Fènglísū
(鳳梨酥, Pineapple Shortbread, Pineapple Tarts, Taiwanese Pineapple Cake)
Fènglísū are Taiwanese pineapple cakes, one of the country's most popular desserts and souvenirs. The cakes consist of a buttery, crumbly crust that is filled with a tangy, slightly sweet pineapple jam. The name of the dish is derived from fèng lí, meaning pineapple, and sū, meaning shortcake.
Originally, they were prepared during the period of China's Three Kingdoms Dynasty. The three kingdoms were separated into Wei, Shu, and Wu kingdoms, and the emperor of Shu wanted to marry a sister of Wu's emperor, so he sent a large pineapple cake as a gift.
Today, the cakes are much smaller and are one of the best-selling souvenirs in Taiwan. It is recommended to serve the cake warm, preferably with a cup of hot tea on the side.
Recipe variations
Classic Fènglísū Cake
READY IN 1h 35minAdapted from the popular YouTube channel Amanda Tastes, which deals predominantly with traditional and modern Chinese food and other kinds of foods and dishes, this recipe shows how to make a classic fènglísū from scratch. The filling is made with pineapple, sugar, and maltose syrup, which acts as a sweetener and thickener.
Fènglísū Cake with Winter Melon Filling
READY IN 1h 45minWinter melon is a fruit often used in South and Southeastern Asian cuisines, and in this recipe, adapted from Bettysliu.com, it is added to the classic pineapple filling.
Fènglísū Authentic recipe
Adapted from the popular YouTube channel Amanda Tastes, which deals predominantly with traditional and modern Chinese food and other kinds of foods and dishes, this recipe shows how to make a classic fènglísū from scratch. The filling is made with pineapple, sugar, and maltose syrup, which acts as a sweetener and thickener.
WHERE TO EAT The best Fènglísū in the world (according to food experts)
