Baked Tapioca Pudding

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that brings comfort to any occasion, you’ve come to the right place! This Baked Tapioca Pudding is a cherished recipe that has warmed my heart and my home. With its silky custard and chewy tapioca pearls, it’s a nostalgic treat that evokes memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just want to indulge on a busy weeknight, this pudding is sure to please everyone at the table.

I love how simple it is to whip up this dessert, yet it feels so special. It’s perfect for those moments when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. Let’s dive into why this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The steps are straightforward, making it accessible even for beginners.
• Family-Friendly: With its creamy texture and sweet flavor, everyone from kids to adults will enjoy it.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare it ahead of time and simply bake when you’re ready to serve.
• Deliciously Comforting: Each bite offers warmth and nostalgia that’s perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome components that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need for your Baked Tapioca Pudding:

For the Crust

• 220g all-purpose flour
• 25g milk powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 135g unsalted butter, softened
• 135g granulated sugar
• 1 egg (room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Custard

• 100g uncooked tapioca pearls (sago)
• 350g milk
• 2 eggs
• 100g granulated sugar
• 30g cornstarch
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg (for brushing)

Variations

One of the best parts about this Baked Tapioca Pudding is how flexible it can be! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

• Add Fruit: Toss in some fresh berries or sliced bananas for a fruity twist.
• Coconut Cream: Substitute part of the milk with coconut milk for a tropical flavor.
• Chocolate Delight: Mix in some cocoa powder for an indulgent chocolate version.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth and depth.

How to Make Baked Tapioca Pudding

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

In a large bowl, combine the flour, milk powder, salt, and sugar. Cutting in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs is essential; this step ensures that your crust will be flaky and delicious. Once that’s done, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until you have a smooth dough. Wrap it up in plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes—this helps solidify the butter so that your crust stays nice and tender.

Step 2: Soak the Tapioca Pearls

While your dough chills, take some time to soak those tapioca pearls! Give them about 30 minutes in water before draining. This soaking process allows them to soften up nicely, ensuring they cook evenly in your pudding.

Step 3: Cook the Tapioca Mixture

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the soaked tapioca pearls with milk. As you cook and stir frequently, you’ll see those pearls turn translucent and start thickening up—this takes about 15 minutes. Once thickened, remove it from heat; this step brings out that delightful chewy texture we all love.

Step 4: Whisk Together Eggs and Sugar

In another bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture will create that rich custard base we want for our pudding.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Now comes an important step: tempering! Slowly pour your hot tapioca milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This method prevents scrambling the eggs! Return everything back into the saucepan and cook on low heat until it’s thickened again—this ensures everything melds perfectly together.

Step 6: Assemble Your Dish

Roll out your chilled dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Carefully press it into a greased baking dish, ensuring there are no cracks. Pour your beautiful tapioca custard over that lovely crust you’ve made!

Step 7: Finish Up & Bake

For an extra touch of golden perfection, brush the edges of your crust with beaten egg before sliding it into your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 45-55 minutes until everything is set and has taken on a lovely golden brown hue.

And there you have it—a comforting Baked Tapioca Pudding that feels like a warm hug in dessert form! Enjoy every spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Baked Tapioca Pudding

Making the perfect Baked Tapioca Pudding is all about attention to detail and a little love. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your dessert turns out beautifully every time!

• Use fresh tapioca pearls: Fresh pearls will yield the best texture and flavor. Stale or old pearls may not cook properly and can result in a less pleasant chewiness.

• Chill the dough adequately: Allowing the dough to rest in the refrigerator helps it firm up, making it easier to roll out and ensuring a flakier crust once baked.

• Whisk constantly when tempering eggs: This technique prevents the eggs from cooking too quickly and curdling, which ensures a smooth and creamy custard.

• Check for doneness visually: The custard should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center when you take it out of the oven. It will continue to firm up as it cools, so don’t overbake!

• Let it cool before serving: Allowing your pudding to cool completely lets the flavors meld together beautifully and makes slicing easier.

How to Serve Baked Tapioca Pudding

Serving your Baked Tapioca Pudding can elevate this already delightful dessert into an impressive centerpiece for any table. Here are some ideas on how to present this delicious dish!

Garnishes

• Fresh berries: A handful of raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich custard beautifully.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream provides a luscious topping that pairs wonderfully with the vanilla flavors in your pudding.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits brings brightness and balance to your meal while providing a refreshing contrast to the creamy pudding.
• Coconut macaroons: These chewy treats are sweetened with coconut and provide a lovely texture alongside your pudding for an added indulgence.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds extra creaminess and temperature contrast, making each bite even more delightful.
• Herbal tea: Pairing your dessert with a warm cup of herbal tea creates a comforting experience, perfect for winding down after dinner.

With these serving suggestions, your Baked Tapioca Pudding will not only taste amazing but look stunning on any dessert table! Enjoy every spoonful!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Baked Tapioca Pudding is not just a delightful dessert; it’s also perfect for meal prep! Preparing it in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite even more enjoyable. Here’s how to store and manage your leftovers:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pudding to cool completely at room temperature.
• Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Once cooled, cut the pudding into portions.
• Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw the pudding overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can place the whole dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated throughout.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Baked Tapioca Pudding that might help you get the most out of this recipe!

Can I use different types of milk for Baked Tapioca Pudding?

Absolutely! You can substitute regular milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or any other plant-based milk of your choice. Just be mindful that it may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

How do I know when my Baked Tapioca Pudding is done?

The pudding is done when the custard is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The crust should also be golden brown.

Can I make Baked Tapioca Pudding dairy-free?

Yes, you can easily make this delicious dessert dairy-free by using plant-based butter and milk alternatives. It will still be creamy and satisfying!

What can I serve with Baked Tapioca Pudding?

This pudding pairs wonderfully with fresh fruits such as berries or bananas, or you could serve it with a drizzle of maple syrup or a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for added sweetness.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Baked Tapioca Pudding as comforting and delicious as I do! It’s a lovely blend of nostalgia and delightful flavors that will surely bring joy to your table. Don’t hesitate to try making this wonderful dessert; I’m confident you’ll enjoy every moment spent baking it. Happy cooking!