The $5.49 Limited Time Trader Joe’s Find That Tastes Homemade

When I think of pie, my mind always goes to Marie Callender's, the restaurant and bakery where my family would often buy homestyle pies to enjoy as an after church treat when I was a kid. They had all the popular flavors, like apple and pecan, but I distinctly remember the strawberry pies piled high with glossy red berries.

I haven't had one in years, so when I saw Trader Joe’s limited edition mini strawberry rhubarb pies, I had to give them a try for old times' sake.

Why I Love Trader Joe’s Teeny Tiny Strawberry Rhubarb Pies

While there are no giant strawberries in TJ’s tiny version, the jam-like filling is just as good. It’s made with a blend of strawberries and rhubarb, which, if you’re not familiar with the vegetable, has stalks similar to those of celery and Swiss chard.

Since the two main pie ingredients share the same growing season, it’s no wonder their sweet and tart flavors are such an amazing match, the same way basil and tomatoes make a great pairing. Some lemon juice further brings out the natural sweetness of the strawberries, without being too overpowering.

As for the crust, it’s a little on the soft side straight out of the box, but a quick reheat in the oven or air fryer restores the light and flaky texture of the buttery pastry—and the filling is even better warm. A generous sprinkling of sanding sugar over the tops adds a satisfying crunchiness, and it looks pretty, too.

Each cute pink and red box includes four personal-sized pies and a genius divided design that helps keep them from getting smashed together on the ride home (or to the park, because these little sweets are perfect for picnics). They'd also make for a charming addition to dessert bars or a special after-dinner treat to serve to guests when topped with fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. In fact, they taste and look so similar to homemade pies that you might be able to pass them off as your own… that is, if your guests don't shop at Trader Joe's.

The bakery pies from my childhood came in tins you could wash and return for credit, but I’ve always marveled at the gravity-defying display of standing crusts that are also basically edible serveware, making these mini Trader Joe’s pies an especially impressive find. 

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