Boba Tea with Sweetened Condensed Milk (Printable Version)

Quick and creamy homemade bubble tea using instant tapioca pearls and sweetened condensed milk for a rich, cafe-style treat in minutes.

# Ingredient List:

→ Tapioca Pearls

01 - 1/2 cup quick-cook instant tapioca pearls

→ Tea Base

02 - 2 black tea bags or 2 teaspoons loose leaf black tea
03 - 1 1/2 cups hot water

→ Sweet & Creamy Additions

04 - 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
05 - 1 cup cold milk (dairy or plant-based)

→ For Serving

06 - 1 cup ice cubes

# Steps:

01 - Prepare the tapioca pearls according to package instructions, typically boiling for 3-5 minutes until soft and chewy. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
02 - Steep tea bags in 1 1/2 cups of hot water for 3-5 minutes. Remove tea bags and allow the brewed tea to cool slightly before combining with other ingredients.
03 - In a pitcher or large mixing bowl, combine the brewed tea, sweetened condensed milk, and cold milk. Stir vigorously until fully integrated and creamy in texture.
04 - Divide cooked tapioca pearls evenly between two large glasses. Add ice cubes to each glass, then pour the milk tea mixture over the pearls and ice.
05 - Stir well before drinking and serve immediately with large boba straws to accommodate the tapioca pearls.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You can satisfy boba cravings in under ten minutes without hunting down specialty stores
  • The sweetened condensed milk creates that perfectly silky rich texture shops are famous for
02 -
  • The texture of tapioca pearls changes fast. They get hard as they cool, so serve this immediately after assembling for that perfect bounce.
  • Adjust the sweetness by starting with less sweetened condensed milk. You can always add more, but you cannot take it back once its in there.
03 -
  • Keep a bag of instant tapioca pearls in your pantry for emergency boba cravings
  • Make a big batch of the tea base without the pearls and store it in the fridge for up to three days
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