Last Updated on September 15, 2024 by Kiersten James, BS, RN
Prepare this easy Amish tapioca pudding recipe in under an hour if you find yourself craving something sweet and creamy this evening.
What Are Tapioca Pearls, Anyway?
If you’ve ever wondered what those little, chewy balls are in your tapioca pudding, you’re not alone.
They’ve been compared to fish eggs, those air freshener gel ball things our parents would use to freshen stale air when we were kids, and many other humorous things.
Tapioca pearls are actually made from the starch of cassava roots, a tuber native to South America. The cassava then gets processed into tapioca pearls by washing, extracting the starch, and then shaping it into those familiar tiny balls.
When tapioca pearls are cooked, they transform into a chewy, gelatinous texture that’s both fun to eat and delightfully comforting.
My daughter likens them to the texture of gummy bears and I can’t really disagree.
Are Tapioca Pearls Bad For You?
Nutritionally, tapioca pearls are mostly made up of carbohydrates, which means they’re a good source of energy but low in other nutrients.
Good or bad – they’re pretty much a blank canvas, which is why they’re perfect for soaking up whatever flavors you add to them. They don’t have much in the way of protein or fat, so the nutritional value will come from whatever you mix into your pudding, like milk or eggs.
To be frank, Amish tapioca pudding is a dessert. It’s delicious. And it’s a rich and creamy sweet treat that won’t help you shed the extra weight you’ve been carrying around but it will be worth the calories.
As an added bonus, tapioca starch is naturally gluten free.
Traditional Pennsylvania Dutch Style Tapioca Pudding
In Pennsylvania Dutch country, my favorite place in the entire world, tapioca pudding isn’t just a dessert; it’s a comfort food staple that’s been enjoyed for many generations. The traditional way to enjoy it is often simple and straightforward.
Amish tapioca pudding is typically served warm or at room temperature, allowing the creamy, vanilla-flavored pudding to shine through. I like to sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for an extra layer of flavor. It’s a dish that pairs wonderfully with a good movie and cozy cup of tea.
Whether you’re having it as a sweet finish to a home cooked meal or a soothing treat all on its own, Amish tapioca pudding has a way of making you feel right at home.
Amish Tapioca Pudding Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup tapioca pearls (any size)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- Cinnamon or nutmeg (optional as a topping)
Instructions:
If you are using large tapioca pearls, soak them in water for an hour then drain prior to beginning the recipe. For smaller sizes or minute pearls, you can skip this step.
Bring milk to a very low boil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add a sprinkle of sugar to prevent scorching.
Remove 2 tablespoons of milk and set it aside in a medium sized mixing bowl.
Once milk is about to boil, lower the heat to a simmer and add the tapioca pearls. Cook for 20 minutes, or until pearls turn from white to clear. Stir frequently.
Meanwhile, beat the egg yolks into the milk that had been put aside. Add the salt and sugar to be mixed in. Make sure to beat this mixture very well.
Very slowly, add the egg mixture into the milk while you stir the pot continuously. If you add the eggs too fast, they will curdle.
Remove the pan from the heat then mix in the vanilla and maple syrup.
Allow the Amish tapioca pudding to cool down for at least 20 minutes before serving. Sprinkle individual portions with ground cinnamon or nutmeg to bring out those extra cozy flavors.
How to Serve Amish Tapioca Pudding
This pudding can be served hot or cold, depending on preference. Traditionally, it’s served warm and at room temperature but feel free to eat it straight out of the refrigerator still chilled. The best part is that the choice is entirely yours!
If you like cinnamon or nutmeg, don’t forget to sprinkle a bit on top. It’s the best!
Amish Tapioca Pudding Recipe
Prepare this easy Amish tapioca pudding recipe in under an hour if you find yourself craving something sweet and creamy to eat on the couch this evening.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup tapioca pearls (any size)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- Cinnamon or nutmeg (optional as a topping)
Instructions
- If you are using large tapioca pearls, soak them in water for an hour then drain prior to beginning the recipe. For smaller sizes or minute pearls, you can skip this step.
- Bring milk to a very low boil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add a sprinkle of sugar to prevent scorching.
- Remove 2 tablespoons of milk and set it aside in a medium sized mixing bowl.
- Once milk is about to boil, lower the heat to a simmer and add the tapioca pearls.
- Cook for 20 minutes, or until pearls turn from white to clear. Stir frequently.
- Meanwhile, beat the egg yolks into the milk that had been put aside. Add the salt and sugar to be mixed in. Make sure to beat this mixture very well.
- Very slowly, add the egg mixture into the milk while you stir the pot continuously. If you add the eggs too fast, they will curdle.
- Remove the pan from the heat then mix in the vanilla and maple syrup.
- Allow the Amish tapioca pudding to cool down for at least 20 minutes before serving. This pudding can be served hot or cold, depending on preference.
- Sprinkle individual portions with ground cinnamon or nutmeg to bring out those extra cozy flavors.
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