Traditional Taiwanese Pineapple Cake (鳳梨酥) Recipe

Ingredients

For the Pineapple Jam:

2 large pineapples
1 cup of granulated sugar
1 cinnamon stick

For the Pastry:

1 1/2 cups of cake flour
1 cup of all-purpose flour
1/2 cup of powdered sugar
2 egg yolks
1 stick of unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 tablespoon of condensed milk

For the Egg Wash:

1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon of milk

Steps and instructions

Start by preparing the pineapple jam. Peel the pineapples and cut them into chunks. Blend the chunks in a blender until they form a puree.
Transfer the pineapple puree into a large pot. Add in the sugar and cinnamon stick. Cook over medium heat until most of the liquid evaporates and the mixture thickens. This should take about 2-3 hours. Let it cool down completely before proceeding.
In the meantime, prepare the pastry. In a large bowl, combine the cake flour, all-purpose flour, and powdered sugar.
Add in the egg yolks, butter, and condensed milk. Mix until a dough forms.
Divide the dough and pineapple jam into equal portions, about one tablespoon each.
Roll each dough portion into a ball. Flatten it and place a portion of pineapple jam in the center. Wrap the dough around the jam and seal the edges. Repeat with the remaining dough and jam.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk and milk to create the egg wash. Brush the pastries with the egg wash.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries turn golden brown. Allow them to cool before serving.

Tools for making

Blender - To puree the pineapples for the jam.
Large pot - To cook the pineapple jam.
Large bowl - For mixing the pastry dough.
Baking sheet - To arrange and bake the pastries.
Parchment paper - To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
Brush - For brushing the pastries with the egg wash.

Recipe variations

Instead of using pineapple jam, you can try other fruit fillings such as strawberry, mango, or apple.
For a different crust, you can use puff pastry or shortcrust pastry instead of the dough mentioned in the recipe.
If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can replace the cake flour and all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
To make it vegan, substitute the butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil, and use a plant-based condensed milk alternative.
For a healthier version, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the pineapple jam or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
Add a hint of flavor by incorporating spices such as vanilla extract, ginger, or nutmeg to the pineapple jam or pastry dough.
Make it savory by replacing the sweet pineapple jam with a savory filling like cheese, ham, or vegetables.
Experiment with different shapes for the pastries, such as triangles, twists, or mini tartlet shapes.
For a crunchy texture, sprinkle some sesame seeds or crushed nuts on top of the pastries before baking.
Drizzle a glaze over the cooled pastries by mixing powdered sugar with lemon juice or milk for an extra touch of sweetness.

Recipe overview

This recipe will guide you through the methodical process of making 鳳梨酥, also known as Taiwanese pineapple cakes, right at home. These delightful pastries, filled with a sweet and tangy pineapple jam enclosed in a buttery, crumbly crust, are a popular treat in Taiwan and make for perfect gifts during festivities. Preparing these cakes involves making your own pineapple jam, which brings out the fresh, tropical flavors, and crafting a soft, melt-in-your-mouth pastry dough. You'll also learn how to assemble the cakes and bake them to golden perfection. The making process is truly a labor of love, but one bite of these heavenly cakes will make it all worthwhile. So, put on your apron and get ready to impress your loved ones with your homemade 鳳梨酥!

Common questions

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh pineapples?
Yes, you can use canned pineapple as a substitute. Make sure to drain the liquid before using it for the pineapple jam.
Can I use a different type of flour?
It is recommended to use a combination of cake flour and all-purpose flour for the best texture. However, you can experiment with different types of flour if desired.
Can I store the pineapple tarts?
Absolutely! Once the tarts have completely cooled down, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
The total time may vary, but it typically takes around 3-4 hours to prepare the pineapple jam and assemble the pastries. Baking time is approximately 20-25 minutes.
Can I freeze the dough or baked pastries?
Yes, you can freeze the dough and baked pastries. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before using. Baked pastries can also be stored in the freezer in an airtight container for up to a month.

Serving dishes and utensils

Baking Sheet - Used to bake the pineapple pastries in the oven.
Parchment Paper - Placed on the baking sheet to prevent the pastries from sticking.
Blender - Used to blend the pineapple chunks into a puree for the jam.
Large Pot - Used to cook the pineapple puree, sugar, and cinnamon for the jam.
Mixing Bowl - Used to combine the flours, powdered sugar, egg yolks, butter, and condensed milk for the pastry dough.
Brush - Used to apply the egg wash on the pastries before baking.

Origin stories

The origin of the pineapple cake, 鳳梨酥, can be traced back to the end of the Qing Dynasty in Taiwan, when it was a popular gift amongst the Taiwanese people. Pineapple, a tropical fruit that flourishes in Taiwan's climate, became an icon of prosperity due to its Hokkien name, ông-lâi, which sounds similar to the phrase "prosperity has come". Over time, the pineapple cake evolved from a simple homemade sweet treat to a popular souvenir, especially during the Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival, symbolizing wishes of prosperity and good fortune. Today, pineapple cakes are not only a beloved dessert in Taiwan, but also a key element in Taiwanese culture and hospitality.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.