It's wintertime. And citrus is really at its best this time of year. But aside from eating fresh fruit, there is one perennial favorite sitting in the freezer section that is ready-made, sliced up, and available in bite-sized pieces: Trader Joe's 12 Classic Lemon Bars.
Taste
Now, if you are wondering, yes Trader Joe's does technically have two lemon bar products: the frozen dessert and the seasonally available Lemon Shortbread Bar Mix.
So depending on what time of year it is and how involved you feel like being will dictate which one you should reach for.
The lemon shortbread bar was far more time-consuming but yielded a nice bar.
However, if you'd rather go the route of grab and go, then Trader Joe's Lemon Bars should be the item you are reaching for.
The only work that is required of you is the ability to defrost these for about 45 minutes. I found that if you separate them on a plate, it doesn't take that much time either.
And best of all, these are portion-controlled. So if you are watching your sweets or intake of dessert these are cut in a way that will allow you to have just a couple of bites of that lemony sweet tartness.
But each bite is good. The lemony filling reminds me of the filling of a Key Lime Pie (just with lemons). It's creamy and sweet and well balanced with the crust.
The crust is there to add texture but doesn't lend much in the way of flavor. And there is a generous dusting of powdered sugar on top as well. Most likely it is there to prevent the product from sticking to its packaging.
But nonetheless, it avoids a common problem with these types of desserts: the crust doesn't taste gummy in any way.
The crust was crisp and distinct from the rest of the product. And if you are in a smaller household, then 12 mini bite-sized pieces are more than sufficient.
If you are planning on bringing this somewhere then you could always supplement it with another dessert-like Trader Joe's A Dozen Sweet Bites which are also small in stature but taste fantastic.
Frequently asked questions
Some common questions I get about Trader Joe's 12 Classic Lemon Bars are as follows:
The frozen Trader Joe's 12 Classic Lemon Bars are not seasonal. The DIY Lemon bar mix is.
Yes, Trader Joe's 12 Classic Lemon Bars are frozen and available all year round. They are in a small box and can easily be overlooked.
Yes, this is a long-standing favorite on the freezer shelves of Trader Joe's.
Overall
For $4.49 these aren't the best-priced items out there, but they are well done and won't leave you with much in the way of dishes to clean.
Would I buy this again? Yes, I would buy Trader Joe's Lemon Bars again. When you only want a bite of something sweet, these seem to hit the spot.
And if you can't eat them all in one sitting, just store them in the refrigerator.
Product Photos
The box of Trader Joe's 12 Classic Lemon Bars:
The nutritional information, the ingredients, and instructions
Out of the package you get:
After being defrosted and close up you get:
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe’s for an alphabetized list.
Trader Joe's 12 Classic Lemon Bars
Product Name: Trader Joe's 12 Classic Lemon Bars
Product Description: Trader Joe's 12 Classic Lemon Bars are a perennial classic dessert in the frozen section of Trader Joe's.
Price: $4.49
Summary
Trader Joe's Lemon Bars are a perennial favorite in the freezer section.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Tasty and quick dessert item
- The layers are distinct and there was no gummy taste in the crust.
Cons
- The lemon shortbread bar mix is a better value at under $3
- The package is small for the price
Alek says
What is your rating on these? TJ's should do a lime bar next! Would be wonderful for sure. I was thinking if you want some extra decadence; crumbled vanilla meringues on top for lemon meringue vibe.
becomebetty says
Hey Alek! It's been updated. I love the Key lime pie that is seasonal and it would be nice to see that or an orange flavored bar as well. Thanks again for stopping by!
Dagmar says
Instead of powdered sugar I wish there was a way to do like a meringue topping to it.
Pat says
I wish Trader Joe’s would have more fruit desserts apple or berry pies or tarts etc. They have had them but just during the holiday season. I have to shop elsewhere if I want a pie.
becomebetty says
Hey Pat! I think you bring up a valid point. Other than the Apple Blossoms there isn't much out there in the freezer section. Thanks for sharing!
Alek says
They have mixed berry tarte in the freezer section! Also they do sell apple pies in the bakery section.
EllenLV says
Hey Brenda, as usual, you did not steer me wrong. These were so delicious, I loved the lemon pucker, and the shortbread crust, really good. Thanks so sending me to another TJ's item that I do not need, but love.
becomebetty says
Hey EllenLV! Glad to hear you enjoyed it. I didn't need it in my diet either but it was very good. Glad to hear I was able to help!