Pineapple and Coconut Tapioca Pudding with Brazilian Sweetened Condensed Milk
A silky tapioca pudding infused with tropical pineapple and creamy coconut milk, sweetened with Brazilian condensed milk for a luscious dessert. This brazilian-inspired desserts ready in about 35 minutes layers small pearl tapioca, water, coconut 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 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup small pearl tapioca
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup toasted shredded coconut
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1/2 cup small pearl tapioca under cold water and soak in 2 cups water for 30 minutes to hydrate.
- Step 2: Transfer the soaked tapioca and water to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the tapioca pearls become translucent and begin to thicken, about 10-12 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup coconut milk, 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, stirring often, for 10 minutes until creamy and pudding-like.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and fold in 1 cup diced fresh pineapple, allowing the residual heat to warm the fruit slightly.
- Step 5: Spoon pudding into serving bowls, garnish with 1/4 cup toasted shredded coconut, and chill for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor and texture.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pineapple and Coconut Tapioca Pudding with Brazilian Sweetened Condensed Milk take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Pineapple and Coconut Tapioca Pudding with Brazilian Sweetened Condensed Milk?
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 Pineapple and Coconut Tapioca Pudding with Brazilian Sweetened Condensed Milk?
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 Pineapple and Coconut Tapioca Pudding with Brazilian Sweetened Condensed Milk for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Pineapple and Coconut Tapioca Pudding with Brazilian Sweetened Condensed Milk?
Brazilian 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.
