Imagine a creamy, luxurious dessert that combines the nostalgic warmth of classic pudding with an exotic twist of aromatic spices. This Two Spice Vanilla Tapioca Pudding is not just a dessert—it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a magical, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Whether you're a dessert enthusiast or a curious home cook, this recipe promises to elevate your sweet treat game with its perfect balance of vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup small tapioca pearls
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Begin by measuring out 1/2 cup of small tapioca pearls and rinsing them under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. This will help remove any excess starch and prevent the pearls from clumping together during cooking.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rinsed tapioca pearls with 2 cups of milk. Make sure to use a saucepan that is large enough to allow the mixture to bubble without overflowing.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture gently to combine. As the milk heats up, the tapioca pearls will begin to absorb the liquid.
- Once the milk starts to heat, add a pinch of salt to the mixture. This will enhance the flavor of the pudding.
- Continue to cook the tapioca mixture, stirring frequently to prevent the pearls from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, which should take about 10 minutes.
- Once the mixture is simmering, reduce the heat to low and add 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Stir well to ensure that all the ingredients are fully combined and the sugar has dissolved.
- Continue to cook the pudding on low heat for an additional 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tapioca pearls should become translucent and tender during this time.
- After 20 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the pudding cool slightly. The pudding will thicken as it cools.
- Once the pudding has cooled to your desired temperature, you can serve it warm or chilled. If serving chilled, transfer the pudding to individual serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Garnish the tapioca pudding with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top, if desired. Enjoy your Two Spice Vanilla Tapioca Pudding!
Tips
- Always rinse tapioca pearls before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
- Stir frequently during cooking to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
- Keep the heat low to medium to allow the pearls to cook gently and become translucent.
- Let the pudding cool naturally to achieve the ideal thickness—it will continue to thicken as it cools.
- For an extra luxurious touch, consider using whole milk or even adding a splash of cream.
- Experiment with garnishes like toasted nuts, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of additional spices.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
