What makes a good pineapple tart?

According to my grand aunt (her pineapple tarts are phenomenal), a solid pineapple tart needs to have two essential components:

• A homemade pineapple jam that is made from fresh pineapples, cooked down and well caramelised.
• A fragrant crust that’s made up of salted butter (NOT margarine), and
• the ridges of the pastry should be hand-kneaded and folded uniformly.

I love pineapple tarts, and one of my best childhood memories was watching my grand aunt make them from scratch.

Yet, in Singapore, there’s barely time to make your own Chinese New Year goodies or buy Bak Kwa.

So for those who are looking for the best pineapple tarts, here are some of the best pineapple tarts you can get this Chinese New Year in 2021!

Do note that information is accurate as of Jan 10, 2021. Prices are subject to change without prior notice.

TL;DR: Pineapple tarts Singapore price list for 2021 Chinese New Year 

Pineapple tarts with a unique spin

Aside from the classic open Nyonya pineapple tarts, pineapple tart makers in Singapore have put their spin on the traditional pastry.

Here are some you might want to try if you are feeling a bit adventurous in the new year.

Kele Pineapple Tarts: Unique flavoured pineapple tarts

Kele Pineapple Tarts has been around since 1983. Though an old-school bakery at heart, the shop's pineapple tarts is anything but.

Boasting unique flavours such as rose, sweet potato, or matcha incorporated into their buttery crust, your guests will surely be wowed by these colourful pastries.

Pineapple Tarts Singapore: Spicy pineapple tart challenge

Pineapple Tarts Singapore aims to make the spiciest pineapple tarts in Singapore.

The bakery has its very own spicy challenge, where customers are challenged to finish 5 of their spicy pineapple tarts in 3 minutes.

The prize?

You’ll get $50 voucher off your next purchase- though I’m sure you’d want to stay away from their spicy mala pineapple tarts after that.

Sucre Pineapple Tarts: Blueberry pineapple tarts

Another unique spin to the traditional tart, Sucre modernises the classical pineapple tart with unique flavours such as a Blueberry and Raspberry blend.

Their newest flavours include the Cheese Lite and Seaweed, both of which tilt more towards the savoury end for pineapple tarts.

Teaspoon Of Love Pineapple Tarts: Tea infused pineapple tarts

Nowadays, specialty tea shops are gearing up to diversify their products, and our favourite pineapple tarts are no exception.

A crowd-pleaser would be their Earl Grey Pineapple Tart, where you'd get a buttery earl grey tea infused pastry that pairs well with a homemade caramelised pineapple jam.

For those who want something a little different, the new Osmanthus Longjing Pineapple Tart comes in the shape of a disc and is layered with a fragrant pineapple osmanthus jam in the middle.

How many calories are there in pineapple tarts?

For the health-conscious, an average pineapple tart contains 93 calories, which includes:

• 2.3g of saturated fat
• 6.2g of sugar
• 58mg of sodium.

This means that eating 6-7 pieces is equivalent to a plate of chicken rice.

ALSO READ: Latest fad: Singaporean friends sell pineapple tarts minus pineapple filling

Alternatively, if you’re a bubble tea lover like me, four pineapple tarts are about equivalent to one cup of bubble tea!

Should the calories matter?

Well, Chinese New Year's only once a year, and you will have the whole year to burn off those excess calories! So don't deprive yourself of these mouth-watering goodies, but do remember to eat it in moderation!

This article was first published in Seedly.