Creamy Coconut Tapioca Pudding Recipe
This creamy coconut tapioca pudding is a simple, comforting dessert with a soft texture, gentle sweetness, and a lovely tropical flavor. It is made with tapioca pearls, milk, coconut milk, condensed milk, and a touch of vanilla.
It is perfect for family gatherings, afternoon desserts, festive tables, or when you want something sweet, homemade, and easy to prepare.
The texture is creamy but slightly chewy because of the tapioca pearls, making it different from rice pudding or sweet hominy.
Creamy Coconut Tapioca Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 cup small tapioca pearls
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup sugar, or to taste
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup grated coconut
- Ground cinnamon, for serving
- Toasted coconut, optional
Instructions
1. Soak the tapioca
Place the tapioca pearls in a bowl and cover with water.
Let them soak for 30 to 40 minutes, then drain well.
This helps the tapioca cook faster and become softer.
2. Heat the milk
In a medium saucepan, add the whole milk, coconut milk, sugar, and salt.
Heat over medium-low heat until warm, but do not let it boil too strongly.
3. Add the tapioca
Add the soaked tapioca pearls to the warm milk mixture.
Cook over low heat, stirring often, for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tapioca pearls become soft and translucent.
The mixture will slowly thicken as it cooks.
4. Add condensed milk and coconut
When the tapioca is soft, add the sweetened condensed milk, grated coconut, and vanilla extract.
Stir well and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, until creamy.
If the pudding becomes too thick, add a little more milk.
5. Let it rest
Turn off the heat and let the pudding rest for 10 minutes.
It will continue to thicken as it cools.
6. Serve
Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Sprinkle with ground cinnamon and, if desired, add toasted coconut on top.
Tips
For an extra creamy version, add 1/2 cup heavy cream at the end.
For a lighter version, replace part of the whole milk with more coconut milk.
For a richer flavor, toast the grated coconut before adding it to the pudding.
Conclusion
This creamy coconut tapioca pudding is a delicious alternative to pamonha, rice pudding, or sweet hominy. It is easy to prepare, comforting, and full of coconut flavor.
Serve it in small bowls with cinnamon or toasted coconut for a simple dessert that feels homemade, cozy, and satisfying.