Cherry Fruit Tapioca
A refreshing cherry tapioca dessert featuring tart cherries and almond flavor, perfect for summer gatherings or family treats, offering a delightful blend of tangy and sweet notes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring cherry juice, salt, sugar, and lemon juice to a boil.
- Gradually add quick cooking tapioca into the boiling mixture.
- Cook on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring continually. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Fold in drained tart cherries and almond extract. Chill until ready to serve.
- Serve topped with whipped topping if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
When making Cherry Fruit Tapioca, ensure the cherry juice is pure and not overly sweetened for the best flavor balance. If you can't find quick cooking tapioca, regular tapioca can be used but will require soaking. You can also substitute almond extract with vanilla extract for a different flavor twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cherry Fruit Tapioca chilled as a refreshing dessert. It pairs beautifully with whipped topping for added creaminess, and you can also serve it alongside Beth's Green Salad for a light meal. Consider garnishing with fresh cherries or mint leaves for a pop of color.
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 if it becomes too dense, stir in a little extra cherry juice or water before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Fruit Tapioca contains roughly 1375 calories, with 11g protein, 160g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (102% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 16g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen tart cherries in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the tapioca mixture to avoid excess liquid. This will maintain the desired texture and flavor.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, Cherry Fruit Tapioca is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. However, if you opt for a whipped topping, check that it is plant-based to keep the dish completely vegan.
How can I adjust the sweetness level?
To adjust the sweetness of your Cherry Fruit Tapioca, start with less sugar and taste the mixture as it cooks. You can always add more sugar if needed, but it's hard to reduce sweetness after it's mixed in. Balance it with more lemon juice for a tangy contrast if desired.
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).