Pineapple tarts are a beloved Chinese New Year snacks symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. Here’s how you can make these buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats at home!
Ingredients:
- For the Pineapple Jam:
- 1 ripe pineapple, grated
- 150g sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- 4-5 cloves (optional)
For the Pastry:
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 50g cornflour
- 200g unsalted butter, softened
- 50g icing sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple Jam
- Grate the Pineapple: Start by peeling and grating a fresh, ripe pineapple. Drain some of the juice to prevent the jam from becoming too wet.
- Cook the Jam: In a pan, combine the grated pineapple, sugar, and spices (if using). Simmer the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and turns golden brown. This should take about 45 minutes to an hour.
- Cool the Jam: Once thickened, remove the jam from heat and let it cool completely. Roll the cooled jam into small balls (about 1 teaspoon each) and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Pastry
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and icing sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Beat in the egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Sift in Dry Ingredients: Sift the all-purpose flour, cornflour, and salt into the mixture. Fold everything together until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour.
Step 3: Assemble the Pineapple Tarts
- Shape the Dough: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Take the dough out of the fridge, and roll it into small balls (about 10-12g each).
- Create a Cavity: Flatten each dough ball slightly and make a small indentation in the center using your thumb or the back of a spoon.
- Add Pineapple Jam: Place a ball of pineapple jam into the indentation. Carefully pinch the edges of the dough around the jam or leave the jam exposed for an open-faced tart.
- Egg Wash: Lightly brush each tart with beaten egg yolk to give them a beautiful golden finish.
Step 4: Bake the Tarts
- Bake: Place the tarts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the tarts are golden brown.
- Cool: Let the tarts cool on a wire rack before serving.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your homemade pineapple tarts are ready to be enjoyed! Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for your Chinese New Year celebrations.
Tips:
- Adjust the sweetness of the jam by adding more or less sugar to suit your taste.
- Freeze the pineapple jam balls ahead of time to make assembling the tarts easier.
- Making pineapple tarts at home is a rewarding process that adds a personal touch to your festive goodies.
- With these buttery pastries filled with tangy-sweet pineapple jam, your family and guests will be delighted this Chinese New Year!