The pros:Â Â Trader Joe's Chocolate Mousse Cake Topped with Ganache is a decent chocolate cake that comes straight from the freezer and is ready to go.
The cons:Â This is a seasonal item. Getting this unwrapped caused me to get more chocolate on my fingers than I would have liked. Mine wasn't quite as pretty as the picture either.
The verdict: Â
I'll need to go on a diet after all these new desserts that Trader Joe's has put out there this winter. They've all been pretty solid so far. This is another solid choice, although I would reach for the cannolis, peppermint hold the cone! or the creme brulee before reaching for this.
For $6.99, this tasted like something that could be made from a cake mix box. But I am strangely ok with that. There was no added mess and no cooling. And honestly, I frequently like the flavor of a cake that came from a box more than I do some of the stuff some bakeries put out.
This is not a large cake in anyway. The serving size says six, which I think is possible, but realistically this is closer to four servings (unless you are at a table full of people who yell things like "only a little piece" or "just a sliver.")Â There is a nice thick layer of chocolate ganache on this. Now, the ganache could have been drizzled a bit nicer to make a more professional appearance. But that is a minor complaint.
The chocolate cake tastes like, well, chocolate cake from a mix that you would get in the store. Interestingly enough Trader Joe's does not currently sell a chocolate cake mix. You can get vanilla, lemon, and the seasonal gingerbread, but not chocolate. Go figure. The mousse was not light and airy. I think coming from the freezer it had become more dense. Otherwise, the flavor of the chocolate mousse was very good.
Overall, you are getting an affordable (especially when compared to local bakeries) cake, it tastes good and is super easy to prepare. Just remove the packaging (which was a bit of a pain, but nothing a quick handwash couldn't resolve), and allow this to thaw in the refrigerator. Unlike the creme brulee, this cake will keep well for longer than 24 hours. But if you are around a bunch of chocolate fans, I'm not sure how long it will last either. I liked this and yes, I would consider keeping another one in the freezer in case of company or dinner guests.
Here is the visual run down of what you get if you buy this product:
The box of Trader Joe's Chocolate Mousse Cake Topped with Ganache:
The nutritional information:
The ingredients:
How to prepare:
Out of the package you get:
Would I buy this again? Yes, I would buy Trader Joe's Chocolate Mousse Cake Topped with Ganache again. It is seasonal, so I don't know if I will be able to.
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe’s for a searchable list.
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
judilyn says
Reading this on the way home from an unexpected trip to Tucson/Trader Joe's!
Virtual hugs,
Judie
becomebetty says
Hey Judie!
Can't wait to hear about your trip/Trader Joe's haul. Hope you brought home lots of goodies!
nonnyjo says
I didn't like the looks of it so frosted it with whipped cream (whipped with a little powdered sugar and vanilla). Beautiful and tasted great (and just a few minutes extra work!). I look forward to all your posts!
becomebetty says
That sounds like a great idea to cut through all the chocolate! Thanks for taking the time to stop by and share your thoughts! I look forward to comments!
Ms.M says
Must try! Will let you know when I do.
becomebetty says
Look forward to hearing your thoughts 🙂