Cozy Eggnog Tapioca Pudding Recipe: A Festive Holiday Treat

Creamy eggnog transforms this classic tapioca pudding into a festive winter dessert that sparkles with holiday magic.

Nutmeg and cinnamon dance through each silky spoonful, creating unexpected warmth.

Comfort arrives in soft, pillowy textures that melt slowly on your tongue.

Traditional pudding techniques blend seamlessly with rich, nostalgic eggnog flavors.

Cold nights demand sweet moments of indulgence like this simple yet elegant treat.

Whisk together ingredients and watch magic unfold in your kitchen.

You’ll find this recipe becomes an instant seasonal favorite that surprises and delights.

Why People Love Eggnog Tapioca Pudding

• Craft a Creamy Delight: Master a pudding that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious dessert with professional-level technique and minimal kitchen skills required.
• Customize Your Comfort: Adapt the recipe by adding rum for an adult twist or keeping it classic for family-friendly enjoyment, making it versatile for different preferences and occasions.
• Sensory Celebration: Experience a multi-layered flavor journey with warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon that create an aromatic and deeply satisfying culinary experience from first bite to last.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Blend everyday pantry staples like eggs, milk, and tapioca pearls into a sophisticated dessert that feels like a gourmet restaurant-quality treat without complex preparation.

What Goes Into Eggnog Tapioca Pudding

• Eggs: The foundation of the pudding, creating a smooth and light custard texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps balance the overall flavor profile.
• Maple Syrup: Adds a rich, natural sweetness with deep caramel undertones.

• Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, classic flavor to the pudding.
• Nutmeg, Cinnamon: Aromatic spices that contribute depth and warmth to the dessert.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the sweet flavors of the pudding.

• Whole Milk, Heavy Cream: Create a rich, luxurious texture and smooth mouthfeel.
• Tapioca Pearls: Provide a unique, chewy texture and help thicken the pudding.
• Rum: An optional ingredient for an adult version of the dessert, adding complexity to the flavor.

How to Cook Eggnog Tapioca Pudding

Step 1: Whip Eggs Into Silky Smoothness

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk eggs until they transform into a pale, airy mixture that promises a luxurious pudding experience.

Step 2: Create Flavor Symphony

• Sugar
• Maple syrup
• Vanilla extract
• Nutmeg
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Stir until the mixture becomes wonderfully fragrant and completely combined.

Step 3: Warm Milk Magic

Pour whole milk and heavy cream into a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Gently heat over medium-low heat until tiny bubbles dance around the edges, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 4: Introduce Tapioca Pearls

Carefully add tapioca pearls to the warm milk, stirring consistently to prevent any stubborn clumping and ensure each pearl gets equal love.

Step 5: Temper With Precision

Slowly incorporate hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking continuously. This delicate dance prevents egg scrambling and creates a silky smooth custard base.

Step 6: Slow Cook To Perfection

Return the combined mixture to the saucepan. Cook on low heat, stirring constantly for 15-20 minutes. Watch as tapioca pearls become translucent and the pudding transforms into a dreamy, creamy delight.

Step 7: Optional Adult Twist

Remove from heat and fold in rum for a grown-up version of this classic dessert.

Step 8: Chill And Set

Transfer pudding to serving dishes. Let it cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to achieve the perfect set.

Step 9: Garnish With Flair

Dust the top with a light sprinkle of nutmeg, adding an aromatic finishing touch that’ll make taste buds dance.

Smart Ideas for Eggnog Tapioca Pudding

• Whisk Eggs with Precision: Smooth, pale whisking creates a light, airy pudding base that ensures silky texture and consistent flavor.
• Temper Eggs Carefully: Slowly add hot milk to egg mixture while whisking to prevent scrambling and achieve a velvety smooth custard without lumps.
• Control Heat Consistently: Maintain low, steady heat when cooking tapioca pudding to prevent burning and allow pearls to become perfectly translucent.
• Prevent Tapioca Clumping: Stir continuously while adding pearls to warm milk mixture, ensuring even distribution and preventing sticky, uneven texture.
• Optional Flavor Boost: Add rum for an adult version or experiment with alternative spirits to enhance the dessert's complexity and depth of flavor.

Fun Spins on Eggnog Tapioca Pudding

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace whole milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a lactose-free version. Add extra vanilla extract to enhance the creamy texture.
• Vegan Variation: Substitute eggs with silken tofu or cornstarch and aquafaba. Use maple syrup or agave nectar as a sweetener and coconut cream for richness.
• Spiced Tropical Version: Swap nutmeg and cinnamon with cardamom and ginger. Add shredded coconut and diced mango for a tropical flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Ensure tapioca pearls are certified gluten-free. Use alternative sweeteners like monk fruit or stevia for a lower-sugar option.

What to Serve with Eggnog Tapioca Pudding

• Pair with Sweet Dessert Wine: Complement the creamy tapioca pudding with a luscious late-harvest Riesling or Sauternes, whose honeyed notes and subtle sweetness enhance the dessert's rich, spiced profile.
• Create Textural Contrast with Crunchy Companions: Serve alongside toasted almond biscotti or crisp gingersnap cookies, providing a delightful crunch that balances the pudding's smooth, silky texture.
• Match Spice Profiles with Aromatic Beverage: Enjoy alongside a warm chai tea or spiced golden milk, where cinnamon and nutmeg notes in the drink mirror the pudding's warm, comforting spice blend.

Storing Eggnog Tapioca Pudding the Simple Way

• Store pudding in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping it covered with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to prevent skin formation.
• Transfer pudding to freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for maximum 2 months; texture might slightly change upon thawing.
• Warm pudding in microwave using 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and maintain creamy consistency.
• If pudding becomes too thick after refrigeration, whisk in a small amount of milk or cream to restore original smooth, silky texture before serving.

Answers About Eggnog Tapioca Pudding

• What makes tapioca pearls unique in this pudding?

Tapioca pearls provide a distinct chewy texture and translucent appearance, absorbing the creamy milk mixture and creating a delightful mouthfeel different from traditional puddings.

• Can I make this recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! The rum is optional and can be completely omitted without affecting the pudding’s core recipe. The dessert will remain deliciously rich and flavorful.

• Is this pudding gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe naturally uses gluten-free ingredients like tapioca pearls, eggs, milk, and spices, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Eggnog Tapioca Pudding Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sweet holiday magic meets creamy eggnog tapioca pudding in this festive dessert that whispers nostalgia. Rich pearl tapioca pearls dance with classic Christmas flavors, delivering comfort and warmth for cold winter evenings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup tapioca pearls
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Sweeteners and Flavorings:

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

Spices and Enhancers:

• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp rum (optional)

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Instructions

1. Whisk eggs in a large mixing bowl until smooth and pale, creating a light, airy base for the pudding.
2. Gradually incorporate sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt into the egg mixture, stirring until completely integrated and fragrant.
3. Pour whole milk and heavy cream into a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heating slowly over medium-low temperature until edges begin to simmer, approximately 5-6 minutes.
4. Carefully introduce tapioca pearls into the warm milk mixture, stirring consistently to prevent clumping and ensure even distribution.
5. Slowly temper the egg mixture by adding small amounts of hot milk, whisking continuously to prevent egg scrambling and create a smooth custard foundation.
6. Return the combined mixture to the saucepan, cooking on low heat and stirring constantly for 15-20 minutes until tapioca pearls become translucent and pudding thickens to a creamy consistency.
7. Remove from heat and fold in rum if desired, creating an optional adult version of the dessert.
8. Transfer pudding to serving dishes, allowing to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes before chilling in refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set completely.
9. Garnish with a light dusting of additional nutmeg before serving for an aromatic finishing touch.

Notes

• Control egg scrambling by tempering slowly, adding hot milk incrementally to prevent sudden temperature shock that could ruin the smooth custard texture.
• Experiment with dairy alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk for lactose-intolerant guests, maintaining the creamy consistency while adapting to dietary needs.
• Toast tapioca pearls briefly before adding to milk to enhance their nutty flavor and improve overall pudding depth, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Replace rum with vanilla extract or orange liqueur for different flavor variations, allowing flexibility in creating personalized dessert experiences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg