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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Whisk eggs in a large mixing bowl until smooth and pale, creating a light, airy base for the pudding.
- Gradually incorporate sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt into the egg mixture, stirring until completely integrated and fragrant.
- 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.
- Carefully introduce tapioca pearls into the warm milk mixture, stirring consistently to prevent clumping and ensure even distribution.
- Slowly temper the egg mixture by adding small amounts of hot milk, whisking continuously to prevent egg scrambling and create a smooth custard foundation.
- 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.
- Remove from heat and fold in rum if desired, creating an optional adult version of the dessert.
- 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.
- 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