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Slow Cooker Tapioca Pudding + VIDEO

This slow cooker tapioca pudding can be made in vanilla or chocolate. You can also make this easy vegan dessert in or Instant Pot.

PIN FOR LATER

Updated 2021

This is probably the slow cooker dessert I make this most which is why it’s long overdue for an update. If you can’t tell from the lack of dessert recipes on this blog, I don’t really have a sweet tooth. This tapioca pudding however is usually in regular rotation and almost always served at my dinner parties.

before (slow cooker)

What Is Tapioca Pudding?

Tapioca pudding is sweet pudding that’s usually made from tapioca pearls and some sort of dairy or cream & sugar. Tapioca pudding is eaten worldwide with different variations depending on the region & cuisine.

after (slow cooker)

Healthy Tapioca Pudding

I don’t know why but for some reason I tend to make most of my dessert recipes vegan. This tapioca pudding is no different. A more traditional tapioca pudding usually includes milk and an eggs/egg whites mixture. Since this is a vegan pudding, in place of the dairy
I used a combination of nut milk (almond milk in this case) and full-fat coconut milk. I also eliminated sugar and used maple syrup instead. If you aren’t concerned about this pudding being vegan then you have the option to use honey as a sweetener.

vegan vanilla tapioca pudding

Vanilla Or Chocolate Pudding

What I love most about this vegan tapioca pudding is that it can be made in either vanilla or chocolate. Sometimes I’m in the mood for vanilla pudding, sometimes chocolate. Both versions follow the same base recipe. To make this a chocolate tapioca pudding all you need to do is add cocoa powder. Yes, cocoa powder is naturally vegan. Check the ingredients on the cocoa you’re using to make sure there haven’t been any added non-vegan ingredients added.

vegan chocolate tapioca pudding

Making This In The Instant Pot

It was important to me that this recipe work in the Instant Pot by cooking directly in the base, not having to use a separate pot. As a result the Instant Pot version went through several rounds of recipe testing. By several I mean 6. I made this tapioca pudding in the Instant Pot 6 times before I finally got it right. There are 3 key steps you need to take so you don’t receiving the burn notice when making this pudding:

  1. Spray the Instant Pot generously with cooking spray.
  2. Cook the pudding on the low setting.
  3. STIR well before cooking. Whisk the pot so none of the food is sticking to the bottom. Sometimes the tapioca pearls will get stuck in the maple syrup….stir until the syrup is well blended and not in clumps.

How To Serve Tapioca Pudding

Keep in mind that tapioca pudding will thicken a great deal when it cools. Whether you serve this vegan dessert hot, cold or room temperature is up to you. It’s great topped with things like vegan whipped topping, fresh fruit, or shaved coconut.

Notes About This Pudding

  • You do not need to pre-soak the tapioca pearls first.
  • Spray the heck out of the slow cooker & Instant Pot to prevent sticking.
  • Transfer the pudding to a separate container to cool.

I used a slow cooker that is split into two 1.5-quart capacities (3-quartstotal) so I can make both vanilla & chocolate at the same time. I use 6-quart Instant Pot for this recipe.

Print
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Crockpot Vegan Tapioca Pudding

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  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 mins
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1/2 cup small tapioca pearls
  • 1 1/4 cups almond milk (or another nut milk)
  • 15 ounces full-fat coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup (or honey)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder – ADD FOR CHOCOLATE PUDDING (optional)

Instructions

Slow Cooker

  1. Spray the slow cooker generously with cooking spray.
  2. Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and stir to mix well.
  3. Cook HIGH 1-2 hours or LOW 2-4.
  4. Finished product will appear very wet or soupy. Stir to mix well.
  5. Let cool to thicken to pudding consistency. Store in the fridge.

Instant Pot

  1. Spray the pressure cooker generously with cooking spray.
  2. Add all the ingredients. Stir to mix well.
  3. Close lid and seal valve. Set low pressure and cook for 7 minutes. When done, quick release pressure.
  • Author: Shannon Epstein
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 2 hours

This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click on one of the product links, I might receive compensation. For more about my disclosure policy see here: https://fitslowcookerqueen.com/about/disclosure-policy/.

[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”1bB8ARrd” upload-date=”2021-09-10T20:19:03.000Z” name=”Slow Cooker Tapioca Pudding” description=”This easy tapioca pudding can be made in vanilla or chocolate. Make this vegan dessert in your slow cooker or Instant Pot.” player-type=”default” override-embed=”default”]

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Kartika Nair

Friday 2nd of February 2018

Anything made with chocolate and vanilla flavors can never go wrong . This seriously looks delicious and healthy . I will try this recipe for sure.

thestyletune

Thursday 1st of February 2018

I love tapioca, slow cooker is actually a great idea. Would love to try the vanilla one.

Flyingkids

Wednesday 31st of January 2018

I love Tapioca pearls, especially in milk tea. This recipe looks gorgeous! Will try this over the weekend.

Ridima Mittal

Wednesday 31st of January 2018

wow this is a great recipe. I have this packet of tapioca that i didn't know what to do. I am trying this recipe for sure :)