cashew Milk, Unsweetened
• 2 servings (~96g total) Egg substitute, Liquid
• 2 tsp Liquid Sweetener
• 1 tsp Vanilla
• 1/8 tsp Salt
• Cinnamon, dash (topping)
• Vegan Whipped Cream (topping)

Instructions

1. Add the cashew milk, sweetener, and salt to a medium pot. Whisk to combine. Bring to a simmer and whisk occasionally for 1 hour.
2. The mixture should be 75 percent thicker at the 1-hour point. Add the egg substitute and 1/2 cup of the milk mixture in a bowl and mix to combine. Whisk egg mixture into the pot and place on medium heat. Whisk occasionally for 10 minutes and allow the mixture to thicken.
3. Remove from heat and add vanilla. At this point, you can add more sweetener if you desire to suit your preferences.
4. Evenly distribute the tapioca pudding into four serving dishes and place plastic wrap directly on the pudding to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Serve with vegan whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon -Enjoy!

Notes

Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/ivabalk-782511/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3162277">ivabalk</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3162277">Pixabay</a>

The nutritional content provided is just an estimate. Nutritional content may vary based on substitutions and additions you may have made or by brand.