Eggnog Tapioca Pudding

Indulge in the warm, festive flavors of the holiday season with this creamy Eggnog Tapioca Pudding. Featuring soft tapioca pearls, spiced eggnog, and a luscious whipped topping, this gluten-free dessert is perfect for celebrating with loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for the holidays: Combines the comforting warmth of eggnog and spices, making it ideal for festive gatherings.

Texture heaven: The tapioca pearls provide a soft, chewy contrast to the creamy pudding base.

Customizable: Serve it warm for instant comfort or chilled for a refreshing twist.

Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples and eggnog, which is readily available during the holiday season.

Elegant presentation: Topped with whipped cream and nutmeg, it looks as good as it tastes!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup small pearl tapioca (not granulated or quick cooking)

2 ½ cups milk

1 ½ cups eggnog

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for egg whites)

¼ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 egg whites

Toppings: whipped cream, ground nutmeg

Directions

Soak the Tapioca:

Combine 1 cup of small tapioca pearls with 2 ½ cups of milk in a small bowl. Stir well, cover, and refrigerate for 3 hours to soften the pearls.

Cook the Tapioca:

Transfer the soaked tapioca and milk mixture into a medium saucepan. Add the eggnog, ¼ cup sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent the milk from scalding.

Simmer:

Once the mixture is nearly boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Stir constantly until the tapioca thickens and the pearls are soft. If needed, cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Cool and Add Vanilla:

Remove the saucepan from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and let the tapioca cool for about 15 minutes.

Prepare Egg Whites:

In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with 1 tablespoon of sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cooled tapioca mixture.

Chill or Serve Warm:

Spoon the pudding into serving dishes and refrigerate for 4 hours, or serve warm if preferred.

Garnish and Enjoy:

Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground nutmeg before serving.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 3 hours (includes soaking time)

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 260 kcal per serving

Variations

Dairy-free version: Use almond milk or oat milk and a dairy-free eggnog alternative.

Rich twist: Replace some of the milk with heavy cream for a richer pudding.

Flavor boost: Add a splash of rum extract for an extra festive touch.

Different spices: Experiment with cardamom or cloves for a unique flavor profile.

Tropical flair: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk and garnish with toasted coconut flakes.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store the pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Warm the pudding gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, or microwave individual portions for 30-40 seconds.

Freezing: Tapioca pudding doesn’t freeze well due to changes in texture.

Related Recipes:

• Christmas Eggnog Bread
• Eggnog Quick Bread with Crumb Topping
• Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

FAQs

Can I use quick-cooking tapioca for this recipe?

Quick-cooking tapioca doesn’t provide the same texture as small pearl tapioca, so I recommend sticking to the original type for the best results.

How can I tell if the tapioca pearls are fully cooked?

The pearls should be translucent with no white centers, indicating they’re fully cooked and tender.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and garnish just before serving.

What can I use if I don’t have eggnog?

You can substitute eggnog with a mix of milk, cream, a pinch of nutmeg, and vanilla extract to mimic its flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, tapioca pudding is naturally gluten-free, provided all your ingredients, like eggnog, are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

Eggnog tapioca pudding is the ultimate festive dessert that brings together the cozy flavors of the holiday season. Its creamy texture, spiced aroma, and delightful toppings make it an irresistible treat. Whether you serve it warm or chilled, it’s sure to be a hit at your holiday table. Give this recipe a try, and create new memories with this classic dessert!

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