How to Make Creamy Large Pearl Tapioca Pudding

There’s something magical about large pearl tapioca pudding that chewy texture, the creamy base, and the way those glossy pearls seem to dance in your spoon. It’s nostalgic, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make at home.

Whether you're a bubble tea shop owner or just someone who loves dessert, this guide will walk you through how to make your own tapioca pudding using large size tapioca pearls the same kind you'd use in your favorite boba drinks.

Ingredients You'll Need

• 1 cup large pearl tapioca

• 8 cups of water (for soaking and cooking the pearls)

• 2 cups whole milk (or try coconut milk for a tropical twist)

• ½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1 egg yolk (optional – for extra richness)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Soak and cook the tapioca

Large tapioca pearls take time. 
Bring 8 cups of water to a boil, add the pearls, and simmer for 5 minutes. Then cover the pot, remove it from heat, and let the pearls soak for 8–12 hours until they turn translucent with a chewy center.

Pro tip: After soaking, rinse pearls with cold water and drain to prevent them from sticking.

2. Make the creamy pudding base

In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. If using an egg yolk, whisk it in a separate bowl and slowly temper it by adding some of the warm milk before stirring it back into the pan. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens slightly but don’t boil it.

3. Combine and chill

Add your drained tapioca pearls into the pudding mixture and stir gently to combine. Let it cool for a bit, then pour into small cups or jars. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours until it sets into a smooth, creamy dessert.

Optional Toppings & Variations

Want to dress it up? Try adding:

• Fresh mango chunks or purée

• Coconut cream drizzle

• Brown sugar syrup

• Toasted coconut flakes

• A scoop of vanilla or matcha ice cream

Why Use Large Pearl Tapioca?

Large tapioca pearls add a fun, chewy texture that’s totally different from the smaller ones used in traditional Western-style puddings. If you run a café or tea shop, this is a great way to reuse your existing tapioca stock for desserts too!

We also offer export grade, certified large pearl tapioca suitable for both drinks and desserts.
Learn more about our Tapioca Pearl Products →