Spring is in the air and Easter is just around the corner! What better way to celebrate than with some delicious Easter candy from Trader Joe’s? Whether you’re looking for classic chocolate bunnies or unique flavors, Trader Joe’s has got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best Easter candy offerings from Trader Joe’s and even provide a couple of fun recipes to try with your goodies.
Top Trader Joe’s Easter Candy Picks
Dark Chocolate Mini Eggs
Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Mini Eggs are a must-have for any Easter basket. Made with rich, dark chocolate and a crispy candy shell, these mini eggs are a tasty treat that everyone will love. Plus, they come in a resealable bag, making them perfect for snacking on-the-go.
Strawberry Licorice Twists
If you’re looking for a fruity twist on classic licorice, try Trader Joe’s Strawberry Licorice Twists. These chewy treats are made with real strawberry puree and have a soft, satisfying texture. They’re perfect for snacking or for adding to your favorite Easter recipes.
Chocolate Bunnies
No Easter basket is complete without a chocolate bunny! Trader Joe’s offers a variety of chocolate bunny options, including milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and even a vegan dark chocolate option. These bunnies are perfect for sharing or for indulging in on your own.
Recipe: Dark Chocolate Mini Egg Bark
Ingredients:
- 1 bag Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Mini Eggs
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
Instructions:
- Melt the bag of Dark Chocolate Mini Eggs in a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring frequently.
- Once the chocolate is melted, spread it evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle the chopped almonds, dried cranberries, and shredded coconut on top of the melted chocolate.
- Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden.
- Once the chocolate is hardened, break it into pieces and enjoy!
Nutritional Information:
- Serving size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 180
- Total fat: 12g
- Saturated fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 10mg
- Total carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 13g
- Protein: 3g
Cooking Time:
30 minutes (plus additional time for hardening in the refrigerator).
Equipment:
- Double boiler or microwave
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Serving Suggestions:
This Dark Chocolate Mini Egg Bark is perfect for sharing with friends and family or for indulging in on your own. Serve it as a dessert or snack, or package it up in a cute bag or box to give as a gift.
Variations:
Feel free to mix and match toppings to create your own unique flavor combinations. Try using chopped hazelnuts and dried cherries, or coconut flakes and crushed pretzels.
Substitutions:
If you’re allergic to nuts, you can omit the chopped almonds or substitute them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. You can also use dairy-free chocolate if you’re vegan or lactose intolerant.
Storage:
Store the Dark Chocolate Mini Egg Bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Tips:
- Make sure your baking sheet is completely dry before lining it with parchment paper to prevent the chocolate from sticking.
- Don’t overheat the chocolate or it may seize up and become grainy.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate or candy coatings for different flavor profiles.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
A: Yes, you can use any type of chocolate you prefer.
Q: Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
A: No, fresh fruit will release too much moisture and make the chocolate bark soggy.
Recipe: Strawberry Licorice Twists Easter Nests
Ingredients:
- 1 bag Trader Joe’s Strawberry Licorice Twists
- 1 cup chow mein noodles
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 bag mini marshmallows
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- Mini chocolate eggs for decorating
Instructions:
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chow mein noodles and shredded coconut until well coated.
- Using your hands, shape the mixture into small nests on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Before the nests harden, press a few Strawberry Licorice Twists into the center of each nest to create the “eggs”.
- Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the nests to harden.
- Once the nests are hardened, place a few mini chocolate eggs in the center of each nest and enjoy!
Nutritional Information:
- Serving size: 1 nest
- Calories: 110
- Total fat: 3g
- Saturated fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 70mg
- Total carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 14g
- Protein: 1g
Cooking Time:
30 minutes (plus additional time for hardening in the refrigerator).
Equipment:
- Large saucepan
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Serving Suggestions:
These Strawberry Licorice Twists Easter Nests are perfect for a festive dessert or snack. Serve them at Easter brunch or package them up in a cute box to give as a gift.
Variations:
Try using different types of candy to decorate the nests, such as jelly beans or mini marshmallow chicks. You can also add food coloring to the marshmallow mixture to create different colored nests.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have chow mein noodles, you can substitute thin pretzel sticks or even crushed graham crackers. If you’re allergic to coconut, you can omit it or substitute it with chopped nuts or seeds.
Storage:
Store the Strawberry Licorice Twists Easter Nests in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Tips:
- Make sure your hands are well buttered before shaping the nests to prevent sticking.
- If the marshmallow mixture starts to harden before you’ve finished shaping the nests, simply reheat it over low heat until it becomes workable again.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of licorice or candy coatings for different flavor profiles.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use regular licorice instead of strawberry?
A: Yes, you can use any type of licorice you prefer.
Q: Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
A: Yes, you can use regular marshmallows, but you will need to cut them into smaller pieces before melting them.
Conclusion
Trader Joe’s Easter candy offers a wide variety of sweet treats