Don’t skip dessert, especially if you’re headed to your neighborhood Trader Joe’s! While you likely don’t venture to TJ’s just to stock up on dessert, we’re here to encourage you to take a closer look at the sweets section on your next shopping trip if you’re not super familiar with it already. In addition to your requisite chocolate chip cookies and ice cream, Trader Joe’s stocks delicious (and less common) desserts such as Tres Leches Cake and Pretzel Bread Pudding. And because this section of the store can be overwhelming since nearly everything looks good, we turned to Reddit to separate the good Trader Joe’s desserts from the great ones. Keep reading for the best desserts to buy at Trader Joe’s, according to Redditors.
Passion Fruit Meringue Tartelettes
Trader Joe’s
These tropical tartelettes debuted at Trader Joe’s stores around the country just a few months ago, but they’ve already earned rave reviews from fans. And given that each pastry has a French lemon meringue tart base with a full-flavored passion fruit curd filling and meringue topping, it’s no surprise that these frozen treats are a hit. “The new passion fruit tartlets are really good,” one Reddit user wrote. Another agreed, adding: “They really are. Right out of the freezer.”
Brioche Style Liège Waffles
Trader Joe’s
Another (relatively) new item for the win! These sweet Brioche Style Liège Waffles debuted at Trader Joe’s less than a year ago, and are beloved by shoppers due to their versatility and deliciousness. “They are slightly crunchy (like a soft chew of a wafer cookie) with bits of extra crunch whenever you bite into the sugar crystal bits,” one Reddit user explained. “They’re just the right amount of sweet and [they] satisfy my sugar plus texture cravings!” Other users agreed, noting that these are great on their own, but they also shine when tossed in the air fryer for two minutes and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Brookies
Trader Joe’s
According to one Reddit user, the Trader Joe’s Brookies are a “top tier dessert,” especially when served with vanilla ice cream and a dollop of whipped cream. The Brookies, which are part brownie and part chocolate chip cookie, are so delicious that even those who aren’t huge dessert lovers can always find a way to make room for them. As one Reddit user put it: “Not a sweets girl, but my god the brookies are so good.”
Lemon Bars
Trader Joe’s
If you’re in the mood for something with a bit more of a bite, Reddit users say the Trader Joe’s Lemon Bars are just the treat to stock up on. “Currently addicted to the lemon bars,” one Reddit user declared of the shortbread and lemon custard dessert. “Yesssss,” another Redditor replied. “I keep mine in the freezer. I think the texture is perfect that way.”
Tres Leches Cake
Trader Joe’s
This dessert may be available for a limited time in the spring and summer, but that hasn’t stopped Trader Joe’s shoppers from elevating it to “must buy” status. The Tres Leches Cake, which is sold frozen, is essentially an airy sponge cake that’s been soaked with a mix of heavy cream, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk, then topped with a layer of whipped cream. “Tres leches frozen cakes are exceptionally delicious,” one Reddit user shared, while another noted that they’re “obsessed” with the Latin American dessert.
Chocolate Lava Cakes
Trader Joe’s
If you’re perusing the freezer aisle at your local Trader Joe’s, Redditors say you most definitely shouldn’t skip the Chocolate Lava Cakes, which are sold frozen. After a short trip to the microwave or oven, these decadent cakes are ready to be enjoyed. With each bite, you can expect moist chocolate cake and rich, creamy chocolate ganache. “Choco lava cake is top tier,” one user shared. Another agreed, noting that this cake pairs perfectly with another dessert favorite. “I add a little bit of whipping cream too,” that user explained. “I switch between coconut and regular. It pairs so good with warm and gooey lava.”
Banana Pudding Flavored Ice Cream
Trader Joe’s
If you love digging into some banana pudding, Trader Joe’s Banana Pudding Flavored Ice Cream is more than worthy of a spot on your shopping list. The frozen dessert features banana purée flavored ice cream studded with bite-sized bits of vanilla-flavored wafer cookies and a rich salted caramel swirl. “I am currently finishing off a pint of banana pudding ice cream and I’m not allowed to buy it ever again,” one Reddit user admitted. Another noted that they like this iced cream so much, they spoon it directly into their mouth, no bowl required.
Pretzel Bread Pudding
Trader Joe’s
The seasonal Pretzel Bread Pudding got several mentions on Reddit, and users easily agreed that it deserves a spot in the TJ’s dessert hall of fame. Given that it consists of pretzel pieces baked in a traditional egg custard and a tantalizing salted caramel sauce, it’s easy to see why shoppers love it and stock up on it when they can. “I wish I had bought another to save over winter,” a Redditor lamented.
Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Trader Joe’s
Can’t have gluten? That’s not a problem when shopping for dessert (and other items) at Trader Joe’s. The chain has an impressive selection of gluten-free products, including cookies, sheet cakes, and more. According to Redditors, the Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies don’t disappoint—take it from one shopper who dubbed them “the perfect cookie to make ice cream sandwiches with.” In fact, they’re so good that people who don’t follow a gluten-free diet buy them anyway. “I don’t need to eat gluten free, but for some reason I like them a lot better than the regular chocolate chip cookies,” one Reddit user declared.
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