As I stood in my kitchen, the scent of summer filled the air, whisking me away to a sun-soaked beach. It’s the kind of bliss that beckons for a treat, and that’s where my Strawberry Coconut Tapioca Dessert comes in. This delightful no-bake creation marries tender tapioca pearls with the sweetness of fresh strawberries and the creamy richness of coconut. Not only is it gluten-free and easy to whip up, but it’s also a fantastic make-ahead option for gatherings or a simple family dinner. With its refreshing taste and inviting textures, this tropical dessert is sure to charm anyone tired of bland takeout. Curious about how to create this mouthwatering dish? Let’s dive in! Why is this dessert a summer essential? Refreshing, this Strawberry Coconut Tapioca Dessert brings tropical vibes right to your kitchen! No-bake pleasure means it’s effortless to whip up, making it perfect for busy days. Gluten-free and easy, it caters to a wide range of dietary needs, plus it’s a delightful alternative to mundane takeout. Versatile flavors allow you to mix things up; swap strawberries for mangoes for a new twist! Make-ahead magic makes it a showstopper for parties or family gatherings. Pair it with a scoop of ice cream or serve it alongside my creamy Funfetti Dip Dessert for a sweeter celebration! Strawberry Coconut Tapioca Dessert Ingredients • A vibrant mix for your tropical treat! For the Tapioca Base Tapioca Pearls – Creates a chewy texture that’s essential for a satisfying dessert. Coconut Milk – Adds rich creaminess; for a nutty twist, almond milk can be substituted. Regular Milk – Balances the richness of coconut milk for a smooth finish. For the Fruity Element Strawberries – Provides a sweet-tart flavor; use fresh for best taste or ripe frozen if needed. Strawberry Jam – Enhances the fruity notes and adds a nice sweetness to the mix. For Sweetness Sweetened Condensed Milk – Adds a silky sweetness; consider honey or maple syrup for a lighter option. For Texture and Fun Coconut Jellies (Nata de Coco) – Introduces chewy bits; swap with other jellies or boba pearls if unavailable. Pull these ingredients together, and you’ll be on your way to creating the most delightful Strawberry Coconut Tapioca Dessert—perfect for bright summer days! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Strawberry Coconut Tapioca Dessert Step 1: Cook Tapioca Pearls In a medium pot, bring about 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 1 cup of tapioca pearls and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally and cook for 25-30 minutes until the pearls are translucent and tender. Make sure to keep an eye on them to prevent sticking. Step 2: Drain and Cool After cooking, carefully drain the tapioca pearls in a colander and rinse them under cold water to halt the cooking process. Transfer the rinsed pearls into a mixing bowl. This cooling step ensures that the pearls maintain their delightful chewy texture throughout your Strawberry Coconut Tapioca Dessert. Step 3: Blend Creamy Base In a blender, combine half of the fresh strawberries, 1 cup of coconut milk, 1/2 cup of regular milk, and 1/4 cup of strawberry jam. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, creating a lovely pink base. Once blended, pour this luscious mixture into the bowl with the cooled tapioca pearls, mixing well to coat. Step 4: Add Toppings and Sweetener Fold in 1 cup of chopped strawberries, 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk, and 1 cup of coconut jellies into the tapioca mixture. Stir gently until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, allowing the sweetened condensed milk to infuse its creamy texture throughout the dessert. Your Strawberry Coconut Tapioca Dessert is now brimming with fruity goodness. Step 5: Chill or Serve You can enjoy your Strawberry Coconut Tapioca Dessert immediately at room temperature. For a refreshing treat, chill it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to let the flavors meld beautifully together. Serve in elegant cups or bowls, and experience the tropical delight of this easy, no-bake summer wonder! Make Ahead Options These Strawberry Coconut Tapioca Desserts are a wonderful solution for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the tapioca pearls and the creamy base (including coconut milk, regular milk, and strawberry jam) up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cook the pearls, rinse them, and mix them with the blended ingredients, then cover the mixture and refrigerate. To keep the textures intact, be sure to add the chopped strawberries and coconut jellies just before serving. When it’s time to enjoy your dessert, give it a gentle stir, and serve chilled or at room temperature. It will be just as delicious and refreshing—a perfect make-ahead treat for any occasion! How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Coconut Tapioca Dessert Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. This helps maintain the creamy texture and vibrant flavors of your Strawberry Coconut Tapioca Dessert. Freezer: It’s best not to freeze this dessert as the texture of the tapioca pearls and fresh strawberries may change, making them less enjoyable. Reheating: If enjoyed chilled, simply scoop out servings from the fridge. There’s no need to reheat this delightful dessert, as it’s best served cold. Serving Suggestions: Before serving, give it a gentle stir to redistribute ingredients, ensuring each spoonful is as delightful as the last! What to Serve with Strawberry Coconut Tapioca Dessert? Elevate your culinary experience with delightful companions that balance the sweetness and creaminess of this tropical treat. Crispy Fruit Chips: These crunchy, sweet bites provide a delightful contrast in texture, perfect for nibbling alongside the creamy dessert. Toasted Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle some toasted coconut on top for an extra layer of flavor and chewiness that enhances the tropical vibe. Minted Lime Zest: A sprinkle of freshly grated lime zest elevates the dessert with a lively citrus note, refreshing every spoonful. Chilled Herbal Iced Tea: A glass of light herbal iced tea, like mint or chamomile, adds a refreshing touch, complementing the dessert’s flavors beautifully. Mango Sorbet: This smooth and fruity sorbet mirrors the tropical essence of the tapioca, offering a delicious pairing. Serve in a separate dish for a refreshing contrast. Coconut Milk Cream: Whipped coconut cream drizzled over the dessert brings a richer coconut flavor, elevating the indulgence. Almond Biscotti: These crunchy cookies provide a delightful snap, perfectly balancing the dessert’s creaminess, inviting a lovely textural contrast. Fresh Berries: Serve alongside a medley of berries for a burst of tartness that perfectly complements the sweetness of your Strawberry Coconut Tapioca Dessert. Strawberry Coconut Tapioca Dessert Variations Feel free to explore these delightful twists on the classic recipe that can turn your dessert experience into something truly memorable! Mango Magic: Swap out strawberries for ripe mangoes for a tropical flair. The juicy sweetness of mango pairs beautifully with the creamy coconut. Nutty Alternative: Replace coconut milk with almond milk for a delightful nutty taste. It adds a whole new dimension while still being rich and creamy. Lychee Loveliness: Use lychee or peach jellies instead of coconut for a unique texture and flavor. Their subtle sweetness is a wonderful complement to the dessert. Plant-Based Version: Make it vegan by substituting sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk. It retains all the creaminess without animal products. Citrus Zest: Add a splash of lime juice or zest to the mixture for a refreshing citrus kick that elevates the tropical experience. Rose Infusion: For a floral twist, incorporate a few drops of rose water. This aromatic touch adds an exotic flavor profile and elevates the overall presentation. Chocolate Delight: Drizzle a bit of melted dark chocolate over your dessert for a decadent addition. The combination of chocolate and coconut is simply irresistible! Boba Twist: If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some cooked boba pearls for added texture. They add a fun chewiness that will delight adventurous eaters. Ready to make the most of your culinary creativity? Serve this Strawberry Coconut Tapioca Dessert with a side of my easy-to-make Chocolate Eclair Cake for a decadent treat that reigns supreme. Embrace the flavors of summer! Expert Tips for Strawberry Coconut Tapioca Dessert • Simmer Carefully: Keep the pot at a gentle simmer to prevent tapioca pearls from sticking together, ensuring a perfect texture in your Strawberry Coconut Tapioca Dessert. • Rinse Thoroughly: After cooking, rinse the tapioca pearls well under cold water to cool them and maintain their chewy consistency; this step is crucial for the best results. • Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh strawberries for the ultimate fruity flavor; if they’re out of season, ripe frozen strawberries can work just as well without compromising taste. • Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to taste and adjust the sweetness of your dessert by adding more or less sweetened condensed milk or honey according to your preference. • Make-ahead Magic: Prepare your Strawberry Coconut Tapioca Dessert in advance; it stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days, allowing flavors to meld. • Creative Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment! Swap strawberries for mangoes or add a touch of vanilla extract for a new twist on this tropical favorite. Strawberry Coconut Tapioca Dessert Recipe FAQs What type of tapioca pearls should I use? I recommend using small tapioca pearls for the best texture in your Strawberry Coconut Tapioca Dessert. These pearls create that delightful chewy consistency that makes this dessert so enjoyable. Avoid large pearls, as they may not cook evenly and could result in a less satisfying texture. How should I store leftover tapioca dessert? To store your Strawberry Coconut Tapioca Dessert, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2-3 days. This method helps maintain its creamy texture and vibrant flavors. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just give it a gentle stir and serve! Can I freeze the Strawberry Coconut Tapioca Dessert? I don’t recommend freezing this dessert. Freezing can alter the texture of the tapioca pearls and fresh strawberries, making them less enjoyable when thawed. Instead, enjoy it fresh or store it in the fridge for a quick treat over a few days. What if my tapioca pearls aren’t cooked properly? If your tapioca pearls aren’t cooked properly, don’t worry! If they’re still hard or opaque, simply add a little more water to the pot and continue cooking on low heat, stirring regularly, until they become translucent and tender. This should take an additional 5-10 minutes. For the optimal texture, always keep the heat low to prevent sticking. Are there any dietary considerations for this dessert? Absolutely! This Strawberry Coconut Tapioca Dessert is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities. If you’re looking to make it vegan, simply swap out the regular milk for a plant-based milk alternative and use coconut condensed milk instead of sweetened condensed milk. Just make sure to check your jellies for any animal-derived ingredients! Delightful Strawberry Coconut Tapioca Dessert for Summer Bliss Enjoy a refreshing Strawberry Coconut Tapioca Dessert that's gluten-free and perfect for summer. This delightful treat combines tapioca pearls, strawberries, and coconut for a tropical indulgence. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsChilling Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins Servings: 6 cupsCourse: DessertCuisine: TropicalCalories: 230 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Tapioca Base1 cup Tapioca Pearls Creates a chewy texture that's essential for a satisfying dessert.1 cup Coconut Milk Adds rich creaminess; for a nutty twist, almond milk can be substituted.1/2 cup Regular Milk Balances the richness of coconut milk for a smooth finish.For the Fruity Element2 cups Strawberries Provides a sweet-tart flavor; use fresh for best taste or ripe frozen if needed.1/4 cup Strawberry Jam Enhances the fruity notes and adds a nice sweetness to the mix.For Sweetness1/2 cup Sweetened Condensed Milk Adds a silky sweetness; consider honey or maple syrup for a lighter option.For Texture and Fun1 cup Coconut Jellies (Nata de Coco) Introduces chewy bits; swap with other jellies or boba pearls if unavailable. Equipment medium potcolanderMixing bowlblender Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Strawberry Coconut Tapioca DessertIn a medium pot, bring about 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 1 cup of tapioca pearls and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally and cook for 25-30 minutes until the pearls are translucent and tender.Carefully drain the tapioca pearls in a colander and rinse them under cold water to halt the cooking process. Transfer the rinsed pearls into a mixing bowl.In a blender, combine half of the fresh strawberries, 1 cup of coconut milk, 1/2 cup of regular milk, and 1/4 cup of strawberry jam. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Pour this mixture into the bowl with the cooled tapioca pearls, mixing well.Fold in 1 cup of chopped strawberries, 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk, and 1 cup of coconut jellies into the tapioca mixture. Stir gently until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.Chill the dessert in the refrigerator for about 1 hour before serving, or enjoy immediately at room temperature. Nutrition Serving: 1cupCalories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 80mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 1mg NotesStore in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Best served cold. For a refreshing treat, chill it before serving. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
