Amish Tapioca
Amish Tapioca is a creamy, fruity dessert featuring pearl tapioca combined with pineapple and mandarin oranges, sweetened with jello and sugar. Topped with whipped cream, it offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors that is perfect for family gatherings or casual occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add enough water to the pineapple and orange syrup to make 6 cups of liquid.
- Bring the liquid to a boil.
- Add tapioca and boil for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Let stand for 10 minutes, stirring several times.
- Add jello, sugar, and salt to the tapioca mixture and stir until dissolved.
- Allow the mixture to cool completely.
- Add the drained pineapple and mandarin oranges to the cooled mixture.
- Whip the whipping cream, sweeten to taste, and fold into the tapioca mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For a silkier texture, soak the tapioca pearls in water for 30 minutes before cooking. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup. You can also substitute the mandarin oranges with fresh peaches or berries for a seasonal twist. To enhance flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture before cooling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Amish Tapioca chilled as a refreshing dessert on hot days. It pairs beautifully with Velvet Pudding or a slice of Pound Cake - Chocolate. For a more festive touch, garnish with mint leaves or additional fruit slices. This dish is great for potlucks or family gatherings, where it can be a crowd-pleaser.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tapioca may thicken as it sits, so stir in a little milk or cream before serving to restore the desired consistency. Avoid freezing, as the texture can become grainy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Amish Tapioca contains roughly 49 calories, with 0g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 875mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
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 Amish Tapioca ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Amish Tapioca a day in advance. Just ensure it cools completely before refrigerating. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier when served the next day.
What can I use instead of baby pearl tapioca?
If you don't have baby pearl tapioca, you can substitute it with instant tapioca, but reduce the cooking time. Alternatively, small pearl tapioca can work, but it may take longer to cook and thicken.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Amish Tapioca is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat or animal-derived ingredients. However, be mindful of the whipped cream; you can use a dairy-free alternative if needed to maintain the vegetarian aspect.
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).