Dessert · Latin American ·

Buttery Brazilian Tapioca Pudding with Dulce de Leche

Name: Buttery Brazilian Tapioca Pudding with Dulce de Leche
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: 1 cup small pearl tapioca; 4 cups whole milk; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup full-fat coconut milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup dulce de leche; 2 tablespoons whole milk; Toasted coconut flakes; Chopped Brazil nuts

A traditional Brazilian comfort dessert, this rich and creamy tapioca pudding is topped with luscious dulce de leche for a perfect sweet finish.

4.1(728 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·August 22, 2025

Buttery Brazilian Tapioca Pudding with Dulce de Leche — Dessert served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Tapioca Pudding

For the Dulce de Leche Topping

For Garnishing

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 638 kcal
Protein: 8.85 g
Carbs: 92 g
Fat: 25.75 g
Fiber: 1.58 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 3829 kcal
Protein: 53.1 g
Carbs: 552 g
Fat: 154.5 g
Fiber: 9.5 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
1 cup small pearl tapioca	544	0.1	135	0.5	0.5
4 cups whole milk	600	32	48	32	0
2/3 cup granulated sugar	512	0	132	0	0
1 cup full-fat coconut milk	552	5	8	57	5
1 teaspoon vanilla extract	12	0	0.5	0	0
1/4 teaspoon salt	0	0	0	0	0
1 cup dulce de leche	1300	10	220	36	0
2 tablespoons whole milk	19	1	1.5	1	0
Toasted coconut flakes	100	1	4	9	2
Chopped Brazil nuts	190	4	3	19	2

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Prepping the Tapioca

1
Soak the tapioca
Soak the tapioca pearls in 2 cups of water for 30 minutes, then drain.
2
Combine ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine the soaked tapioca, whole milk, and granulated sugar.
3
Cook mixture
Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens, stirring frequently.
Tip: Do not let the tapioca pudding come to a hard boil; it should simmer. Stir continuously to avoid lumps.

Making the Dulce de Leche Sauce

1
Combine dulce de leche and milk
In a small saucepan, combine dulce de leche with whole milk.
2
Heat sauce
Heat gently over low heat until it becomes smooth and pourable.
3
Stir occasionally
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

How to Make Buttery Brazilian Tapioca Pudding with Dulce de Leche

Total time: 2 h · Yields 6 servings

1
Cooking the Pudding
Stir the tapioca mixture constantly until the pudding thickens, about 15-20 minutes.
2
Finishing Touch
Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
3
Final Assembly
Pour the pudding into individual serving bowls and allow it to cool slightly.