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Trader Joe’s Chocolate Canneles de Bordeaux, reviewed

Trader Joe’s Chocolate Canneles de Bordeaux

After my recent trip to Paris, followed by a trip to Trader Joe’s to restock my pantry, I had a little realization about Trader Joe’s Canneles de Bordeaux. I reviewed these specialty french pastries a few months ago, when Trader Joe’s launched a pre-baked frozen version. They were ok, but not nearly as good as a fresh cannele. Ideally, a cannele should have a slightly crisp crust and a very custardy center. What I realized is that even though they weren’t quite as good as a fresh-from-the-oven cannele, they were a lot better than some of the heavy, bread-like canneles I tasted in France. This inspired me to pick up a box of Trader Joe’s newest offering – Chocolate Canneles de Bordeaux – and give them a try.

Like the regular canneles, these chocolate canneles are best eaten after being defrosted and reheated in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 350F. When made this way, they come out with a slightly crisp, yet slightly tough, crust and a moist, soft interior. They remind me of a not-too-sweet molten center chocolate cake, since the center seemed to be more like a half-baked brownie than a custard. That said, they were pretty good and definitely unusual. My preference is still for the classic, where you can get the notes of vanilla, caramel and eggy custard in each bite, but the dark cocoa flavor (these are so dark in color, they’re almost black) makes these a good choice for chocolate fans who prefer dark chocolate.

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11 Comments
  • maureen
    May 28, 2009

    I have noticed that Trader Joe’s has a tendency to be right on or not close with a lot of their products. This one I though not so much.

  • Ciaochowlinda
    May 28, 2009

    Thanks for the heads up on the Trader Joe’s cannelle. We’re getting a store near us this summer and I’m really looking forward to trying new products.

  • Desmone007
    May 28, 2009

    First of all, I’m jealous that you went to Paris! 🙂 But thanks for the Trader Joe tip! Those Canneles look amazing.

  • howtoeatacupcake
    May 29, 2009

    Thanks for this review! We just got a Trader Joe’s near my house, and I don’t know what’s good yet! 😀 Any other recommendations?? Please e-mail them to me, as I might forget to check back for a reply. ;D

  • Morta Di Fame
    May 30, 2009

    Thanks. I love TJs but am sometimes not sure of the frozen desserts. I will definitely try this. Looks good and rich.

  • Anita
    July 3, 2009

    I just tried these yesterday – served defrosted/cold, delicious just as is on it’s own! Next time I will try warmed in the oven, thanks!!

  • RACHEL
    August 4, 2009

    These were not very good. Need to ask them to carry the frozen ready to bake chocolate souffle’s. They were amazing.

  • xavier
    August 7, 2009

    hi,

    i found a tarte tatin in freezer of my local trader joe’s !! wonderfull ! I think it’s very new. there were raspberry tarte and blueberry tarte as well (not tried them)
    the tatin is even better than those I enjoy when in France !

    try it!

  • chris
    August 21, 2009

    Omg… that looks so sinful!
    Trader Joe’s usually has pretty good stuff. I like shopping there.

  • eric
    August 28, 2009

    ohh yes, the TJ’s tatin is fantastic ! how can you believe it is frozen. with ice cream, when still warm, it is so delicious.
    next time, i’ll take 3-4…

  • […] bland pastry I tasted was surely not worth more than a single word: bad. I tried many more, some better than others, but they never lived up to their hype, not at French bakeries, not at gourmet […]

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