Apple Tapioca

Prep: 5 min Cook: 20 min Cuisine: American

A warm, comforting apple dessert with tapioca and cinnamon, perfect for cozy gatherings and fruit lovers seeking a sweet, hearty treat.

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Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup quick cooking tapioca
  • 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 4 cups sliced tart apples
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • nutmeg (if you wish)

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients, except nutmeg, in a saucepan.
  2. Mix lightly and let stand for 5 minutes.
  3. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
  4. Stir occasionally.
  5. Reduce heat and simmer until apples are tender, 15 to 20 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. If you don’t have brown sugar, white sugar can be substituted, but the taste will be less caramelized. Adding a pinch of nutmeg enhances the warmth of the dish, so feel free to incorporate it if desired. Be sure to let the tapioca fully hydrate for optimal texture.

Serving Suggestions

Apple Tapioca is delightful served warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for added creaminess. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like a simple whipped cream topping or a sprinkle of granola for crunch. For a festive touch, serve it alongside Yuletide Cookies during the holidays for a comforting dessert spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to ensure it doesn’t overheat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Apple Tapioca contains roughly 1199 calories, with 11g protein, 127g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (35% of the Daily Value) and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1237mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).

1199 kcal 60% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11g 22% DV
Total Fat 71.6g 92% DV
Carbs 127.4g 46% DV
Fiber 3.1g 11% DV
Sugar 63.4g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1236.6mg 54% DV
Potassium 315.9mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 34.5mg 12% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0mcg
Vitamin C 0.7mg 1% DV
Calcium 459.5mg 35% DV
Iron 3.5mg 19% DV
Contains Milk

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 use frozen apples instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen apples, though they may release more moisture during cooking. Thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. Adjust the cooking time slightly since frozen fruit can become tender faster.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat products. Just ensure that your tapioca is labeled gluten-free, and you can enjoy this dish without any adjustments.

What is the best way to slice apples for this recipe?

For even cooking, slice the apples into uniform pieces, about 1/4-inch thick. This ensures they cook through at the same rate and become tender without turning mushy too quickly.

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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