I Tried the New Trader Joe’s Dessert Everyone’s Talking About, and It’s Even Better Than Promised

Trader Joe’s seasonal releases are always a hot topic, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen as much buzz for one grocery item like there has been for the Pumpkin Spice Mini Sheet Cake. Between the Instagram love and the cakes disappearing off the shelves faster than you can say “pumpkin spice,” I knew I had to snag one for myself. 

I first learned about the sheet cake on August 31, and since then visited Trader Joe’s nearly every day looking for the elusive dessert. I thought my dedication paid off when, on Sunday night, I finally spotted a sign for the sheet cake at my local store — only to find the cake itself was not there. 

The next morning, I went as soon as I could. I felt optimistic at first, because within steps I saw carts upon carts with the rectangular cake. Feeling good, I went straight toward the bakery aisle only to discover that the new fan favorite was nowhere in sight. I continued to loop around the store past many more Trader Joe’s fall launches and in a twist of fate, I spotted one lone cake chilling in the chip aisle. 

I don’t know who would abandon such a treasure, but I was grateful nonetheless. But wait — as I made my eyes on it I noticed another shopper doing the same, slowly creeping toward it. My next move? I maneuvered my cart like a pro, dodging the other shopper and snatching it right into my cart.

So how was it? What’s the final verdict? Did this seasonal sweetheart live up to the hype? Let’s just say, it’s everything I hoped for. 

The Trader Joe’s sheet cakes are as close to legendary as a Trader Joe’s item can be. The retailer has vanilla and chocolate flavors as mainstays, and releases seasonal flavors like lemon and carrot cake throughout the year. The latest launch takes a seasonal classic, pumpkin, and tops it with a rich, cream cheese frosting. 

The cakes are being sold in a 18-ounce miniature sheet cake container for $5.49. The dessert is here for a limited time, for the fall season (or until they sell out entirely, which happens!). 

I’ll first say that I’m a major fan of both Trader Joe’s other sheet cakes and pumpkin spice. (Which is definitely why I was so adamant about trying this cake out for myself). As soon as I got home, I sliced it into eighths, set a square on a plate, and went straight in. Bringing it to my face, I was punched with scents of nutmeg and cinnamon — a great sign! One bite in, and the first thought I had was I must go back to the store to get another one. 

The cake is bursting with warm flavors like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, and is incredibly moist (thanks in part to its pumpkin purée in the batter). Oh, and that cheesecake frosting! It’s slightly sweet, slightly tangy, and incredibly creamy. The two together are a match made in autumnal heaven, and we’re all better for it. 

Besides eating it straight out of the container (or on a plate) as soon as you get home from the store, if you want make the most out of the seasonal cake, I recommend serving it alongside a pumpkin spice latte to start your morning on the right foot or savoring it after a hearty fall meal.  

Find it in stores: Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Mini Sheet Cake, $5.49 for 18 ounces

Have you tried TJ’s new pumpkin spice mini sheet cake? Tell us about it in the comments.