Pineapple Tarts - The Best Pineapple Tarts Recipe - Rasa Malaysia (2024)

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Pineapple tarts are a must for Chinese New Year. This is an easy and the best pineapple tarts recipe ever. Makes 30 crumbly and buttery pineapple tarts.

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Table of Contents

The Best Pineapple Tarts Recipe

Chinese New Year is one of the biggest festivities in Malaysia.

Pineapple tarts are a must-bake for the celebration of Chinese New Year in Malaysia and Singapore.

In Taiwan, pineapple shortcakes (凤梨酥) are popular but Taiwanese pineapple tarts recipe calls for shortening and milk powder.

They taste slightly different but equally delicious.

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My absolute favorite is Malaysian pineapple tarts. They are so tasty, addictive, buttery and melt-in-the-mouth.

I have a few favorite recipes, but I always come back to this recipe that I have learned from Fresh from the Oven.

Other Chinese New Year Baking Recipes

  • Best-Ever Pineapple Cookies (Pineapple Tarts)
  • Pineapple Rolls
  • Peanut Cookies
  • Butter Cookies
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How to Make Pineapple Tarts?

This pineapple tarts recipe is easy, absolutely delicious and definitely a keeper!

The recipe yields buttery, sweet, flaky cookies with beautiful pineapple shape.

However, it takes 2-3 hours to make as everything is made from scratch.

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First, you need to make pineapple jam or pineapple tarts filling.

It will take a few hours to reduce the filling to a thick and sticky consistency.

The dough is easy to make and you can shape it into different shapes, for example: open-faced pineapple tarts with the filling on the outside.

You can also make them into pineapple rolls.

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Baking Tips

  • Use a good quality butter. I use Challenge brand unsalted butter.
  • For the best results, please use fresh pineapples as the ingredient for the pineapple jam filling.
  • Canned sliced pineapples in syrup is a good substitute and deliver satisfying results.
  • If the dough is too dry and hard to work with, please add a little bit more butter to the dough.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Store Pineapple Tarts?

Place them in an airtight glass or plastic containers at room temperature. You can store them in a cool place for up to 2 weeks.

Can I Freeze Them in the Refrigerator?

No, I don’t recommend freezing in the refrigerator.

You can make pineapple jam filling in advance and freeze in the refrigerator for up to a week.

When you are ready to bake, just thaw the pineapple jam to room temperature and use it as the filling.

How Many Calories per Serving?

This recipe makes 30 pineapple tarts and each tart is 149 calories.

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Pineapple Tarts

Pineapple tarts are a must for Chinese New Year. This is an easy and the best pineapple tarts recipe ever. Makes 30 crumbly and buttery pineapple tarts.

Yield 30 tarts

Prep 1 hour hr

Cook 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Ingredients

Pastry

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons corn starch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar or icing sugar or powdered sugar
  • 2 sticks unsalted butter
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 egg yolk (lightly beaten for egg wash)
  • 1/2 tbsp condensed milk

Pineapple Jam (Filling)

  • 30 oz (850g) sliced pineapples
  • 10 tablespoons sugar, more or less to taste
  • 1 teaspoon cloves (optional)

Instructions

  • If you are using canned pineapple slices, drain the pineapple slices and then squeeze the extra water/juice with your hands. Blend the canned pineapples until they are mushy, about 10 seconds. If you use fresh pineapples, remove the skin, cut into pieces and blend for 10 seconds.

  • Transfer the blended pineapple into a deep pan (non-stick preferably). Add sugar and cloves and stir well. Cook on medium to low heat until most liquid has evaporated, and the pineapple jam turns golden in color. Stirring constantly and continuously using a wooden spoon to avoid burning. Taste, and add more sugar as needed. Remove and discard the cloves and let cool in the fridge.

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  • Sieve the flour, cornstarch, salt and sugar in a big bowl or container. Soften the butter to room temperature. Combine the flour mixture, butter, and egg yolks together. Knead to form the dough. The dough is ready when it doesn't stick to the hand. If the dough is too crumbly or dry, add a little bit more butter (about 1 tablespoon) until the dough is easy to work with.

  • Divide the dough and pineapple jam (filling) each into 30 equal rounds. Flatten the pastry dough with your palms and put the pineapple filling in the middle and use the dough to cover the filling. Use your palms to round it up and then shape it into a roll about 1 1/2-inch (3.5cm) long shape.

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  • Use a small paring knife to make criss-cross patterns on the tart, and then brush it with the egg wash (see picture above) using a small pastry brush. Place the pineapple tarts on a tray lined with parchment paper, arrange the pineapple tarts, so they are at least 1 inch (2.5cm) apart from each other.

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes or until light brown.

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Notes

For the egg wash, you can just use the egg yolk. However, adding condensed milk to the egg wash will make the surface of the pineapple tarts look more glossy and golden, a trick that I learned from my friend at Indochine Kitchen.

If you run into problems with the pastry dough being too dry and very hard to work with, add more room-temperature (softened) butter into your dough and knead the dough again until it's not sticking to your hands.

Course: Baking Recipes

Cuisine: Pineapple

Keywords: Pineapple Tarts

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Pineapple Tarts

Amount Per Serving (30 tarts)

Calories 149Calories from Fat 63

% Daily Value*

Fat 7g11%

Saturated Fat 4g25%

Cholesterol 29mg10%

Sodium 22mg1%

Carbohydrates 22g7%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 13g14%

Protein 2g4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.

Pineapple Tarts - The Best Pineapple Tarts Recipe - Rasa Malaysia (2024)

FAQs

Is pineapple tart Chinese or Malay? ›

Peranakans were the first to give birth to the delightful pastry, pineapple tarts. They were the descendants of the Chinese immigrants who came to the Malay peninsula which include the Dutch Eastern Indies as well as the British Malaya.

What is the famous pineapple tart Penang? ›

Belly Tasty Beginnings We started off with a humble bakery in Penang selling our homemade pineapple tarts which soon became a top favorite among the folks there. Business soared and by the year 2000, Belly Good Tarts have had a total number of 47 outlets selling pastries all around Malaysia. …

How to keep pineapple tarts longer? ›

As much as possible, you should keep your pineapple tarts away from moisture to prevent mould from forming on them. You can do this by putting your pineapple tarts in airtight containers, such as in plastic containers with lids, jars, or containers specifically made for pastries.

What is the tradition of pineapple tarts? ›

It is considered lucky to have them during Chinese New Year, and giving pineapple tarts as gifts symbolises good fortune and luck. However, while often seen during Chinese New Year, these delights are also enjoyed during cultural celebrations such as Hari Raya Puasa and Deepavali.

Are pineapple tarts healthy? ›

Pineapple tarts are high in fat and sugar. Four pieces can contain up to 14 teaspoons of sugar, which is used to caramelise the pineapple into a jam. Limit yourself to two pieces a day.

What nationality is pineapple? ›

Pineapple (Ananas comosus L.

Merr.) is believed to be originated from South America, in the region encompassing central and southern Brazil, northern Argentina and Paraguay. The fruit had already been domesticated by the native South Americans before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1493.

Which country has the sweetest pineapple in the world? ›

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua's coat of arms is a sunny gathering of the island's signature elements—sea, sugar, wildlife—and perched on top like a glistening crown is the black pineapple, which is said to be the world's sweetest.

What is the sweetest pineapple in Malaysia? ›

MD2 Variety

Known by its trade names, “Golden Ripe”, “Super Sweet”, “Rompin” or “Gold”, MD2 is superior than other varieties because of its enrichingly bright and golden colour, sweeter taste and longer shelf life.

What is the best tasting pineapple in the world? ›

Antigua and Barbuda

Antiguan black pineapple, a rare variety, is said to be the sweetest. It is also known to have lower acidic content.

What are the different types of pineapple tarts? ›

There are two types of pineapple tarts - open and closed, the former looking like miniature tarts, and the latter with the pineapple jam completely enclosed. Open pineapple tarts tend to be flower-shaped, with or without a lattice on top (read the very first part of this series for more on this).

How many pineapple tarts a day? ›

Pineapple Tarts

These buttery treats are a highlight during Chinese New Year! I would recommend limiting yourself to 2 pieces for snacking. If you can, choose tarts with lower sugar content. For those who bake, choose a lower sugar paste and make smaller tarts so that you can enjoy a few more pieces.

Why do pineapple tarts turn mouldy? ›

Pineapple tarts turning mouldy even when stored in air-tight containers is due to the presence of too much moisture.

What is a fun fact about pineapple tarts? ›

Pineapple tarts was largely attributed to the Peranakans of Malaya who were influenced by the Portugese settlers. The Portugese had a unique way of making pastries by rubbing butter into flour which was later adopted by the Peranakan Nyonyas.

What does an upside down pineapple mean at a party? ›

In many campgrounds, especially those that cater to an adult-only audience, the upside-down pineapple has become a way for people to discreetly signal their interest in meeting like-minded individuals or couples. By displaying the symbol, they're sending a silent message: “We're part of the club.”

Does China have pineapple tarts? ›

Whether it's the origins, symbolism, traditional treats, or regional differences, pineapple cookies hold great significance during the festive season in China. So, if you're looking to immerse yourself in the flavours and traditions of Chinese New Year, don't forget to indulge in these delightful pineapple tarts.

Where does pineapple cake originate from? ›

Pineapple cakes are a beloved Taiwanese snack that originated in the city of Taichung in the 1920s. Made with a buttery, crumbly pastry crust and filled with sweet, chewy pineapple jam, these cakes are a favorite throughout Taiwan and beyond.

Are pineapples from China? ›

And it is likely farmers from Taiwan who brought the fruit over to China. That's according to Wang Heng, the chairman of a county-level pineapple association in China's Hainan province, a tropical island very similar in climate to that of Taiwan.

What nationality is fruit tarts? ›

The origin of the modern fruit tart is less than clear, but it is known that French and Italian Renaissance chefs developed several pastry doughs still popular today.

What culture is melktert from? ›

Melktert (/ˈmɛlktɛrt/, Afrikaans for milk tart) is a South African dessert originally created by the Dutch settlers in the "Cape" (South Africa) consisting of a sweet pastry crust containing a custard filling made from milk, flour, sugar and eggs.

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