Trader Joe's' Bakery Just Brought Back a $4 Fan Favorite

The handheld treat is perfect for fall.

By
Courtney Kassel
Courtney Kassel
Courtney Kassel

Courtney Kassel is a Brooklyn-based writer and recipe developer with over five years of experience writing and producing food content for various media outlets including Food Network, Food52, Paper Magazine, and more. She is driven by the idea of making the most of every meal, snack, and every bite in between. This means staying on the lookout for new trends and product releases, constantly cooking and experimenting in the kitchen, and spending way too much time on TikTok for "work." In her spare time, she also writes Sifted, a newsletter of recipe recommendations and general food musings.

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Published on August 24, 2023
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If you know me, you know I love a little sweet treat. I can't complete a grocery run without adding at least one thing to satisfy my sweet tooth to the cart; Bonus points if it's a seasonal treat. Last week, I wrote about the Trader Joe's cake that some fans call their "Death Row Meal", and apparently TJ's (metaphorical) ears perked up at the mention of its bakery items. This week, it's back in the spotlight for another popular baked item that's actually a returning fan favorite. Here's what you need to know about the Trader Joe's Apple & Pumpkin Hand Pies.

The Apple & Pumpkin Hand Pies Are Back At Trader Joe's

These are the autumnal iteration of Trader Joe's extremely popular hand pies; In the spring the store carried Blueberry & Lemon and Strawberry & Rhubarb versions. Each of the desserts features the same format—two seasonal fruity flavors tucked into a deliciously buttery crust that's perfectly portable and generously portioned for one. The fall version features a mix of spiced apple and pumpkin in that same irresistible all-butter pie crust.

Since the Apple & Pumpkin Hand Pies were introduced last year they made quite the splash. Social media users on Instagram, TikTok, and even Reddit have been ecstatic to announce their return this fall (well, August, but close enough!). One Trader Joe's-focused account on Instagram, @traderjoesobsessed, rated them a 9/10 and recommended air frying them for 2 minutes at 325 degrees F. I saw many other people recommend doing the same or toasting them for a few minutes, then serving them à la mode.

Other users have praised them for having a "well balanced filling" that tastes more like pumpkin spiced apple than each of its two components separately. Of the filling, one Reddit user wrote, "I was skeptical at first, not thinking they’d combine well, but I was wrong. All their hand pies so far have been amazing, both the pastry and the filling."

At just $4.49 for two hefty hand pies, what's stopping you from adding these to your cart on your next Trader Joe's run?! I know I will be. I can't think of a better way to celebrate the start of the season.

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