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Tapioca Pearls with Apricot Jelly and Peach Granita

A refreshing layered dessert featuring apricot jelly, creamy vanilla tapioca pearls, and peach granita.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Modern Australian

Ingredients
  

  • Peach Granita
  • 2 yellow peaches peeled and chopped
  • cup 75g caster sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Tapioca Layer
  • ¼ cup 50g tapioca pearls
  • cups 430ml milk
  • 1 tablespoon caster sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste
  • Apricot Jelly
  • 4 apricots about 430g total, chopped
  • ½ cup 110g caster sugar
  • Juice of 1 orange
  • 4 platinum-strength gelatine leaves
  • 2 cups 500ml water
  • To Serve
  • 1 yellow peach cut into wedges

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Make the Peach Granita
  • Place the chopped peaches, sugar, and lemon juice into a food processor.
  • Blend until completely smooth.
  • Pour the mixture into a loaf pan or shallow container.
  • Freeze for 2–3 hours until firm.
  • Scrape the frozen mixture with a fork to create fine icy crystals.
  • Return to the freezer until ready to serve.
  • Step 2: Soak the Tapioca Pearls
  • Place the tapioca pearls in a small bowl.
  • Cover completely with water.
  • Leave to soak for 2 hours.
  • Step 3: Prepare the Apricot Jelly
  • Add the chopped apricots, sugar, orange juice, and water to a saucepan.
  • Stir over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer for about 35 minutes until the fruit softens and the liquid reduces slightly.
  • Strain through a fine sieve lined with muslin cloth.
  • Avoid pressing the fruit to maintain a clear jelly.
  • Soak the gelatine leaves in cold water for 5 minutes.
  • Squeeze out excess moisture and stir into the hot apricot liquid until fully dissolved.
  • Divide the mixture evenly among four serving glasses.
  • Refrigerate for 3 hours or until completely set.
  • Step 4: Cook the Tapioca
  • Drain the soaked tapioca pearls.
  • Place them in a saucepan with the milk, sugar, and vanilla bean paste.
  • Cook over medium-low heat for approximately 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Continue cooking until the pearls become soft and translucent.
  • Transfer to a bowl.
  • Cover with plastic wrap, leaving a few small ventilation holes.
  • Allow to cool completely.
  • Step 5: Assemble the Dessert
  • Spoon the cooled tapioca mixture over the set apricot jelly.
  • Top generously with peach granita.
  • Garnish with fresh peach wedges.
  • Serve immediately for the best texture and presentation.
  • This Tapioca Pearls with Apricot Jelly and Peach Granita dessert is best enjoyed freshly assembled so every layer retains its unique texture.

Notes

  • Nectarines can be substituted for peaches.
  • Mango works beautifully in place of apricots.
  • Serve in clear glasses to showcase the layered effect.
  • Add fresh mint leaves for a refreshing garnish.
  • A sprinkle of toasted coconut adds additional texture.