Festive Eggnog Tapioca Pudding Recipe for Holiday Joy

Warm spices dance through creamy eggnog tapioca pudding, creating a festive dessert that whispers winter comfort.

Cold nights call for sweet, velvety treats that hug your soul.

This classic holiday pudding blends traditional flavors with a delightful twist of silky tapioca pearls.

Delicate and smooth, each spoonful delivers rich notes of nutmeg and vanilla.

The dessert serves up nostalgia with a modern touch, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Unexpected yet familiar, this pudding turns ordinary moments into delectable celebrations.

Dive into this recipe and let the magic of seasonal sweetness transport you.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 3 hours (includes soaking time)

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 7

Eggnog Tapioca Pudding Ingredient Details

• Tapioca Pearls: Small, translucent pearls that create a delightful chewy texture and absorb flavors beautifully.
• Milk: Provides a creamy foundation and helps soften the tapioca pearls during the soaking process.
• Eggnog: Adds rich, festive flavor with its signature combination of cream, spices, and holiday warmth.

• Sugar: Balances the creamy base with a gentle sweetness that complements the eggnog.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Classic winter spices that infuse the pudding with cozy, aromatic depths.
• Salt: Enhances and rounds out the overall flavor profile of the dessert.

• Egg Whites: Creates a light, airy texture when whipped and folded into the pudding.
• Vanilla: Adds a smooth, fragrant undertone that elevates the entire dessert.
• Whipped Cream: Provides a luxurious, cloud-like topping that adds extra indulgence.

Tools to Make Eggnog Tapioca Pudding at Home

• Medium saucepan: Essential for cooking the tapioca mixture evenly and preventing scorching.
• Small bowl: Perfect for soaking tapioca pearls before cooking.
• Whisk or wooden spoon: Crucial for stirring the mixture and preventing lumps.
• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately portioning ingredients.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Needed to beat egg whites to stiff peaks.
• Spatula: Helpful for folding egg whites and scraping sides of the pan.

Cooking Eggnog Tapioca Pudding with Ease

• Tapioca Preparation

Soak small tapioca pearls in milk, allowing them to soften and absorb liquid slowly overnight in the refrigerator.

• Flavor Fusion

Combine soaked tapioca with creamy eggnog, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness in a saucepan, creating a rich and aromatic base.

• Gentle Cooking

Simmer the mixture carefully, stirring frequently to prevent burning and ensure smooth, even texture. Watch for the pearls to become translucent and tender.

• Fluffy Transformation

Whip egg whites into a light, airy cloud and gently fold them into the cooled pudding, adding incredible lightness and volume.

• Serving Elegance

Chill the pudding to let flavors meld or enjoy warm. Garnish with a delicate sprinkle of nutmeg and a dollop of whipped cream for a festive touch.

Tips to Nail Eggnog Tapioca Pudding Texture

• Let tapioca pearls absorb milk completely by gently stirring before refrigerating to ensure even texture and prevent clumping.
• Experiment with different holiday spices like cardamom or ginger to personalize the pudding's flavor profile and create unique variations.
• Check tapioca pearls frequently during cooking to achieve the perfect soft, translucent consistency without becoming mushy or hard.
• Substitute regular milk and eggnog with coconut milk or almond milk for a lighter, lactose-free version of this festive dessert.
• Top the pudding with crushed gingersnap cookies, caramel drizzle, or toasted pecans to add crunch and enhance the holiday flavor experience.

Serving Ideas for Eggnog Tapioca Pudding

• Holiday Dessert Companion: Pair this eggnog tapioca pudding with gingerbread cookies for a festive flavor explosion.
• Cozy Christmas Presentation: Serve in small clear glasses to showcase the creamy texture and sprinkle of nutmeg, creating an elegant dessert display.
• Garnish Galore: Top with candied pecans or crushed graham crackers for added crunch and complementary holiday warmth.
• Warm Comfort Option: Enjoy this pudding slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent after-dinner treat that blends temperature and richness.

How to Store Eggnog Tapioca Pudding Properly

• Refrigeration Strategies: Store the tapioca pudding in an airtight container to maintain its creamy texture and prevent absorption of other food odors. Glass containers work best for keeping the dessert fresh.
• Temperature Control: Keep the pudding refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and quality. The cold environment helps maintain the pudding's smooth consistency and prevents bacterial growth.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the tapioca pudding up to two days before serving, which allows flavors to develop and intensify. The dessert actually improves with a short resting period in the refrigerator.
• Freezing Finesse: While possible to freeze, the texture might slightly change upon thawing. If freezing, use a freezer-safe container and consume within one month for the best taste experience. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Festive Eggnog Tapioca Pudding Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Festive eggnog tapioca pudding blends nostalgic holiday flavors with creamy dessert comfort. Smooth pearl tapioca mingles with classic eggnog spices, creating a delightful seasonal treat you’ll savor with each spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups eggnog
• 2 ½ cups milk (59 ml)
• 1 cup small pearl tapioca
• 2 egg whites
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar (for egg whites)
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• whipped cream
• ground nutmeg

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Submerge tapioca pearls in milk within a container, ensuring complete integration. Refrigerate for several hours to facilitate pearl absorption.
2. Combining Ingredients: In a saucepan, merge soaked tapioca, milk, eggnog, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Initiate cooking over medium heat, stirring continuously to prevent milk from scorching.
3. Simmering Process: As the mixture approaches boiling, reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Consistently stir and monitor tapioca’s transformation, watching for a thickened consistency. Cook for 10-15 minutes, periodically testing pearl tenderness.
4. Texture Refinement: Once pearls reach a soft, translucent state, remove from heat. Infuse vanilla essence and allow the mixture to cool for approximately 15 minutes.
5. Egg White Integration: Whip egg whites with sugar until stiff peaks form. Delicately fold whipped whites into the cooled tapioca, creating a light, ethereal texture.
6. Serving Suggestion: Chill the pudding in the refrigerator to enhance flavor development. Optionally, serve warm garnished with whipped cream and a dusting of ground nutmeg.

Notes

• Prep Ahead: Soak tapioca pearls in milk for several hours to ensure proper hydration and soft texture.
• Prevent Scorching: Stir continuously on medium heat to avoid burning milk and achieve smooth consistency.
• Check Doneness: Test tapioca pearls’ tenderness by sampling a few; they should be soft and translucent.
• Whip with Care: Fold egg whites gently to maintain the pudding’s light, airy texture without deflating.

• Prep Time: 3 hours (includes soaking time)
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Drinks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg