Fantastic for fall Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Tapioca Pudding couldn’t be easier to make as well as being dairy-free and vegan too! Layered with fun toppings, this light dessert delivers on the autumnal spices we love.
We are rolling into the prime season for comfort food. There is no homier food holiday than Thanksgiving and thinking about all the classic flavors and texture is always exciting for me. Though I appreciate and look forward to traditional seasonal recipes I always love to think up new ideas you and my family will love!
Tapioca pudding is a cozy blanket recipe of my youth. Whether the creamy texture of the pudding or the squishy bite of the plumped tapioca, it always makes me happy. My children are the same. We don’t make it that often but they love having some in the refrigerator when the mood strikes.
One of the most popular recipes on Boulder Locavore is actually a slow cooker dairy-free version of tapioca from a few years ago: Slow Cooker Light Almond Milk Tapioca Pudding. I also reprised a dairy-free holiday recipe I found in a packet of vintage recipes I bought on eBay or at a thrift store. Cranberry Tapioca with Orange-Nutmeg Whipped Cream was the first time I had made tapioca pudding without dairy milk as the recipe calls for water. It completely changes the consistency and flavors.
I’m loving my slow cooker on these busy, chilly days and over a recent weekend decided to whip up some Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Tapioca using Silk Vanilla Almond Milk. It is a dairy-free and vegan recipe. As the pudding cooks the flavors caramelize leaving the pudding tasting like a cross of pumpkin and gingerbread (to me at least). It’s a homey dish perfect for fall.
The fun thing about this pudding for me is layering on some tasty toppings. It adds more flavor and texture, personalizing for each diner’s preferences too. I sprinkled on some dried unsweetened grated coconut, chopped pecans, mini chocolate chips (allergy-free or traditional both work), and chopped (gluten-free) ginger snap cookies. Add a mint spring and you have a simple and unique fall dessert recipe (with very little effort…..love that part)!
Recipe
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Tapioca Pudding (vegan)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 4 cups Silk Vanilla Almond Milk
- 1/2 cup small Tapioca Pearls (not instant)
- 1/2 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
- 1/2 cup Pumpkin Puree ([homemade] or store purchased)
- Toppings (optional): dried unsweetened coconut, crushed ginger snap cookies, chopped pecans, mini chocolate chips, raisins (soaked in rum even better), mint sprig
Instructions
- Lightly spray the insert of the slow cooker. Add all the ingredients into the slow cooker and whisk together.
- Cook on LOW for 3 to 3 1/2 hours until tapioca pearls become larger and transparent, and the liquid has thickened (it will not fully set until it is chilled). Stir once an hour to keep tapioca mixed in with the liquid.
- Remove tapioca and chill in the refrigerator to fully set.
Nutrition
Ann Bacciaglia says
I love to try new slow cooker recipes. I bet this smells amazing when it is cooking. I will have to give this a try. I know my kids will love it.
gingermommyrants says
I am always looking for new Vegan recipes to try. This looks so delicious and easy to make. I will have to give this recipe a try this weekend.
Kathy says
That looks really good. I’ve never actually tried tapioca pudding before. This makes me really want to give it a try.
Amy Desrosiers says
Wow do these look so good! I would love to make some pudding with Silk!
Our Family World says
oh my goodness! That one looks good! I’m sure my husband would love it.
Danielle says
I’ve never really liked tapioca pudding, but this one looks and sounds tasty. I’d definitely try this!
Kelly says
Tapioca pudding has always been one of my favorite desserts. Your recipe has really elevated a classic – looks delicious!
Lisa Favre says
My mother is a huge fan of tapioca pudding. I’m sure she would love this dessert.
Marcie W. says
I love that it is still pumpkin season almost as much as I love the fact that this recipe involves a slow cooker. The toppings you suggested sound delicious as well!
Catherine Sargent says
This pudding looks so good. I have always loved Tapioca pudding and I can’t wait to make this. Thanks for sharing the recipe.