Taiwanese Golden Pineapple Delights

1. Prepare Pineapple Filling

In a large nonstick pan over medium heat, cook the finely diced pineapple along with its juice. Stir occasionally, allowing the liquid to evaporate and the pineapple to concentrate its flavor, which should take about 20 to 25 minutes.

2. Add Butter to Filling

Once the pineapple is cooked down, reduce the heat to low and add in the butter. Stir until the butter is fully melted and incorporated, which should take about 5 minutes.

3. Add Sugar to Filling

Gradually add the granulated sugar, stirring continuously to ensure it dissolves and blends well with the pineapple mixture. Continue to cook for another 20 minutes, allowing the pineapple to become translucent and thickened.

4. Add Maltose or Honey

In the final stages of the filling, add the maltose or honey. Stir for another 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture turns amber and glossy. Remove the filling from the heat, let it cool completely, and then refrigerate it for at least 8 hours or overnight to firm up.

5. Prepare Dough

While the filling is chilling, prepare the crust. Start by beating the room temperature butter until it becomes light and fluffy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar to the butter, mixing until well combined. Add the egg yolks one at a time, ensuring each yolk is fully incorporated before adding the next.

6. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, dry milk powder, almond flour, and fine sea salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until a soft dough forms. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes to make it easier to handle.

7. Divide Filling and Dough

Once both the filling and dough are ready, divide the pineapple filling into 34 equal pieces and roll them into small balls. Divide the dough into 34 pieces as well, shaping each piece into a ball. Chill both the filling and dough balls briefly if needed to make handling easier.

8. Assemble the Cakes

To assemble the cakes, take a dough ball and roll it out into a 2.5-inch circle. Place a filling ball in the center of the dough circle and carefully wrap the dough around the filling, shaping it into a ball. Place each assembled cake into a mold or a muffin pan to help them hold their shape.

9. Bake the Cakes

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cakes for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cakes are golden brown. Allow the cakes to cool before enjoying these delightful Taiwanese treats.