Easy Vegan Tapioca Pudding is the creamy, dreamy, dairy-free dessert you’ve been waiting for! Made with just 7 simple ingredients, this plant-based pudding is rich, lightly sweetened, and filled with the irresistible chewy texture of tapioca pearls.
This coconut milk tapioca pudding is not only naturally gluten-free but also super versatile—perfect for serving warm or chilled. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dessert or impressing guests at your next dinner party, this easy vegan pudding is always a hit.
Top it with fresh fruit, a drizzle of maple syrup, or your favorite crunchy toppings for a wholesome, satisfying treat that’s just as comforting as it is delicious!
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Vegan Tapioca Pudding
- Super simple to make – Just a few basic steps and pantry ingredients, and you’ll have a delicious dairy-free dessert in under 30 minutes!
- Creamy & smooth – Coconut milk adds the perfect rich texture without the need for any dairy or heavy cream.
- Naturally gluten-free – No fancy ingredients or swaps—this pudding is perfect for gluten-free diets.
- Completely plant-based – Great for vegans, dairy-free eaters, or anyone looking to indulge in a creamy dessert without animal products.
- Customizable toppings – From berries and coconut flakes to chocolate chips or nut butter, you can make it your own every time.
🧾 Ingredient Notes for Easy Vegan Tapioca Pudding
Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients that make this creamy vegan tapioca pudding so irresistible:
🥥 Full-Fat Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is the secret to this pudding’s ultra-rich and velvety texture. The higher fat content creates a creamy, indulgent base that thickens beautifully.
- Want a lighter option? Light coconut milk works too, though the pudding will be slightly less creamy.
- Need a swap? Almond milk, soy milk, or cashew milk can be used, but the texture will be a bit thinner. Cashew cream or oat cream are excellent choices if you want to keep it extra creamy without coconut.
🥛 Unsweetened Non-Dairy Milk
You’ll need a second plant-based milk to round out the base. I love using soy milk—it’s naturally creamier and has a nice balance of protein and fat that helps the pudding set just right.
- Other great options: Almond milk, cashew milk, or oat milk (unsweetened is best so the pudding doesn’t get overly sweet).
✨ Small Tapioca Pearls
This recipe is made with small, regular tapioca pearls (not instant!). These pearls soften as they cook and give the pudding its signature chewy texture and thickened consistency.
- Tip: Be sure to get small pearls—larger ones won’t cook the same and could throw off the recipe.
🍬 Granulated Sugar
Classic granulated sugar adds the perfect amount of sweetness while blending smoothly into the pudding.
- Alternatives: Brown sugar, coconut sugar, or cane sugar will add a deeper flavor. You can also use maple syrup or agave syrup, though they may slightly thin out the texture.
- Note: Always check that your sugar is labeled vegan if needed.
🧈 Vegan Butter
This is the key to that extra-smooth, luxurious finish! It adds buttery richness and enhances the flavor of the pudding.
- Optional swaps: Coconut oil works too and adds a hint of coconut flavor—perfect if you love a tropical twist.
- For a more neutral taste, stick with vegan butter, whether store-bought or homemade.
📋 Easy Variations for Vegan Tapioca Pudding
Looking to mix things up? Here are some fun and flavorful ways to customize your vegan tapioca pudding:
- Chocolate Tapioca Pudding
Stir in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder while cooking for a decadent chocolate version. - Coconut Mango Tapioca Pudding
Add ½ cup diced fresh mango and top with ¼ cup toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist. - Chai-Spiced Tapioca Pudding
Mix in 1 teaspoon of chai spice or a blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger for cozy, spiced flavor. - Matcha Tapioca Pudding
Add 1–2 teaspoons of matcha powder for an earthy flavor and gorgeous green hue. - Berry Tapioca Pudding
Gently fold in ½ cup of fresh or frozen berries just before serving for a sweet, fruity finish.
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make the perfect creamy vegan tapioca pudding at home:
Step 1:
In a small saucepan, combine coconut milk, unsweetened non-dairy milk, tapioca pearls, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking.
Step 2:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for around 30 minutes. Stir occasionally. The pudding is ready when the tapioca pearls are mostly translucent and the mixture has thickened into a creamy consistency. (Tip: Cooking time can vary by brand—check your package for guidance.)
Step 3:
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vegan butter and vanilla extract until the butter melts completely and blends smoothly into the pudding.
Step 4:
Transfer the pudding to serving glasses or a large container. You can enjoy it warm after a few minutes of cooling or refrigerate it for at least 2 hours (or overnight) for a chilled dessert.
💭 Expert Tips for Best Results
- Use a non-stick saucepan
This helps prevent the pudding from burning or sticking to the bottom while it simmers. - Stir frequently
To avoid clumps and ensure even cooking, stir the pudding regularly throughout the cooking process. - Taste and adjust sweetness
Everyone’s sweet tooth is different—feel free to add more sugar or your favorite sweetener if desired. - Don’t rush the simmer
Let the pudding thicken naturally over low heat so the tapioca pearls become soft and the texture turns creamy. - Avoid pudding skin
If chilling, place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming.
🛠️ Kitchen Must-Haves for the Easy Vegan Tapioca Pudding
Want your pudding to turn out silky-smooth and absolutely irresistible? These are the tried-and-true tools and ingredients I personally recommend to make the magic happen:
🧂 High-Quality Sea Salt – This fine sea salt enhances all the other flavors and brings balance to every bite.
⭐ Best Tapioca Pearls – These small tapioca pearls are my go-to for the perfect chewy texture every time. No mush, no mess—just pudding perfection!
🥄 Tapioca Granules – A great alternative if you prefer a finer texture. They cook a bit faster and still give you that cozy pudding feel.
🍁 Pure Maple Syrup – This rich, amber maple syrup adds the perfect natural sweetness if you want to skip the granulated sugar.
🍦 Real Vanilla Extract – A must-have for deep, delicious flavor. Don’t skip this one—it takes your pudding from good to amazing.
Craving something savory before dessert?
Warm up with our Easy Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup — a comforting, plant-based twist on a classic that’s perfect for cozy nights or feel-good lunches. Packed with flavor, noodles, and wholesome veggies, it’s a must-try before you dive into dessert!
Easy Vegan Tapioca Pudding
Description
This Easy Vegan Tapioca Pudding is creamy, comforting, and made with just a few simple ingredients like coconut milk and tapioca pearls. It’s naturally gluten-free, completely dairy-free, and perfect for anyone craving a plant-based dessert that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. Whether you enjoy it warm or chilled, topped with fruit or eaten straight from the bowl, this pudding is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious, fuss-free treat. Ready in just a few steps and endlessly customizable—this is a dessert you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine the full-fat coconut milk, your choice of non-dairy milk, small tapioca pearls, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and place over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to prevent the pearls from sticking to the bottom.
- Step 2: Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tapioca pearls should become soft, plump, and nearly translucent—this is when you’ll know the pudding is thick, creamy, and ready. Cooking times may vary depending on the brand of pearls, so check the package for guidance and keep an eye on the texture.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in the vegan butter and vanilla extract. Mix until the butter is fully melted and smoothly blended into the pudding.
- Step 4: Spoon the pudding into small serving glasses or a large bowl. You can enjoy it warm (just let it cool slightly), or chill it in the fridge for at least 2 hours—or overnight—for a refreshing, cold dessert.
Note
Use a non-stick saucepan: This makes cleanup easier and helps prevent sticking and scorching during cooking.
Stir regularly: Stir frequently, especially early on, to keep the pearls from clumping or sticking to the pot.
Taste and adjust: Prefer it sweeter? Feel free to add a little extra sugar or sweetener while it simmers.
Be patient: Let the pudding simmer gently until it thickens and the pearls are fully tender—this step is key for the best texture.
Avoid a skin: If chilling the pudding, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
