Review

I've baked my way through quite a few Trader Joe's mixes, and this one ranks near the top for ease, flavor, and overall satisfaction. What stood out immediately was how strong the lemon scent was right out of the oven-it smelled fresh, like real citrus, not artificial flavoring.

The cake itself is moist and tender with a noticeable Meyer lemon flavor. It's more mellow and sweet than your average lemon cake, which makes sense-Meyer lemons are naturally less tart and have a bit of an orange-like softness to them. The texture is fluffy but not dry, and it baked evenly in the time suggested on the box.

Now let's talk icing. It comes as a powder packet that you mix with butter and water, and it delivers a sweet, slightly tangy finish. I personally found the icing a little sweet for my taste, but it balances out well with the lemony cake. You can adjust how thick you want it, or even use a little less if you prefer something lighter.

I loved how versatile this mix is. You can bake it in a loaf pan, turn it into muffins, or even make a lemon poke cake by adding a glaze or lemon curd drizzle. It's a great option for spring and summer entertaining-or anytime you want something a little sunnier. You can also add berries for a refreshing twist.

What's Included

• 1 package of lemon cake mix
• 1 packet of powdered lemon icing

You'll need to add:

• 1 stick (½ cup) of butter
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup water

How to Prepare

Enjoy as-is, or customize with lemon zest or berries.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
• Combine the cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and water until smooth.
• Pour into the pan and bake for 50-55 minutes.
• Let it cool before mixing and drizzling the icing over the top.