Matcha Green Tea Tapioca Pudding

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A silky Japanese dessert combining matcha's earthy bitterness with sweet, chewy tapioca pearls for a modern twist on traditional pudding. This japanese-inspired desserts ready in about 30 minutes layers tapioca pearls, matcha powder, whole milk into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.9 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 6 Japanese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Add tapioca pearls and cook 8-10 minutes until translucent but still firm. Drain and rinse under cold water until cooled. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, cornstarch, salt, and matcha powder until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 5-7 minutes until mixture thickens to a pudding consistency. Remove from heat.
  3. Step 3: Fold cooled tapioca pearls into the warm pudding mixture until well combined. Transfer to serving bowls and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Top with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of matcha powder if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Matcha Green Tea Tapioca Pudding take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Matcha Green Tea Tapioca Pudding?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Matcha Green Tea Tapioca Pudding?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Matcha Green Tea Tapioca Pudding for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Matcha Green Tea Tapioca Pudding?

Japanese desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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