This New Trader Joe’s Dessert Tastes Better Than Homemade

I probably shouldn’t be outing myself, but I love passion fruit so much that I’ve been keeping an eye on vines around my neighborhood for years. While I never trespass and only pick a couple at a time, it’s probably good that I’ve found another source for my fix: Trader Joe’s Passion Fruit Meringue Tartelettes.

They hit Trader Joe’s shelves on April 1, and I’m not joking when I say they’ve already become my favorite dessert. I plan to stock up on them before they’re gone—supplies are limited and only available during the spring. And with such vibrant packaging, there’s no way my fellow TJ’s shoppers can miss this sweet freezer find. I’m talking turquoise passion fruit vines against a hot pink backdrop and a sneak peek at the tasty treat inside.

The box warns, “enlarged to show texture,” so I expected bite-sized tart, but to my happy surprise, they’re larger than pictured and almost too pretty to eat. That didn’t stop me from diving in the same day I got them, after following the instructions on the package and thawing them in my fridge for a couple of hours.

I’ve been known to inhale desserts in seconds, but I took my time with this one, which looks and tastes like something I’d find in a French patisserie on a tropical island. They’re made in France by an expert baker who deserves major credit for creating such a delicious and unexpected combination.

Small bites allowed me to fully enjoy each layer, including one that’s not mentioned on the packaging or the TJ’s website. A hidden layer of ultra-tart passion fruit jelly lies between the buttery shortcrust pastry crust, which melts in the mouth, and the sweet, velvety passion fruit curd. The light and airy (and not overly sugary) meringue topping results in a dessert with perfectly balanced tastes and textures.

If you’re like me and a trip to Paris or Palau isn’t happening anytime soon, you can at least treat your taste buds to the flavors of those destinations while you wait. Just pour a glass of champagne or mix up a Mai Tai to sip on the side, and you’ll feel like you’re practically there.

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