I love a good crumb cake. Or is it a coffee cake? Regardless, people tend to use both phrases interchangeably. Regardless, we are still talking about the same thing here. And for the naysayers out there, sometimes an item that disappears from the shelves of Trader Joe's doesn't always mean it is gone forever. In fact, Trader Joe's Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake Mix was introduced in 2010 and hasn't been seen in about 5 years.
Review
If that is too long of a time for a food memory, then allow me to explain. This is a really easy one-step, two bowl recipe. Make the cake mix, then add the topping.
No muss and no fuss about it. And what it yields is exactly what you see pictured.
And for a boxed mix, it came together from start to finish in about an hour. I opted to skip the crumbs in the middle. I like mine on top. But if you are looking for Starbucks level crumbs to top this then you might be disappointed. This is way more coffee cake than crumb cake.
But the crumbs were deeply cinnamon and sugar with some added butter to make it that much more magical. The cake came out nice and moist and tasted like it had nutmeg in it. And nutmeg is a pretty good compliment for cinnamon.
It was sweet without being cloying. And yes, a good cup of coffee or tea would pair well. And yes, I'd make the case it would be good for dessert, breakfast, or brunch. Good for sharing or enjoying 12 slices all to yourself. Your call.
Overall
For $2.99 it is a pretty good find, but this is another one of those items that were labeled as seasonal. So if you find it, try it, and love it, you'll want to stock up.
Would I buy this again? Yes, I would buy Trader Joe's Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake Mix again. It was simple and minimal mess, yet yielded a pretty good end result.
Make it yourself
If you find yourself out of luck for the season or you want to enjoy this at home. Don't worry, I've got you covered with my crumb cake recipe. Nothing complicated either. A box of yellow cake mix and a handful of items you probably have on hand already. And yes, if you like crumbs you can totally double my recipe just on the crumbs:
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
Product Photos
Calories and ingredients
Directions
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for a searchable list.
Trader Joe's Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake Mix
Product Name: Trader Joe's Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake Mix
Product Description: Trader Joe's Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake Mix is a returning seasonal item
Price: $2.99
Currency: USD
Availability: LimitedAvailability
Summary
Trader Joe's Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake Mix is a returning item that has not been seen on shelves in several years.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- In about an hour you'll have close to homemade coffee cake
- Strong cinnamon flavor in the crumbs and the cake balances is out.
Cons
- Seasonal. When it is gone, who knows when it will be back
- I was wishing for more crumb
Trina and Tina says
This for the win!!!!
becomebetty says
OMG totally!
Dagmar says
I actually used the mix to make muffins for work. Added chopped burbon maple glazed pecans to the topping. Turned out great.
Linda Ford says
Best if used by 12/22/21
Could I make today jan 20, 2022
Erin says
I didn’t even get to try it because I sifted it out because I found this web-like stuff in the package and I literally found I worm and a moth inside of I literally threw up after seeing it because I hate bugs. NEVER BUY THIS PRODUCT!!!!!!!!!!!
becomebetty says
Sorry to hear that Erin. I'd report that to the store and see about a refund.