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Easy Tapioca Pudding — Creamy Old Fashioned

Tapioca Pudding

A creamy and cozy dessert made with small tapioca pearls, milk, egg, sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, perfect for a comforting treat.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup small pearl tapioca Soaked in milk for best results.
  • 2 cups milk Whole milk gives a creamier texture.
  • 1 large egg Beaten and tempered gradually.
  • 1/4 cup sugar Sweetens the pudding.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Add at the end for the best flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Soak the small pearl tapioca in 2 cups of milk for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Transfer the soaked tapioca and milk mixture to a pot over medium to medium-low heat. Stir often.
  3. Add sugar and salt, and stir until the sugar dissolves, maintaining gentle heat.
  4. In a small bowl, beat the egg and gradually add some hot milk mixture while whisking to temper the egg.
  5. Return the tempered egg mixture to the pot, stirring continuously and keeping the heat low.
  6. Cook until the pudding thickens slightly, stirring frequently. It should coat the back of a spoon.
  7. Turn off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  8. Let the pudding cool slightly, then refrigerate if you prefer it chilled.

Notes

For the best texture, soak the tapioca pearls and stir frequently during cooking. You can store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days. If the pudding thickens too much when cold, stir in a little milk before serving.