Name: Taiwanese Pineapple Tarts
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 sticks Butter; 1/2 tablespoon Shortening; 2 tablespoons Icing Sugar; 1 unit Egg; 1 teaspoon Pineapple Essence (optional); 3 cups All-Purpose Flour; 2 tablespoons Milk Powder; 2 tablespoons Corn Flour; 12 oz Pineapple, peeled, cored, diced ((from 1 pineapple)); 1.4 lbs Winter Melon, peeled, seeded, diced ((from about 2½ pounds (1.25kg) winter melon wedges)); 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar; 1/2 cup Maltose Syrup

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Whenever I think of sweet treats that transport me back to my childhood, Taiwanese Pineapple Tarts always come to mind. I remember the first time I tried these delightful little pastries during a family gathering. Their buttery, crumbly crust combined with the sweet, tangy pineapple filling was unlike anything I had tasted before. Each bite was a perfect blend of flavors, and I found myself sneaking another tart when no one was looking! These tarts have become a staple in our home, especially during festive occasions when everyone gathers around to savor the deliciousness. If you haven’t had the pleasure of trying Taiwanese Pineapple Tarts, you’re in for a real treat!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
50 mins

Prep Time:
0 mins

Cook Time:
50 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
300 kcal

Protein:
4g g

Diet:
Vegan, Gluten-Free, AIP

Fat:
15g g

Tools Used:
Food Processor, Oven, Baking Sheet, Peeler, Wooden Spoon, Cutting Board, Mixing Bowl

The beauty of Taiwanese Pineapple Tarts lies not only in their delightful flavor but also in the memories they bring back. They remind me of my grandmother, who used to make them from scratch, filling the kitchen with the warm aroma of freshly baked treats. The joy of sharing these tarts with family and friends is truly special. They’re perfect for celebrations or as a sweet pick-me-up during the day. Plus, they’re not just a treat; they’re a piece of cultural heritage that’s worth exploring. So, let’s dive into why this recipe stands out!

Why This Taiwanese Pineapple Tarts Hits Different

1. Unique Flavor Profile

What makes Taiwanese Pineapple Tarts so irresistible is their unique flavor profile. The combination of the buttery crust and the sweet, tangy pineapple filling creates a delightful harmony that excites the taste buds. It’s a flavor experience that lingers long after the last bite!

2. Easy to Make

Don’t let the intricate appearance fool you; making Taiwanese Pineapple Tarts is quite straightforward. With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you can create these delicious pastries right in your own kitchen. It’s a fun activity that you can even do with family or friends!

3. Versatile Treat

These tarts are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them at any time of the day, whether as a midday snack, a dessert after dinner, or even as part of a festive spread. They also make excellent gifts, beautifully packaged and shared with loved ones.

4. Cultural Significance

For many Taiwanese families, Taiwanese Pineapple Tarts hold cultural significance and tradition. They are often made during the Lunar New Year as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune. Making and sharing these tarts is a way to keep traditions alive and connect with heritage.

5. Beautiful Presentation

The golden crust and the shiny filling make these tarts visually appealing. When served, they can be a stunning centerpiece for any dessert table. The beauty of these pastries adds to the overall experience, making them perfect for celebrations.

What’s In This Taiwanese Pineapple Tarts

The ingredients for Taiwanese Pineapple Tarts are a perfect blend of sweet and savory, which makes them truly special. Each component plays a vital role in creating the final product. The key players include the butter, which adds richness, and the pineapple filling, which is the star of the show. Together, they create a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and delightful.

2 sticks of butter: Essential for that rich, flaky texture.
1/2 tablespoon shortening: Helps create a tender crust.
2 tablespoons icing sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust.
1 egg: Binds the ingredients together.
1 teaspoon pineapple essence (optional): Enhances the pineapple flavor.
3 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the crust.
2 tablespoons milk powder: Adds creaminess.
2 tablespoons corn flour: Gives the crust a delicate texture.
12 oz (350g) pineapple, peeled, cored, diced: The main filling, providing that sweet and tangy flavor.
1.4 lbs (635g) winter melon, peeled, seeded, diced: Adds volume and sweetness to the filling.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling.
1/2 cup maltose syrup: Gives the filling a glossy finish and sticky texture.

Directions for Taiwanese Pineapple Tarts

Making Taiwanese Pineapple Tarts is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas. Follow these steps to create your own delicious treats!

Cream the butter, shortening, and icing sugar together in a bowl until light and fluffy, which should take about 8 minutes. This step is crucial, as it creates a light texture for your crust. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients.
Add in the egg and pineapple essence, if you choose to use it, and mix well until combined. The egg will add moisture, helping to bind everything together.
Fold in the all-purpose flour, corn flour, and milk powder gently, ensuring not to overmix. You want a soft dough that holds together but isn’t tough.
Refrigerate the dough for about 20 minutes. This step helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to work with when forming the tarts.
After chilling, divide the dough into 30 equal pieces. Take a piece of dough and flatten it slightly in your palm.
Wrap each piece of dough around a portion of the pineapple filling, making sure it’s fully enclosed. This is where the magic happens, as the sweet filling will be the burst of flavor when you bite into it!
Press the filled dough into a square mold to shape it nicely. This will ensure that your tarts have a uniform look.
Bake in a preheated oven at 170°C (338°F) for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to turn a beautiful golden brown.
After that, turn the tarts around and bake for another 15 minutes or until they are golden brown all over. The smell will be heavenly!
While the tarts are baking, prepare the filling. Place the pineapple in a food processor and pulse until pureed, stopping to scrape the sides occasionally. This should take about 18 to 20 pulses.
Pour the puree into a Dutch oven and set it aside. Next, process the winter melon until very finely shredded, about 20 to 22 pulses. Transfer it into the same Dutch oven.
Cook the combined mixture over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the winter melon begins to turn translucent, which should take about 20 minutes. This step intensifies the flavors.
Reduce the heat to medium, then add the granulated sugar. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens, roughly 8 minutes.
Finally, stir in the maltose syrup and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is very thick, sticky, and uniformly light amber in color, which will take about 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer the filling to a shallow bowl to cool.
Divide the cooled filling into 1 teaspoon portions. Now, your filling is ready to be wrapped in the dough!

Things Worth Knowing

These tarts can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
The filling can be made in larger batches and frozen for later use.
Consider experimenting with the filling; adding other fruits can create exciting flavor combinations.
Using a food processor for both the filling and dough saves time and ensures a smooth consistency.

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

Adapting Taiwanese Pineapple Tarts can be fun and allows for creativity in the kitchen. Here are some ideas that you can try!

Storage: Store leftover tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for a week.
Freezing: You can freeze unbaked tarts. Just wrap them well and keep them in the freezer for up to a month.
Pairing: Serve with a nice cup of tea or coffee for the perfect afternoon snack.
Variations: Try incorporating other fillings like red bean paste or mango for a twist on the traditional tart.
Decorations: Dust with icing sugar before serving for a beautiful presentation.

What to Pair With Taiwanese Pineapple Tarts

When it comes to serving Taiwanese Pineapple Tarts, the possibilities are plentiful! Here are some suggestions that will elevate your tasting experience:

Tea: These tarts pair wonderfully with a cup of oolong or green tea. The warmth of the tea complements the sweetness of the tarts beautifully.
Fruit Platter: Serve alongside a fresh fruit platter with seasonal fruits to balance out the sweetness.
Occasions: Perfect for celebrations such as Lunar New Year, weddings, or family gatherings. They make a lovely addition to any dessert table.
Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container; they can last for a week at room temperature.
Seasonal Pairings: These tarts are delightful throughout the year but are especially loved during festive seasons when they symbolize good fortune and prosperity.

FAQ

A Taiwanese Pineapple Tart is a traditional pastry featuring a buttery crust filled with sweet, tangy pineapple paste. These tarts symbolize good fortune and prosperity in Taiwanese culture, making them especially popular during festivals like Lunar New Year. They’re enjoyed by people of all ages for their delicious flavor and delightful texture.

To store Taiwanese Pineapple Tarts, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze unbaked tarts for up to a month. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to maintain freshness.

Absolutely! While the traditional filling is made from pineapple, you can experiment with other fillings such as red bean paste, taro, or even mixed fruit combinations. This flexibility allows you to customize the flavor to your liking, making it a fun experience in the kitchen!

Taiwanese Pineapple Tarts are perfect for a variety of occasions! They are especially popular during the Lunar New Year, as they symbolize prosperity and good luck. However, they’re also enjoyed throughout the year for family gatherings, tea parties, or as a sweet treat for guests during any celebration. They make a lovely gift as well!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Taiwanese Pineapple Tarts are not just pastries; they are a symbol of tradition and warmth that brings people together. With their rich, buttery crust and sweet, tangy filling, they make for an unforgettable treat. I encourage you to try making them at home—you’ll be amazed at how rewarding the process is. Plus, sharing them with loved ones will create even more beautiful memories!