It's been over a year since I last review Trader Joe's Chocolate Lava Cakes. While both Trader Joe's Chocolate Salted Caramel Mug Mix and Lava Cake desserts go into the microwave and yield a similar outcome in terms of texture, this mug cake won't take up any space in your freezer.
Taste test
Both of these desserts are decadent. They are a nice blend of almost cooked and that runny interior.
Now, this box contains 4 of Trader Joe's Fleur de Sel Caramels and 2 mug mixes. You could easily swap out a filling of your liking in the process.
And the process here couldn't be easier. All you need is 40 seconds in the microwave. I had my doubts, but I was proved wrong. It was cakey and undercooked all at the same time.
However, here are a few things you need to be aware of if you pick this up. First off, you'll want to use a standard-sized mug on this one. I know my husband and I use 20-ounce tea mugs way more than the "regular" sized ones.
Second, when they say give it a good stir, they weren't kidding. Unlike regular cake, there isn't much forgiveness like there would be with making a cake. While I took great pictures of the top of this, the bottom however revealed my failure to mix it all the way.
Otherwise, these two packets of the mix have a nice chocolatey flavor. This dessert is sweet but the saltiness from the caramel balances out. There are also mini chocolate chips that become molten in the microwave. I was shocked as to how much it "rose" in just the first 20 seconds.
The salted caramel goes in after the first 20 seconds. And was completely melted (mine sunk to the bottom) after another 20 seconds.
Overall
For $1.99 or less than $1 each, this is a good dessert. I personally felt it was on the rich side, so next time there will likely be a scoop of ice cream or some whipped cream to cut through the richness here.
Would I buy this again? This is a maybe. It was good. I've eaten both but my cart was loaded with desserts on this last run so it only gets a maybe. I'm kind of grateful there were ONLY two packets. I would have eaten them all.
This is available at Trader Joe's or on Amazon.com.
Product photos
The box of Trader Joe's Chocolate Salted Caramel Mug Mix:
The nutritional information:
The ingredients:
How to prepare:
Out of the package you get:
After being cooked you get:
And for a closer look at that mug cake:
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for a searchable list.
The Bottom Line
Don't forget to share your thoughts by going to the "user review" at the bottom of the box (click on the number of stars you believe this product deserves) and leave a comment below. Hearing your thoughts makes my day and this blog more fun and interesting place.
As always, thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to share your ideas.
Trader Joe's Chocolate Salted Caramel Mug Mix
Product Name: Trader Joe's Chocolate Salted Caramel Mug Mix
Product Description: Individual sized desserts full of chocolate and salted caramel flavor.
Price: $1.99
Currency: USD
Availability: Discontinued
Summary
A dessert from uncooked to done in under 2 minutes from start to finish that is richly sweet with chocolate and salty from the caramel.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- These are ready in 40 seconds or under 2 minutes
- This cooked up very rich and super easy to prepare
- Minimal mess as you mix everything into a mug
Cons
- May require a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream to cut through the flavors here
- Each mug mix isn't huge and is 350 calories (I hate knowing how many calories are in a dessert)
Alek says
It tempting to eat that caramel before it reaches to the cake. Raspberry would be nice in there
becomebetty says
Hey Alek! They do sell is separately if you can't resist the urge. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Dag says
I so want to try this but I can't get past the 45 grams of sugar. That's a crazy amount of sugar and I don't understand why they can't make it with less sugar. I guess I'm just so European where we like our desserts rich but not sugary. All that said I may very well still try it LOL
becomebetty says
Hey Dag! I know. Unfortunately with the salt it balances out, but maybe cut back on both? But I have to agree there are so many very sweet options. I am going to try to alternate the goodies with "real food." Thanks so much for taking the time to by and share!
Penelope Tucker says
It’s times like this that I regret my decision to not have a microwave. Looks yummy gooey.
becomebetty says
Hey Penelope! Well, if you need an alternate, then the chocolate lava cakes in the freezer aisle would make a great alternate. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts on this!
Ttrockwood says
There are some really easy mug cake “recipes” out there if you poke aroundthe internet a bit, i’ve tried a few and this was by far my favorite- and just 200 cal. Also better with some berries or ice cream
https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2011/11/06/one-minute-chocolate-cake/
becomebetty says
Hey Ttrockwood! Thanks so much for the recommendation on the mug cake. I polished off both my packets, now I get to try this 🙂 . Thanks so much.
Emily says
This looks so rich and delicious - and all in less than a minute! I'm very tempted to try it with some ice cream.
BTW, new to your site - I'm really enjoying reading your reviews
becomebetty says
Hey Emily! Welcome aboard! Oh yes, ice cream or whipped cream would pair well here. I'd love to hear your thoughts if you get around to trying it. Even if you don't agree, I still encourage people to share their thoughts on different products. And yes, there are more than 900 reviews up. Thanks so much for stopping by and saying hi!
Anne with a silent E says
I had to revisit this post to rate and comment for my 28 year old son. I'm microwave-less but he bought some and loved them so much that he sent me a pic with a rave review. This doesn't happen often so when it does, it's usually good. (He knows I don't have a microwave but forgot in his excitement.)
G. Lanae’ says
I personally did not like it... it just seemed off in texture and then flavor. I have a pack left and I just mixed and placed it in my mini personal pie dish and placed it in the toaster oven... I’ll soon find out if it was worth the try... I plan to add the Carmel half way through... well one Carmel, think I’ll eat one!
becomebetty says
Hey G! No worries, even if you don't agree your voice is still welcome here. I'm curious to hear how it comes out in the toaster oven. Would love for you to share your results!