TRADER Joe’s has a sweet treat that shoppers just can’t get enough of, and many say it’s the perfect dupe of a classic dessert from Chili’s.
Chili’s has served its Molten Chocolate Cake to patrons for years.
The decadent dessert has a molten chocolate center topped with vanilla ice cream in a chocolate shell.
But now, there might be a more affordable option sitting in your local Trader Joe’s.
Currently, the treat sells for $8.99, but a far cheaper version is available at Trader Joe’s.
The grocer calls it Chocolate Lava Cakes, but it’s essentially the same dessert.
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Each individual cake is stuffed with a rich, creamy chocolate ganache.
When you microwave the cake for less than a minute, you may have a nearly identical experience to the Molten Chocolate Cake Chili’s serves in restaurants.
If you want to elevate the experience, consider serving the cake with whipped cream, ice cream, or fruit.
Best of all, one cake at Trader Joe’s costs just $3.79.
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That gives you a savings of more than $5 for the same delicious, gooey chocolate delight.
Shoppers have praised how delicious the chocolate treat is, with one writing: “Love them! They’re my favorite dessert for a special dinner at home.”
Another Trader Joe’s fan was initially skeptical about the dessert but came around to view it as a favorite.
“I think most baked desserts you get from the store don't come anywhere close to making them from scratch but these were so close I would happily buy them again if I didn't feel like baking,” the shopper wrote on Reddit.
OTHER OPTIONS
Chili’s isn’t the only famous restaurant chain with a molten chocolate cake that has stolen customers’ hearts.
Red Robin also sells its Gooey Chocolate Brownie Cake for $7.99.
This option comes with hot fudge and strawberry puree and is topped with ice cream.
A slightly different variant is Cracker Barrel’s Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake, available for $5.49.
Luxury steakhouses like The Capital Grille sell similar items, like the Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake, for $12 each.
OTHER DESSERT DUPES
Aldi has also enticed customers by providing a cheaper version of a legendary dessert.
The chain launched its Vanilla Layer Frozen Dessert Cake to mass appeal.
Many say the treat reminds them of the iconic Viennetta cakes from the 1990s.
The cakes, which contained a smooth vanilla base between frozen chocolate layers, combine creamy and crunchy to make the perfect dessert.
They were often served for special occasions, but shoppers weren’t able to find them anywhere once they were discontinued.
PRODUCT SHAKEUP AT TRADER JOE’S
While shoppers have applauded Trader Joe’s for its affordable chocolate lava cake option, the chain still experiences pushback when it discontinues beloved items.
The popular Banana & Nuts Trek Mix snack was discontinued this spring, leaving many without their favorite treat.
One shopper shared: “I must be in the minority, but I loved this. I've tried to recreate it myself and could never get it just right! I have one bag left, so back to my kitchen lab I go I guess.”
Meanwhile, the store confirmed its Peppered Uncured Turkey Bacon would no longer be available in stores either.
Many meat lovers preferred the seasoned, smoky turkey bacon because it had fewer calories than other options.
And in what was devastating news for those with peanut allergies, Trader Joe’s also axed its Creamy Salted Cashew Butter.
The product was a peanut butter alternative that many shoppers praised, claiming it was less oily and more affordable than other brands.
“I am devastated!!!” one shopper said on Reddit. “My daughter is allergic to peanuts and this is the only nut butter she will eat.”
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This is a full list of Trader Joe’s discontinued items.
Plus, see the top 25 finds at Aldi this week.
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