pineapple cakes

How to Make Pineapple Cakes: A Comprehensive Guide

Pineapple cakes, a beloved Taiwanese treat, are beloved for their sweet-tart pineapple filling and buttery crust. Here’s a detailed guide to making them at home.

Ingredients:

For the crust: 250g all-purpose flour, 100g powdered sugar, 150g cold butter (cubed), 2 egg yolks.

For the filling: 1 fresh pineapple (or canned), 100g sugar, 1 tbsp lemon juice.

Steps:

1. Prepare the filling: Peel and chop the pineapple. Squeeze out juice, then cook with sugar and lemon juice over low heat until thick (20-30 mins). Cool completely.

2. Make the crust: Mix flour and sugar. Add butter and yolks, knead into a smooth dough. Chill for 30 mins.

3. Shape the cakes: Roll dough into small balls (about 10g each). Flatten each, add 1 tsp filling, and wrap tightly. Press into a mold for traditional shape, or roll into oval balls.

4. Bake: Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F). Place cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake for 20-25 mins until golden. Cool before storing.

Tips: For a flakier crust, use cold butter and avoid over-kneading. Adjust sugar based on pineapple sweetness. These treats keep well in an airtight container for up to a week, making them perfect gifts! Enjoy the process and savor the homemade goodness!