The pros: Â Trader Joe's Apple Cider Caramels are on shelves for the season and are worth a look for under $2.
The cons: I wish there were an option to buy a larger box of these as there are only four pieces of candy in them.
The verdict: Â ...
Trader Joe's Organic Frosted Pumpkin Toaster Pastries
When I wrote a post about the other varieties of toaster pastries, several readers told me to look forward to the coming of the pumpkin variety (thank you to all of you who gave me the heads up to look for this). Well, September is here and this product has made a triumphant return. So if you can't get enough of the pumpkin flavor, here is just one more thing to add to your cart.
Taste
This has all the other elements that you would expect in a Trader Joe's Organic Frosted Pastry: it will remind you of a pop tart. These are frosted just like the Cinnamon and Brown Sugar variety and the strawberry variety.
These do seem just a bit more frosted than other varieties that I've had. There is no sugar crunch on these like the Cherry Pomegranate variety. They currently do not sell an unfrosted group, so for those of you who aren't fans of the frosting, you are out of luck.
But at the end of the day, if you've had a Pop-Tart then you know how these go. Flakey pastry dough, gooey but not too much filling and sweet enough to satisfy.
These are best when toasted. The flavor here shines when slightly warmed through. These have a more sweet pumpkin flavor than spiced. It's not overwhelming though. So if you need a break from the usual three varieties, then you have a fourth flavor to look forward to.
If you haven't had these before, then let me quickly give you an overview: they are basically Trader Joe's answer to Pop-Tarts, but are organic and not as heavily frosted. Tasty and delicious.
Overall
For $2.69 these are priced in line with the other toaster pastries. Fun seasonal flavor and worth a try if you are all about the seasonal flavors especially pumpkin.
Would I buy this again? Yes, I enjoyed Trader Joe's Organic Frosted Pumpkin Toaster Pastries as much as the other varieties, but this item only is around for a limited time during the autumn season.
Product photos
The box of Trader Joe's Organic Frosted Pumpkin Toaster Pastries:
The nutritional information:
The ingredients:
How to prepare:
How Trader Joe's describes this product:
Out of the package you get:
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The Bottom Line
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Trader Joe's Rustic Apple Tarte Review: This Apple Tarte Is So Good, Even Your Grandma Will Ask for the Recipe
When it comes to fall desserts, nothing beats the simplicity and comfort of apple pie. Trader Joe's takes this classic dessert up a notch with their Rustic Apple Tarte. With its flaky crust, tender apples, and a hint of warm spices, this tarte is perfect for those who want a quick, delicious dessert that feels homemade but without all the work. Whether you're looking for something to serve after a cozy fall dinner or just a sweet snack to enjoy with coffee, this apple tarte brings warmth and comfort to your table.
At $5.99, Trader Joe's Rustic Apple Tarte is an easy, no-fuss dessert that's ready in just minutes but tastes like you spent hours baking.
Product Description
Trader Joe's Rustic Apple Tarte is a frozen dessert that features a buttery, flaky pastry crust filled with slices of tender apples that are lightly spiced with cinnamon. The tarte is "rustic" in appearance, meaning it has a homemade look, with a freeform crust that gives it an authentic, less-than-perfect aesthetic-just like something you'd make from scratch. The apples are sweet and slightly tart, giving a nice balance of flavors. The tarte is perfect for baking straight from the freezer, making it a convenient option when you want a homemade-style dessert without all the effort.
Honest Review of Trader Joe's Rustic Apple Tarte
Flavor: The flavor of this tarte is classic apple pie, but with a slightly lighter, more refined twist. The apples are sweet and tender, with just the right amount of cinnamon spice. The crust is buttery and flaky, though it could be a touch more golden when baked. Overall, it has a balanced sweetness that isn't overly sugary, allowing the natural tartness of the apples to shine through.
Texture: The combination of the flaky pastry crust and tender apple filling creates a pleasant contrast of textures. The crust is light and crispy around the edges, while the center is soft, complementing the juicy, tender apples. I did notice that the middle of the tarte can be slightly soggy if it's not baked long enough, so I recommend keeping it in the oven until the crust is fully crisp.
Overall: This tarte is quick and easy to prepare, making it a great option for those nights when you want a dessert that feels special without spending too much time in the kitchen. It pairs well with ice cream or whipped cream, but it's also perfectly delicious on its own.
Ingredients
Key ingredients include:
- Apples: The star of the show, these apples are sweet and slightly tart, adding a fresh, seasonal flavor.
- Pastry Dough: Made with butter, giving the crust a flaky, rich texture.
- Sugar and Cinnamon: These classic ingredients provide just enough sweetness and spice to enhance the apples without overwhelming their natural flavor.
How to Enjoy Trader Joe's Rustic Apple Tarte
- Bake from Frozen: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the tarte on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, or until the center is warm.
- Serve with Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, top a warm slice of the apple tarte with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of cold ice cream and warm tarte is divine.
- Add Whipped Cream: If you're looking for something a bit lighter, homemade whipped cream or even a dollop of mascarpone cheese pairs beautifully with the tarte.
- Turn it into a Fall Breakfast: Leftover slices make for a decadent breakfast when paired with a cup of coffee or tea.
Recipe Suggestions
- Apple Tarte Sundae: Serve a slice of the tarte warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of chopped nuts for an indulgent fall dessert.
- Rustic Apple French Toast: Turn leftover slices into a decadent French toast topping. Just warm the tarte, chop it into pieces, and spoon it over your French toast for a sweet, spiced twist.
- Apple Tarte Parfait: Crumble some of the tarte into layers with vanilla yogurt and granola for a unique take on a fall parfait.
Frequently Asked Questions about Trader Joe's Rustic Apple Tarte
The following are commonly asked questions about this product:
Is Trader Joe's Rustic Apple Tarte vegan?
No, the tarte contains butter and eggs in the pastry, making it unsuitable for a vegan diet.
How long does it take to bake the tarte?
From frozen, the tarte takes about 20-25 minutes to bake at 350°F. You'll know it's ready when the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.
Can I reheat leftovers?
Yes! If you have leftovers, you can reheat individual slices in the oven or toaster oven to retain the crispness of the crust.
Is this tarte gluten-free?
No, the pastry contains wheat flour, so it is not gluten-free.
Conclusion
Trader Joe's Rustic Apple Tarte is a delicious, easy-to-bake dessert that brings the cozy flavors of fall to your table with minimal effort. The combination of a buttery, flaky crust and tender apples with a hint of cinnamon makes this a comforting and satisfying treat. Whether you're serving it with ice cream or enjoying a slice on its own, this tarte delivers on flavor while maintaining that rustic, homemade look. At $6.49, it's an affordable, crowd-pleasing option for any fall gathering or a simple dessert after dinner. Just be sure to bake it long enough to avoid any sogginess in the center, and you'll have a perfectly crisp, golden dessert that feels both elegant and comforting.
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Trader Joe's September 2017 Fearless Flyer
Trader Joe's September 2017 Fearless Flyer Matchups Are Here!
And now for the fourth installment of the Trader Joe's Fearless Flyer Matchups. I'll add more to the list here as reviews are posted. While I won't have all of it, you can still take a look at the full flyer here. These are the items listed in the flyer that I have tried and reviewed (or have tried and it's in a draft folder of this blog waiting to be published). Happy shopping! There are some real gems in this month, see the bottom for my top 5. So here are my Trader Joe's September 2017 Fearless Flyer matchups.
If you have any requests or comments of things I didn't try yet, leave me a comment. I'd love to hear from you. Anything with a picture is a review from this website. Since this is such a large flyer (so many more featured products than I'll get to before the next flyer comes out), I've linked to reviewers who have tried this item. If there is a picture featured, it's a review from Become Betty, if not, you'll be taken to an outside reviewer who shared their thoughts on this product. I hope you find this helpful and cheers until the next Fearless Flyer which should start the Thanksgiving season. ...
Trader Joe's Butternut Squash Parmigiana
The pros: Â Trader Joe's Butternut Squash Parmigiana is a sweet, flavorful, yet well done seasonal frozen dish which has a name that doesn't quite fit.
The cons: So much squash and yet so little fiber and in fact, if you are counting calories, please look over the nutritional info. It might not be as healthy as you are hoping it would be. I still wonder who decided that there are two servings in this package. If you are looking for a savory dish, please look elsewhere. This also came out of the oven looking nothing like the picture on the box.
The verdict: Â ...