Vanilla Tapioca Pudding

Creamy, comforting, and lightly sweetened with honey, this tapioca pudding is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug. Soft, translucent pearls are gently cooked in milk until perfectly tender, then finished with a touch of vanilla and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Simple yet timeless, this pudding can be enjoyed warm for cozy vibes or chilled for a refreshing treat. It’s a naturally sweet, wholesome dessert that proves a few humble ingredients can create something truly special.

  • Tapioca comes from the cassava root, a tropical plant that’s been used for centuries in South America.

  • Those little tapioca pearls turn translucent when cooked—that’s how you know they’re perfectly done.

  • Tapioca pudding became especially popular in the early 1900s as a comforting, budget-friendly dessert.

  • Tapioca is naturally gluten-free, making this pudding a great option for gluten-sensitive eaters.

  • Honey was one of the very first sweeteners used in desserts—long before refined sugar existed.

  • Tapioca pudding thickens as it cools, so it’s normal for it to be slightly looser when warm.

Jump to Recipe

VANILLA TAPIOCA PUDDING

Pearls

Servings: 2–3 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes
(plus 30 minutes soaking time if using regular tapioca)

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes (with soaking time included)

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup tapioca pearls

  • 2 cups milk

  • 1–2 tablespoons honey (to taste)

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

  • Place the tapioca in a bowl and cover with water. Let it soak for about 30 minutes, then drain well. (If using quick-cooking tapioca, you can skip this step.)

  • In a medium saucepan, add the milk and salt. Warm over medium heat until hot but not boiling.

  • Stir in the drained tapioca. Reduce heat to low, and cook gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring often, until the pearls turn translucent and the mixture thickens.

  • Remove from heat. Stir in the honey and vanilla extract. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.

  • Let the pudding sit for 5 minutes to thicken further. Serve warm or chilled.

  • Add your favorite topping (optional), it can be pineapple, mangos, berries, cinnamon, coconut or pecans.

Tips:

  • For extra creaminess, replace ½ cup of the milk with coconut milk.

  • If it thickens too much after chilling, just stir in a splash of milk before serving.