My husband loves old movies. He prefers the old ones to the new ones any day of the week. I think I'm a bit snobbier when it comes to movies. I remember my grandparents introduced me to what a black and white TV. It was a Saturday morning. I was looking for cartoons.
I turned on their TV only to realize there was no color. When my six year old self informed them that their TV was "broken" they explained to me that's how tvs were "in the old days." I had no interest in black and white.
So naturally, my husband introduced me to his favorite movie, Sabrina. One of the songs in the movie was, "Yes, We Have No Bananas." Which actually reminded me of this product.
When I looked at what was required to make this, I noticed you don't actually need bananas. They are already in there in a dehydrated form.
However, depending on how much banana flavor you like your banana bread to have a very basic, yet easy to prepare banana bread. It's very mild in flavor so you may want to add an extra ripe banana, or perhaps consult with your spice cabinet to get something more fun.
The name banana bread is a bit of a misnomer too. Banana bread at the end of the day is a lot more cake like than actual bread. Doesn't matter because it tastes good.
Need pairing ideas to step this up? Cardamom, cinnamon, clove, and ginger are all spices that play very well with banana flavor. Thinking about mixing something in for more texture? Perhaps caramel, coconut, chocolate, hazelnut, macadamia, oatmeal, pecans, walnuts, or white chocolate would make some fun textural mix ins.
For $2.69 it would be cheaper to make this at home. But if you are pressed for time and want a very gentle banana flavored bread, then this wasn't bad to reach for either. This box makes a basic recipe but can be taken to a new level with just a bit of creativity.
And if you really love this product but can't find it at your local Trader Joe's you can also find this on Amazon through third-party sellers.
If you are curious how to make a banana bread on your own I have a Chocolate Banana Bread recipe posted to help you out too.
Here is the visual run down of what you get if you buy this product:
The box of Trader Joe's Banana Bread Mix:
The nutritional information:
The ingredients:
To make this you will need:
How to prepare this as banana bread:
Or you can get fancy with this (I haven't tired it, but it looks interesting):
After being baked and sliced you get:
Would I buy this again? Trader Joe's Banana Bread Mix is neither a hit nor a miss with me. It's easy if you have no bananas, but otherwise banana bread is an easy as anything item to make on your own.
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for a searchable list.
The Bottom Line
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Trader Joe's Banana Bread Mix
Product Name: Trader Joe's Banana Bread Mix
Product Description: Trader Joe's Banana Bread Mix requires a bit of baking time but no actual bananas.
Price: $2.69
Currency: USD
Availability: InStoreOnly
Summary
Trader Joe's Banana Bread Mix is a shortcut to making banana bread.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Trader Joe's Banana Bread Mix is a quick and easy banana bread that won't require you to possess any bananas to make.
Cons
- Banana bread is relatively easy to make and you are paying for convenience here.
Dag says
Kind of seems like it has a lot of sugar in it. but you're right the convenience can't be denied. I was thinking you could make cupcakes and top them with caramelized bananas and walnuts
becomebetty says
You are absolutely correct with the sugar content, but most banana bread recipes do have a decent amount of sugar to them. Banana bread is really cake at the end of the day. And yes, smaller muffins would absolutely work here with the toppings you suggested. Sounds fantastic!
Jamie keehn says
Looks nutfree too! Yay!
Alek says
This would be ideal for school lunches. It is great idea for those with nut allergies. No worries about nuts. Can divide and put different mix ins. Chocolate chip would be amazing
Mary says
add real bananas I added on mashed plus chocolate chips. another add in idea swirl in your favorite fruit jam OR peanut butter!
becomebetty says
Hey Mary! Thanks so much for making such great suggestions! Thanks again for stopping by!
Susan T. says
I tried the recipe on the back of the TJ Banana Bread box for the “carmelized banana upside down cake. OMGOSH everyone loved it. Followed recipe except I added tsp of TJs Pumkin Pie Spice, chopped pecan pieces and finely chopped crystallized ginger pieces (I rubbed most the Chrystals off before chopping. Be sure to put that spring form pan in the baking sheet or you’ll have a big mess in oven with the melted butter leaking. It’s a quick fancy dessert. I of course squirted whipped cream & put a sprig of fresh peppermint from my garden on each piece. 👍