Trader Joe’s Cinnamon Bun Spread is a seasonal offering that promises to bring the warm, cozy flavors of a cinnamon bun into a jar. This spread is perfect for those who love the idea of a sweet, buttery cinnamon filling that can be added to various treats. But does it deliver on its promise, or is it just another sugary spread? Let’s explore the taste, texture, and how to make the most of this indulgent treat.
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What is Trader Joe’s Cinnamon Bun Spread?
Trader Joe’s Cinnamon Bun Spread is a caramel-esque spread made with ingredients like sugar, butter, and cinnamon, designed to mimic the filling of a cinnamon bun. It’s smooth, spreadable, and offers a rich, sweet flavor with hints of cinnamon and vanilla. While the spread is inspired by cinnamon buns, its flavor leans more towards caramel with a touch of spice, making it versatile for various uses.
Taste and Texture
The taste of Trader Joe’s Cinnamon Bun Spread is more caramel-like than cinnamon-forward. The sweetness is prominent, with a rich buttery undertone that complements the cinnamon flavor, though the cinnamon itself is not as pronounced as you might expect. If you’re looking for a spread that tastes exactly like the filling of a cinnamon bun, you might find this a bit lacking in spice. However, it’s still decent and works well in many applications.
Texture-wise, the spread is smooth and creamy, making it easy to spread on toast, pancakes, or waffles. It’s not gritty or overly thick, which adds to its versatility. The absence of any crunch or texture might be disappointing if you were expecting something akin to the filling of a traditional cinnamon bun, but it still offers a satisfying mouthfeel.
Now, that being said, if someone called this cinnamon and caramel spread I would have viewed this differently. But I had imagined what spreading a cinnamon bun would be like and this just didn't match expectations. I found this product to be disappointing compared to its name.
Ingredients and Nutritional Information
Ingredients:
- Primary Ingredients: Sugar, butter, cinnamon, honey, water.
- Flavor Enhancers: Cinnamon, vanilla extract, natural flavors.
- Preservatives: None; the spread is made without artificial preservatives.
Nutritional Information (per 1 tablespoon serving):
- Calories: 60
- Fat: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 0g
This spread is rich in sugar and fat, making it a treat best enjoyed in moderation. The high sugar content contributes to its sweet, caramel-like flavor, while the butter adds richness.
How to Use Trader Joe’s Cinnamon Bun Spread
This versatile spread can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
- On Toast or Bagels:
Spread it on warm toast or a toasted bagel for a quick and indulgent breakfast. The heat will melt the spread slightly, enhancing its buttery richness. - As a Pancake or Waffle Topping:
Drizzle it over pancakes or waffles instead of syrup. The sweet and buttery flavor pairs perfectly with the soft, fluffy texture of these breakfast staples. - Swirled into Oatmeal:
Stir a spoonful into your morning oatmeal for a sweet and spiced start to your day. It adds a touch of decadence to a healthy breakfast. - As a Dessert Topping:
Use it as a topping for ice cream, apple pie, or bread pudding. The caramel-like notes complement the flavors of these desserts beautifully. - Baking Ingredient:
Incorporate the spread into your baking by using it as a filling for cinnamon rolls, in cookies, or as a swirl in quick breads and muffins.
Pairing Suggestions
Beverage Pairings:
- Coffee: The sweet, buttery flavor of the spread pairs wonderfully with a strong cup of coffee. Try it with a latte or cappuccino for a comforting treat.
- Hot Chocolate: Add a touch of decadence by pairing the spread with a rich hot chocolate. The caramel and cinnamon notes will complement the chocolatey goodness.
- Chai Tea: The spices in chai tea mirror the cinnamon in the spread, creating a harmonious pairing that’s perfect for a cozy afternoon snack.
Food Pairings:
- Cheese Plate: Surprisingly, this spread works well as part of a dessert cheese plate. Pair it with a mild, creamy cheese like Brie or Camembert.
- Fresh Fruit: Serve the spread alongside sliced apples or pears for a sweet and satisfying snack.
- Pastries: Use the spread as a filling for crescent rolls or pastry dough to create an easy version of cinnamon rolls.
FAQs About Trader Joe’s Cinnamon Bun Spread
The following are some commonly asked questions about this product:
Freezing is not recommended, as it may alter the texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Store the spread in a cool, dry place. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and used within a few weeks for the best flavor and quality.
Absolutely! It’s perfect for adding to cinnamon rolls, quick breads, or even as a swirl in cheesecake or brownies.
Conclusion
For $3.49 fun to try, but not a winner in my book. This got a lot of hype on social media thanks to a really clever name. But it never truly lives up to a cinnamon bun.
While it leans more towards a caramel flavor with subtle cinnamon notes, it’s still a a decent option for adding sweetness to your breakfast or dessert. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, swirling it into oatmeal, or using it in your baking, this spread offers a comforting and indulgent flavor experience. Just be sure to enjoy it in moderation, given its high sugar content. But if you are imagining this to take like an actual cinnamon bun, you may walk away disappointed like me. This is a one-time purchase from me and not something I'd buy again.
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Trader Joe's Cinnamon Bun Spread
Product Name: Trader Joe's Cinnamon Bun Spread
Product Description: Trader Joe's Cinnamon Bun Spread is a caramel-esque spreadable sauce.
Price: $3.49
Summary
Trader Joe's Cinnamon Bun Spread is a new sweet spread.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Sweet cinnamon caramel spread
- Has a social media set abuzz
Cons
- Had no texture
- Did not remind me of a cinnamon bun.
Alek says
I was thinking of swirling in cake batter. Apple pie crust topping.
becomebetty says
Hey Alek! That would work and yes, pairing with apples would be a great suggestion too!
Dagmar says
Thanks for trying this. I had thought about buying it but it doesn't sound like it's worth it. Also glad to see a post from you. Was getting a little worried when you hadn't posted in a couple of weeks or so.
becomebetty says
Hey Dagmar! Thanks so much. Between coming back from vacation and not feeling well recently (and a pause in new stuff to try before all things pumpkin came raining down) I figured it was a good time to take a little break (it has been three straight years). I'm fine and I'm hoping to get regular reviews back up and running this week. I'm not going anywhere anytime soon. Thanks for worrying about me and I'm back.
girlseeksjoy says
first of all, thank you for stopping by my blog...and now I know about your awesome blog! I love that a huge part of your blog is reviewing Trader Joe's food items. Pure genius 🙂 I'm so glad I just read your review on this cinnamon bun spread. It was one of the few seasonal items they carry right now that I did not buy, haha. I figured my kids would just crack out on it so I pretended like I never saw it. But I was intrigued 🙂 Love your site, and thank you for stopping by mine 🙂
Laura Nielsen says
I felt the same as you when I first tried it. It was OK. I was trying it on toast, waffles, and pancakes. Then I started swirling a teaspoon into my plain oatmeal with one packet of Splenda. Now I can't wait until it appears on the shelves again, and I don't even live in a town with Trader Joe's. I highly recommend putting it in oatmeal. It's delicious!
becomebetty says
Hey Laura! I haven't seen this item recently as it was a seasonal item. Maybe it will be back in the fall. Thanks for sharing how you enjoyed this product and thanks for taking the time out of your day to stop by and share.