Trader Joe's Chocolate Lava Cakes

February 25, 2008 | Reviewer: Abi

Trader Joe Price: $2.79
Serving: 1 cake, 3.8oz.
Calories: 360
Fat: 35%, 23g
Cholesterol: 37%, 110mg
Sodium: 10%, 240mg
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 13%, 40g
Fiber: 12%, 3g
Sugar: 25g
Weight Watchers Points: 9 Points

Trader Joe says: A delicate chocolate cake with a creamy chocolate center.

Abi says: Holy defender of the motherland, Batman! There are 360 calories in each Lava Cake! I was freaked out about this until I realized that there are approximately 100 calories in a 1 ounce Nestle Toll House cookie and thus I should actually expect there to be 380 calories in this cake. So, you can think of this as a light dessert.

The box contains two cakes (perfect for couples or people who like torturing their children) and each cake is approximately 4.5 inches in diameter. Just pop the cake out of its tray an onto a plate, microwave for a minute (or less, if your microwave is super-strong) and pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The outer cake layer is appropriately dense and lusciously chocolatey while the inner molten section is a cross between fudge sauce and chocolate pudding. Amazingly fudgy chocolate pudding that will make your toes curl with pleasure.

I love these cakes because they are simple, inexpensive and delicious. Sure, the dishes are a complete pain (sticky fudge sauce does have a downside), but you might be tempted to lick your plate clean, solving that problem once and for all.

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comments

22 Responses to “Trader Joe's Chocolate Lava Cakes”

Cara on February 25th, 2008

Holy moly that looks amazing. Mmmm.
MaryAnne on February 25th, 2008

When my boyfriend asked for petit fours for his birthday dessert and the bakery would only sell me a large tray for an unbelievably expensive price, I stopped by Trader Joe’s and bought these instead, trying to avoid the nutritional info. I cooked them in the oven instead of the micro and they were delicious- well worth the calories. I pretty sure that this is the lava cake they served me at the sushi restaurant that I had my birthday at last year and charge $8 for.
Brittany on February 25th, 2008

I demand there be a Trader Joe’s in my vicinity! I’ve never even HEARD of one being REMOTELY close.
Chavi on February 25th, 2008

Nine points for a dessert? Holy Moses. I won’t be going near that thing … unless I skip an entire meal to taste the decadence. Thank G-d there are other chocolaty treats out there
Jessica on February 25th, 2008

Mmmm, this looks like a good idea for DH, when he’s eying me for dessert ideas.
Cheryl on February 25th, 2008

I miss Trader Joe’s. Waaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
amy on February 25th, 2008

oh boy! oh boy! oh boy! and just in time for my return to the states!!! a scoop of vanilla ice cream and one of those bad boys and i will be on cloud numero nueve!
Shann on February 25th, 2008

I blamed my mom for moving to New York where there is no trader joes.
Alex on February 25th, 2008

I agree, these are amazing. I tried the Safeway frozen chocolate lava cakes, and a taste-test panel consisting of only me found the Trader Joe’s version to be superior in taste, price, and even nutrition, as they were a little healthier.
Sarah Clayton on February 25th, 2008

They look good… but it’s just their size bothering me. I know if I ate one I’d keep thinking of eating the other until I finally did so and felt pig-like for it. I guess this is a good repayment for the brownies a few days ago?
Abi Jones on February 25th, 2008

@Cara – It is amazing. And the one on the plate is upside down, so it is prettier than that when right-side-up

@MaryAnne – I originally got these for V-day. And then we ate so much pho I felt like I was going to die. So it took us almost 10 more days to get to them.

@Brittany – I’m so sorry for you. These are fantastic.

@Chavi – While a Vitamuffin is good, it is no chocolate lava cake.

@Jessica – Exactly.

@Amy – I will even heat some up for you personally. I can’t wait for you to get back and I hope that you can make it to Glad Time.

@Shann – So, you’re upstate?

@Alex – You’re completely right, these are so, so much better than the Safeway ones.

@Sarah – You wouldn’t eat the other one. I am a chocolate fiend and I find these incredibly rich and satisfying. And yes, these definitely made up for the brownies.
Shann on February 26th, 2008

Yes…Rochester. Use to live in Cali where there was a trader joes.
bj on February 26th, 2008

I was looking at the trader joe’s website yesterday and almost sent you an email to advise trying these. They are so delicious, but I try to only buy them every two months or so, along with tj’s mac and cheese. Have you tried the spinach dip that is in the refrigerated section? delicious with some rye bread or pita. It does have the flavor of dill, which I know some people here don’t care for. (And no, it isn’t to be heated, it is just my favorite item, one that I am visibly upset when they run out.)
MaryAnne on February 26th, 2008

Sarah, I agree with Abi. I’m a chocolate fiend as well but these are so rich and satisfying that one is definitely enough. In fact, I could barely finish mine.
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danakscully64 on March 22nd, 2008

On a scale of 1-10, 10 being the best, I rate these a 4,234,545,201. Absolutely AMAZING. I’ve made homemade lava cake and these are just as good, just easier and less time consuming.
chris rhee on September 4th, 2008

I always pass by these when I visit Trader Joe’s. Looks like I’m missing out. I had something similar at a restaurant and enjoyed it so I’ll be adding this to my grocery list. Thanks for the tip!
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Tweet202 on October 12th, 2008

I just ate one of these little cakes – OMG how satisfying. I won’t eat one everyday, but when I want something really good, this will be my treat. Please try it. I microwaved it for 55 seconds and topped it with real whip creame. Treat yourself.
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