Description
Festive holiday desserts reach new heights with eggnog tapioca pudding, a creamy blend of traditional flavors and silky texture. Rich Caribbean tapioca pearls and classic Christmas spices create a luxurious treat you’ll savor with pure seasonal delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup tapioca pearls
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Flavoring and Spices:
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional Garnish:
- 2 tbsp rum (optional)
- Whipped cream for topping
- Extra ground nutmeg for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare a medium saucepan by setting it over medium-low heat, then gently combine milk and tapioca pearls, allowing them to slowly hydrate and soften for approximately 15 minutes while stirring occasionally.
- Whisk eggs in a separate bowl until smooth, gradually incorporating sugar to create a light, pale mixture that becomes slightly frothy and well-integrated.
- Temper the egg mixture by slowly pouring a small amount of warm milk into the eggs, whisking continuously to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth incorporation.
- Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the milk and tapioca, stirring consistently to maintain an even texture and prevent scorching at the bottom of the pan.
- Continue cooking the pudding for 10-12 minutes, watching for a gradual thickening and tracking when the tapioca pearls become translucent and tender.
- Remove from heat and fold in heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon, creating a rich and aromatic dessert base.
- Transfer the pudding to a clean bowl, covering the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until thoroughly chilled.
- Before serving, gently stir the pudding and optional rum, then garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a delicate sprinkle of ground nutmeg for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Soak tapioca pearls before cooking to reduce overall cooking time and ensure even softening, preventing clumpy or undercooked texture.
- Replace whole milk with lower-fat alternatives like almond or oat milk for a lighter version that still maintains creamy consistency.
- Control temperature carefully during egg tempering to avoid scrambling, using slow and steady whisking technique for silky smooth pudding.
- Customize holiday flavors by experimenting with different spices like cardamom or adding orange zest for a unique festive twist on traditional eggnog profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg