Baked Tapioca Pudding

If you’re looking for a dessert that brings comfort and nostalgia to your table, then let me introduce you to Baked Tapioca Pudding. This delightful dish combines silky custard with chewy tapioca pearls, all wrapped in a buttery crust that makes every bite a moment to cherish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something sweet without the fuss, or for family gatherings where everyone can gather around and enjoy this comforting treat together.

What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up this classic dessert. Plus, it’s versatile enough to become your go-to recipe for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you’ll have the base ready before you know it!
• Family-Friendly: This baked tapioca pudding is sure to please both kids and adults alike; it’s a hit at every gathering.
• Make-Ahead Option: It stores beautifully in the fridge, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or potlucks.
• Nostalgic Flavor: Each spoonful takes you back to simpler times, filled with warmth and sweetness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients is part of the fun! Luckily, this baked tapioca pudding uses simple and wholesome components that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 Filling

• 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 recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative and make it your own. Here are some ideas to try:

• Add Fruit: Toss in some fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas for a refreshing twist.
• Nutty Surprise: Fold in chopped nuts such as almonds or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Chocolate Delight: Swirl in some cocoa powder or chocolate chips for a rich chocolate version.
• Spiced Up: Sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to warm up those cozy flavors even more.

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 creates a crumbly mixture that will form your crust. This step is crucial because a great crust holds all that delicious filling together!

Step 2: Form the Dough

Add the egg and vanilla extract into your crumb mixture. Mix until everything comes together into a smooth dough. Wrapping it up and chilling allows the gluten to relax so that your crust will be tender once baked.

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven

While your dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that when you put your pie in, it starts cooking immediately—helping achieve that lovely golden crust we all love.

Step 4: Soak Tapioca Pearls

Soak those tapioca pearls in water for about 30 minutes before draining them. This step is vital as it softens the pearls so they can cook properly later on.

Step 5: Cook Tapioca with Milk

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine soaked tapioca with milk. Stir frequently until those pearls become translucent and the mixture thickens—a process that typically takes about 15 minutes. The result will be creamy and dreamy!

Step 6: Whisk Your Egg Mixture

In another bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until smooth. This forms the custard base which gives our pudding its luscious texture.

Step 7: Combine Mixtures

Slowly temper your egg mixture by adding hot tapioca milk while whisking constantly. This prevents scrambling those precious eggs!

Step 8: Final Cook

Return everything back to the saucepan on low heat and stir until thickened. Removing from heat at just the right moment ensures your custard has that perfect consistency.

Step 9: Assemble Your Pie

Roll out your chilled dough and press it evenly into a greased baking dish. Pour that beautiful custard over the crust, then brush the edges with beaten egg for an inviting golden finish.

Step 10: Bake It Up!

Pop your creation into the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes until set and golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen will be pure bliss!

And there you have it—a stunning Baked Tapioca Pudding that’s bound to impress at any gathering! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Baked Tapioca Pudding

Making Baked Tapioca Pudding can be a delightful process, and these tips will help you achieve the best results!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh eggs and quality milk make a significant difference in flavor and texture. They enhance the custard’s richness and overall taste.

• Soak tapioca pearls properly: Soaking the pearls for at least 30 minutes ensures they cook evenly, resulting in a delightful chewy texture that complements the creamy custard.

• Cook on low heat: When combining the custard mixture back in the saucepan, keep the heat low to prevent curdling. This gentle approach helps achieve that silky smooth consistency.

• Don’t skip refrigerating the dough: Chilling the crust dough allows it to firm up, making it easier to roll out and preventing shrinking during baking.

• Let it cool before serving: Allowing your pudding to cool for at least 15-20 minutes after baking lets it set further, enhancing its texture and making it easier to slice.

How to Serve Baked Tapioca Pudding

Presenting your Baked Tapioca Pudding beautifully can make all the difference in impressing your family and friends. Here are some ideas to elevate your dessert experience!

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, airy touch that balances the rich custard.
• Fresh fruit: Slices of ripe strawberries or tangy blueberries not only add color but also provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy pudding.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of ground cinnamon brings warmth and enhances the vanilla notes in your dessert.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A medley of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness, making it a perfect complement to the rich pudding.
• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream paired with warm tapioca pudding creates a comforting dessert experience.
• Chocolate sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over each slice adds an indulgent twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
• Mint tea: A light mint tea served alongside can refresh your palate after enjoying this rich dessert, offering a pleasant end to your meal.

With these serving suggestions, your Baked Tapioca Pudding will be not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes! Enjoy every spoonful of nostalgia.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Baked Tapioca Pudding is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its comforting flavors throughout the week. You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for those cozy evenings when a sweet treat is just what you need.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pudding to cool completely at room temperature.
• Cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions to airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

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

Reheating

• To reheat, remove the desired portion from the fridge or freezer.
• If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm in the microwave in short bursts or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about Baked Tapioca Pudding!

Can I make Baked Tapioca Pudding without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with a mixture of flaxseed meal and water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) for a similar binding effect.

What is the best way to serve Baked Tapioca Pudding?

Baked Tapioca Pudding is delicious served warm or chilled. You can top it with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra flavor.

How long does Baked Tapioca Pudding last?

When stored properly, Baked Tapioca Pudding lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Can I use different flavors in my Baked Tapioca Pudding?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different extracts like almond or coconut, or add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to change up the flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings warmth and joy into your kitchen! There’s something truly special about making Baked Tapioca Pudding—it’s not just dessert; it’s comfort food that evokes nostalgia. Enjoy making this delightful treat, share it with loved ones, and savor every creamy spoonful. Happy baking!