Amish Tapioca Pudding

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A creamy, fruity tapioca pudding with pineapple and orange flavors, topped with Cool Whip. Perfect for a light dessert or family gathering, offering a delightful texture and taste.

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Ingredients

  • 1 (No. 2) can crushed pineapple, drained
  • 6 cups liquid including syrup drained from fruits and water
  • 1/2 cup baby pearl tapioca
  • 1 (3 oz.) package orange gelatin
  • 1 cup sugar
  • pinch of salt
  • 8 oz. container Cool Whip

Instructions

  1. Drain the pineapple and set aside.
  2. Add water to the fruit syrup to make 6 cups total.
  3. Bring the liquid to a boil and add the tapioca.
  4. Let the mixture stand for 15 minutes.
  5. Add the gelatin, sugar, and salt to the mixture.
  6. When the mixture is cool, stir in the pineapple, oranges, and Cool Whip.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, soak the tapioca in water for an hour before cooking. You can substitute the crushed pineapple with other fruits like peaches or mandarin oranges for a different flavor. If you prefer a less sweet pudding, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup. Experiment with different flavored gelatins to customize it further.

Serving Suggestions

This Amish Tapioca Pudding is perfect as a light dessert on its own or paired with a dollop of whipped cream. Serve it alongside a fruit salad for a refreshing meal. It pairs beautifully with Terrific 3 Bean Salad for a balanced summer picnic. Garnish with fresh fruit for an appealing presentation.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking. You can also enjoy it cold straight from the fridge, which enhances the flavors.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Amish Tapioca Pudding contains roughly 204 calories, with 4g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (81% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 895mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).

204 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.2g 8% DV
Total Fat 1.4g 2% DV
Carbs 49.3g 18% DV
Fiber 8.1g 29% DV
Sugar 6.4g 13% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 894.9mg 39% DV
Potassium 486.1mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 0.5mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 27.1mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 72.8mg 81% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 59.4mg 5% DV
Iron 1.5mg 8% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pudding vegan?

Yes, to make this pudding vegan, substitute the Cool Whip with a coconut cream or another non-dairy whipped topping. Ensure that the gelatin is plant-based, as traditional gelatin is not vegan. Using agar-agar can be a great alternative to achieve a similar texture.

How can I thicken the pudding if it doesn't set?

If your pudding doesn't thicken to the desired consistency, you can heat it gently while stirring and add a bit more tapioca or cornstarch dissolved in water. Allow it to cook for a few more minutes until it thickens. Always let it cool before serving, as it will firm up more as it cools.

What can I use instead of orange gelatin?

If you don't have orange gelatin, you can use any other flavor, such as pineapple or lemon, to complement the fruit in the pudding. Alternatively, you can make your own gelatin using fruit juice and agar-agar for a more natural option.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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