Description
A refreshing boba smoothie that combines tapioca pearls with creamy avocado and black tea for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup tapioca pearls (traditional or instant)
- 1 1/4 cups water (for cooking pearls)
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 6 ounces brewed black tea, cooled
- 1 cup milk (whole milk, or almond, coconut, or soy milk for dairy-free options)
- 1/2 medium avocado, peeled and pitted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar syrup (reserved from pearl soaking or homemade)
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 2 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons cold heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (or low-carb powdered sweetener for diabetic-friendly option)
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Bring 1 1/4 cups water to a strong boil in a medium saucepan. Add the tapioca pearls along with a pinch (1/8 teaspoon) of baking soda—this small addition will neutralize acidity and help the pearls become soft yet chewy without turning mushy. Stir gently to keep pearls from sticking to the bottom or to each other.
- For traditional pearls, cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If using instant pearls, follow package instructions but typically boil for about 5 minutes. Once the pearls turn mostly translucent but still maintain a slight chewiness, remove the pot from heat and cover it. Let pearls sit for an additional 10 minutes to finish cooking through gently.
- Drain the pearls immediately, then transfer them to a bowl filled with 1/2 cup of warm dark brown sugar syrup. Stir so the pearls are evenly coated. Soaking them prevents drying and keeps their texture soft, as well as adds subtle caramel sweetness.
- Make sure your brewed black tea is cold, ideally refrigerated, before blending. Using chilled tea protects the smoothie from becoming watery when blended with ice, maintaining a fuller flavor and creamy texture.
- Place the peeled avocado, your chosen milk or milk alternative, 1/4 cup brown sugar syrup, chilled black tea, and ice cubes into a blender. Pulse on high speed until the mixture is smooth and thick but not overly diluted. Watch the blending time carefully; around 30 to 45 seconds is usually enough. Over-blending can make the smoothie too thin.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until the mixture turns light and fluffy, roughly 2 to 3 minutes. Refrigerate the foam until you serve the smoothie. This topping adds a tangy, airy texture that contrasts with the dense pearly smoothie below.
- Spoon the soaked tapioca pearls into your serving glass first. Slowly pour the blended avocado and black tea smoothie on top. Finish by gently spooning a layer of cream cheese foam over the surface. This layering keeps the pearls from hardening and ensures each sip contains both creamy and chewy elements.
- If you have leftover pearls, keep them submerged in brown sugar syrup at room temperature for several hours, or refrigerate up to 24 hours. Before using again, warm them gently in hot water to regain their softness and chew. Avoid keeping them dry or exposed to air, as that causes the pearls to harden or lose freshness.
Notes
- Baking soda in the cooking water makes a big difference by softening the pearls without compromising their chewiness. Use it sparingly to avoid impacting flavor.
- Dark brown sugar brings caramel tones that white sugar cannot provide, enriching both the syrup and pearls.
- Brewing a strong black tea and chilling it beforehand achieves the classic bubble tea bitterness, which balances the smoothie’s sweetness nicely. Good-quality loose leaf or tea bags work best.
- Use ripe avocados that yield slightly when pressed and show no brown spots. This natural ingredient adds smooth creaminess, reducing reliance on heavier dairy products—good for lactose-sensitive individuals.
- Choose unsweetened almond, coconut, or soy milk if you prefer a dairy-free smoothie. Adjust sweetness if needed, since these can affect the final taste.
- Fresh, clean ice keeps the smoothie thick and cold without watering it down. Avoid ice that’s been stored long or refrozen.
- Full-fat cream cheese softens easily and whips into a fluffy topping that brings just a touch of tanginess. If avoiding dairy, coconut cream can be substituted though texture will differ.
- For those managing blood sugar, low-carb powdered sweeteners can replace regular powdered sugar in the foam topping.
- Leftover pearls maintain their best texture when kept in syrup, not just plain water or air-exposed. Gently reheat in warm water before using again. Smoothies are ideal for immediate consumption due to their fresh ingredients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg