Open-faced pineapple tarts with differently-shaped pastry
The biggest gripe everyone has about this treat (besides there being not enough to go around at times) is the amount of calories hiding in its tiny mass. A traditional pineapple tart contains 93 calories, meaning having just 5 adds up to the same number of calories as a meal. It comes as no surprise then that home bakers and bakeries alike offer eggless and less sugar varieties in recent years. Sugar is sometimes swapped for honey, agave nectar or other substitutes that are deemed healthier as well.
Cheesy pineapple tarts are another trend that managed to stick around, perhaps because when added in the right amounts, it offers a savory flavor to offset the cloying sweetness of pineapple tarts. Finely grated cheese or cheese powder – parmesan works well here – is mixed into the batter and sprinkled as a finishing touch on top of the tarts, giving it an golden yellow hue when baked.
Related: Top 10 Realistic Tips for a Healthy Festive Chinese New Year
As bakers experiment over the years in giving a unique twist to their pineapple bakes, we’ve also seen salted egg pineapple tarts, spiced mala pineapple tarts and truffle pineapple tarts in the marketplace – just to name a few. Hybrids like combining pineapple tarts and Bo Lo Bao (pineapple buns), and even combining chicken skin with pineapple tarts have also made their way into the pineapple tart scene. What can we say? This well-loved treat holds up well to additions, colorings and shaping. If you’re making them at home this Lunar New Year, why not adopt an eclectic mix of shapes, techniques or special ingredients to make your own tarts truly unique?
For more delicious recommendations and recipes for Chinese New Year, see our Moo Year Moo Eats page.