Taiwanese Pineapple Cakes (Feng Li Su) Recipe
Taiwanese Pineapple Cakes, or Feng Li Su, are beloved pastries that symbolize wealth and prosperity. These treats feature a buttery, tender pastry encasing a sweet and tangy pineapple and melon filling. Perfect for gifting or enjoying as a snack, these cakes are best enjoyed warm but are equally delicious when cold. This recipe brings a taste of Taiwan into your kitchen, with easy-to-follow steps for creating these delightful treats.
Equipment
- Non-stick cake tray with 12 rectangular holes
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer with paddle attachment
- food processor, or blender
- Heavy-based pan
- Rolling Pin
- Cling film
- Sieve
- spatula
Ingredients
- For the Pastry:
- 330 g plain flour
- 2 tablespoons cornflour
- 2 tablespoons milk powder
- 230 g unsalted butter
- 20 g vegetable shortening or lard
- 30 g icing sugar plus extra for dusting
- 1 medium egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Pineapple Filling:
- 375 g fresh pineapple diced
- 750 g honeydew melon diced
- 170 g caster sugar
- 3 tablespoons golden syrup
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry:
- Sift the plain flour, cornflour, and milk powder together in a bowl.
- In another mixing bowl, use an electric mixer with the paddle attachment to cream the unsalted butter, vegetable shortening or lard, and icing sugar for about 8 minutes, until the mixture is very light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
- On a very low speed, gently mix in the sifted flour, cornflour, and milk powder until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough.
- Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Prepare the Pineapple Filling:
- Place the diced pineapple and honeydew melon in a food processor or blender and pulse until puréed.
- Transfer the fruit purée to a heavy-based pan and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Stir in the caster sugar and continue cooking for about 8 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Add the golden syrup and cook, stirring constantly, for another 10–12 minutes until the filling is very thick, sticky, and uniformly light amber in color.
- Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool completely.
- Assemble the Pineapple Cakes:
- Preheat the oven to 170°C/Gas Mark 3.
- Lightly grease a non-stick cake tray with 12 rectangular holes.
- Divide the chilled pastry dough into 12 pieces.
- Roll each piece out on a lightly floured surface into a round approximately 10cm in diameter.
- Press each round into the prepared cake tray, lining the holes with the pastry.
- Trim away any excess.
- Place a large spoonful of the cooled pineapple filling into each pastry case.
- Re-roll the pastry trimmings and cut out pieces to cover the tops of the pies.
- Brush the edges of the pastry with a little water, then place the pastry lids on top, pressing gently to seal the edges.
- Bake the Pineapple Cakes:
- Bake the assembled cakes for 25–30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool slightly in the tray.
- Carefully turn the tray over onto a work surface and tap gently to release the cakes.
- Serve:
- Dust the cooled cakes with a little icing sugar before serving.
- Enjoy them warm, but be cautious as the filling will be hot.
- They are also delicious when served cold.
- Serving Suggestion:
- Serve these Taiwanese Pineapple Cakes with a cup of tea for an authentic experience.
- They also make wonderful gifts and can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.
- Wine Recommendation:
- Pair with a light, fruity white wine like Riesling or a refreshing iced tea.
Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:
Serving Suggestion:
Serve these Taiwanese Pineapple Cakes with a cup of tea for an authentic experience. They also make wonderful gifts and can be stored in an airtight container for a few days. Wine Recommendation:
Pair with a light, fruity white wine like Riesling or a refreshing iced tea.
Serve these Taiwanese Pineapple Cakes with a cup of tea for an authentic experience. They also make wonderful gifts and can be stored in an airtight container for a few days. Wine Recommendation:
Pair with a light, fruity white wine like Riesling or a refreshing iced tea.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 340 kcal | Carbohydrates: 45 g | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 18 g | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 25 g | Salt: 0.2 mg
