Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Brown Sugar Bubble Tea with Homemade Boba Pearls: A Sweet, Chewy Delight

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Lily Carter
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 2-4 servings (increased for better yield) 1x
  • Category: Drinks
  • Method: Boiling & Steeping
  • Cuisine: Taiwanese-Inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A rich, creamy, and indulgent drink with deep caramelized flavors and soft, chewy homemade boba pearls. This café-style bubble tea is easy to make at home, and the fresh boba pearls take it to another level!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Homemade Boba Pearls

  • 1/2 cup tapioca starch
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup water

For the Brown Sugar Syrup

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup water

For the Milk Tea

  • 2 black tea bags (or 2 tsp loose-leaf black tea)
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole, oat, almond, or preferred choice)
  • Ice cubes

Instructions

  1. Make the Boba Dough: Heat water and brown sugar in a saucepan. Once bubbling, add part of the tapioca starch, stir, then mix in the remaining starch to form a dough.
  2. Shape & Cook the Pearls: Roll into small balls, dust with tapioca starch, and boil for 15-20 minutes until translucent. Rinse under cold water.
  3. Prepare the Brown Sugar Syrup: Simmer brown sugar and water until thick. Add boba pearls and let soak.
  4. Brew the Tea: Steep black tea in hot water for 5 minutes. Let cool.
  5. Assemble the Bubble Tea: Add syrupy boba pearls to a glass, swirl syrup for the signature “tiger stripes,” add ice, pour in tea, and top with milk. Stir and enjoy!

Notes

  • For Extra Creaminess: Use sweetened condensed milk instead of regular milk.
  • Quick Option: Use store-bought boba pearls for faster prep.
  • Make It Vegan: Use dairy-free milk like oat or almond.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 glass
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 32g
  • Sodium: 30mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg