Nastar
Nastar, also known as pineapple rolls, are one of my favorite treats for the Lunar New Year! These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth pastries are filled with sweet and tangy pineapple jam and are a must-have during the Chinese New Year celebrations. They’re rich, delicious, and so fun to make and share!

- Prep time
- 20 min
- Cook time
- 25 min
- Yield
- 10 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 4.5 lbs (2kg) pineapple
- 21 oz (600g) sugar
- 3 cloves
- 5 cm (2 inches) cinnamon stick
- 10 oz (¼oz) all-purpose flour
- 1.5 oz (45g) confectioners' sugar (powdered sugar)
- 1.5 oz (45g) milk powder for baking
- 0.5 oz (15g) cornstarch
- 7 oz (200g) unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 2 egg yolks
- 3 egg yolks
- 1/4 teaspoon condensed milk
Instructions
- 1
Using an electric blender, blend the pineapple for about 10 seconds, or until smooth while still retaining a slight texture. Transfer the pineapple to a non-stick pot.
- 2
Add the sugar, cloves, and cinnamon stick to a pot and cook the pineapple over medium to low heat for a few hours, stirring continuously, until the liquid evaporates and a golden jam forms. (Using a non-stick pot will prevent burning.) Turn off the heat, spread the jam, and let it cool. You can prepare the jam a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
- 3
Sift the flour, sugar, milk powder, and cornstarch twice. Using a stand mixer (or a hand mixer), cream the butter and sugar until well combined, light, and fluffy. Add the egg yolks one at a time, continuing to beat well after each addition. Gradually add the flour mixture and beat on low speed using the paddle attachment until everything is well combined.
- 4
Work with 50g (about 1¾ oz.) of pastry dough at a time. Roll the dough between two sheets of plastic to form a thin layer (refer to Indochine Kitchen for a step-by-step picture guide). Pipe the pineapple jam on top of the dough, then roll the dough to completely encase the jam.
- 5
Use a pair of scissors to cut the dough into 4 cm (1.5 inch) long rolls. Arrange the pineapple rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- 6
At this point, preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F). Combine the egg wash ingredients until well mixed. Brush the tops of the pineapple rolls with the egg wash mixture twice using a small pastry brush. Bake in the preheated oven until golden, about 15-20 minutes. Let the rolls cool, then store them in airtight containers.