I Tried the Popular Trader Joe’s Pastry That Shoppers Can’t Get Enough of, and I Get the Hype

published Apr 18, 2023
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Trader Joe's sfogliatella baked on aluminum foil.
Credit: Choya Johnson

If there’s one thing I can count on, it’s something new being released at Trader Joe’s. Although I only recently began shopping there, it seems like when I take my weekly visits to the popular chain, there are always a number of new items on the shelves, enticing me to add them into my cart.

As I strolled through the aisles on my last visit, I stumbled across what looked to be the perfect treat to add to my late-night rotation of snacks: the Trader Joe’s Classic Naples Style Sfogliatella Pastry. Made with ricotta cheese and a candied orange filling, I was a bit hesitant to try them, due to the pairing of those two ingredients. Opting to take a chance to try something new (and hopefully delicious), I went out on a limb and purchased a box. 

How to Make the Classic Naples Style Sfogliatella Pastry

Once I got home, I couldn’t wait to give these a try. I took them out of the box, and the first thing I noticed is that they looked like large clams. I prepared them using the instructions on the box, and added a little oil to the foil on my baking sheet to ensure that the pastries would not stick once done. Once removed, I broke one in half to test it out.

Credit: Choya Johnson

My Honest Review of the Classic Naples Style Sfogliatella Pastry

I honestly enjoyed these pastries more than I thought I would. They provided a flaky bite and a unique flavor that kept me coming back for more. I’ve never mixed the savory flavor of ricotta cheese and the sweetness of candied oranges before, so it took some time for me to get used to it. But with each bite, I was pulled in by the unlikely duo, wanting more. 

Although I wouldn’t consume more than one in a single sitting, I would give this Trader Joe’s item an 8 out of 10. They were very easy to make and would be a great treat any time of the day. And because the pastries come four to a box, there’s more than enough for two people to enjoy.

Two Tips for Making the Classic Naples Style Sfogliatella Pastry

  • Lightly oil your cooking sheet. You don’t want your pastries to stick or rip once you remove them from the oven. 
  • Be sure to preheat your oven. This saves you a lot of time and it’s a best practice when baking.