Cozy Eggnog Tapioca Pudding – A Festive Treat
There’s no better way to bring the flavors of the holidays into your kitchen than with this Eggnog Tapioca Pudding. Creamy, rich, and perfectly spiced, this festive twist on traditional tapioca pudding is the perfect holiday dessert. With the comforting flavor of eggnog, the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, and the soft texture of tapioca pearls, this treat is both nostalgic and unique. Whether served warm or chilled, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser during the holiday season!
Why You’ll Love Eggnog Tapioca Pudding
This Eggnog Tapioca Pudding is the perfect marriage of holiday flavors and classic comfort food. The richness of eggnog paired with the creamy texture of tapioca pearls creates a dessert that’s both indulgent and light. Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg elevate the dish, making it feel festive and warm. It’s easy to prepare, and with a bit of chilling time, it can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the holidays with less time in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup small pearl tapioca, not granulated or quick cooking
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 1 ½ cups eggnog
- ¼ cup granulated sugar + 1 tablespoon (for egg whites)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 egg whites
- Toppings: whipped cream, ground nutmeg
Directions:
1. Soak the Tapioca:
- Soak the Pearls:
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of small tapioca pearls with 2 ½ cups of milk. Stir the mixture and place it in the refrigerator to soak for 3 hours. This step allows the tapioca pearls to absorb the milk and soften.
2. Cook the Tapioca:
- Heat the Mixture:
After soaking, pour the tapioca and milk mixture into a medium saucepan. Add 1 ½ cups of eggnog, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir to combine. - Simmer the Tapioca:
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scalding. When the mixture nears a boil, reduce the heat to maintain a low simmer. Continue to simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tapioca thickens and the pearls become soft.
3. Check for Doneness:
- Taste-Testing:
Check the tapioca pearls to ensure they are fully cooked. They should be soft and not chewy. If the pearls are still firm, cook for an additional 5 minutes until the desired texture is reached.
4. Cool and Add Vanilla:
- Remove from Heat:
Once the tapioca is cooked through, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to cool for about 15 minutes.
5. Prepare the Egg Whites:
- Beat Egg Whites:
While the tapioca is cooling, beat the egg whites with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar until stiff peaks form. This will give the pudding a light, airy texture. - Fold in Egg Whites:
Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cooled tapioca mixture until fully incorporated. This step adds fluffiness to the pudding, creating a smooth, silky texture.
6. Chill or Serve Warm:
- Chill the Pudding:
For the best flavor and texture, chill the pudding in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. However, it can also be served warm if you prefer a cozier dessert. - Add Toppings:
When ready to serve, top the pudding with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground nutmeg for that festive holiday touch.
Notes:
- Prep Time: 3 hours (includes soaking time)
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Calories: 260 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4 servings
A Festive Twist on a Classic Dessert
Eggnog Tapioca Pudding is the perfect way to bring a bit of holiday spirit into a traditional dessert. The eggnog adds a rich, festive flavor that pairs beautifully with the smooth tapioca pearls, while the spices give it that unmistakable warmth. It’s a delightful treat that can be enjoyed either warm or chilled, making it versatile for any occasion during the season.
Eggnog Tapioca Pudding
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
The warm, festive flavors of eggnog and nutmeg are the stars in this decadent Eggnog Tapioca Pudding. This holiday dessert is a perfect balance of sweetness and creamy richness, making it ideal for special winter gatherings. The soft pearls of tapioca create a wonderful texture, complemented by the luxurious touch of whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg on top.
Ingredients
1 cup small pearl tapioca, not granulated or quick cooking
2 ½ cups milk
1 ½ cups eggnog
¼ cup granulated sugar + 1 tablespoon (for egg whites)
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 egg whites
Toppings: whipped cream, ground nutmeg
Instructions
In a small bowl, soak 1 cup small tapioca pearls in 2 ½ cups of milk. Stir, and place in the refrigerator for 3 hours.
After letting the tapioca soak, pour the tapioca and milk mixture into a medium saucepan. Add 1 ½ cups eggnog, ¼ cup sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently to avoid scalding the milk. When the mixture almost reaches a boil, reduce the heat to maintain a low simmer. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring constantly until the tapioca thickens.
Taste-test the tapioca to ensure the pearls are soft. If still chewy, cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Once the tapioca is cooked, remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and let cool for 15 minutes.
While cooling, beat egg whites with 1 tablespoon sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold the egg whites into the cooled tapioca.
Chill in the refrigerator for 4 hours or serve warm. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground nutmeg.
- Prep Time: 3 hours (includes soaking time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 260