Steamed Tapioca and Coconut Pudding with Brazilian Guava Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A delicate tapioca pearl pudding steamed and enriched with coconut milk, served with a fresh guava fruit sauce for a tropical Brazilian dessert experience. This Brazilian-inspired recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, layers small tapioca pearls, 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 220 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.

Prep: 35 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 1/2 cup small tapioca pearls in 1 cup water for 30 minutes to soften.
  2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the soaked tapioca with the remaining 1 cup water, 1 cup coconut milk, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt. Stir over medium heat until it comes to a gentle boil.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, for 15-20 minutes until the tapioca pearls are translucent and the pudding thickens.
  4. Step 4: While the pudding cooks, prepare the guava sauce by blending 2 peeled and chopped fresh guava fruits with 1 tbsp lime juice and 2 tbsp honey until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Remove the pudding from heat and let it cool slightly. Serve the warm tapioca pudding topped with 2-3 tbsp of the fresh guava sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Steamed Tapioca and Coconut Pudding with Brazilian Guava Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (35 min prep + 20 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 Steamed Tapioca and Coconut Pudding with Brazilian Guava Sauce?

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 Steamed Tapioca and Coconut Pudding with Brazilian Guava Sauce?

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 Steamed Tapioca and Coconut Pudding with Brazilian Guava Sauce 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 Steamed Tapioca and Coconut Pudding with Brazilian Guava Sauce?

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.