Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread and Muffin Mix is a seasonal favorite that brings the warm, cozy flavors of pumpkin spice into a gluten-free format. Whether you’re gluten-sensitive or simply enjoy the taste of pumpkin-flavored treats, this mix offers a convenient way to bake up a loaf of pumpkin bread or a batch of muffins in no time. But how does it compare to the traditional version, and is it worth picking up?
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What is Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread and Muffin Mix?
Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread and Muffin Mix is a seasonal baking mix that allows you to make moist, spiced pumpkin bread or muffins without the gluten. This mix is priced at $3.99, which is slightly higher than its non-gluten-free counterpart, but it offers a great option for those who need to avoid gluten. The mix is easy to prepare and delivers a delicious, cake-like texture with the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Taste and Texture
The taste of Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread and Muffin Mix is virtually identical to its non-gluten-free version. You get the same pumpkin flavor with a perfectly balanced blend of spices. The sweetness is just right, making it a versatile base for adding your favorite mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit.
The texture is moist and cake-like, which is impressive for a gluten-free product. The bread or muffins bake up with a slight crust on the outside and a soft, tender crumb inside. The main difference you might notice is a slightly more caramelized crust, possibly due to the sugar content, and a subtle aftertaste that’s typical of some gluten-free baked goods. However, these differences are minimal and don’t detract from the overall enjoyment of the product.
Ingredients and Nutritional Information
Ingredients:
- Primary Ingredients: Sugar, brown rice flour, pumpkin, sorghum flour.
- Flavor Enhancers: Spices not named but likely cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt.
- Leavening Agents: Baking soda, sodium acid pyrophosphate
Nutritional Information (per ½" inch slice bread):
- Calories: 190
- Fat: 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 17g
- Protein: 1g
This mix is relatively high in sugar, contributing to its sweetness, but low in fat. It’s a good source of carbohydrates, making it a filling treat, especially when paired with additional toppings or spreads.
How to Prepare Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread and Muffin Mix
The preparation is simple and versatile:
For Pumpkin Bread:
- Ingredients: Mix the contents of the package with 2 eggs, ½ cup of oil, and 1 cup of water.
- Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf pan and pour in the batter. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
For Muffins:
- Ingredients: Mix the contents of the package with 2 eggs, ½ cup of oil, and 1 cup of water.
- Instructions: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a muffin tin with paper liners and fill each cup about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some ways to enjoy your pumpkin bread or muffins:
- Classic Spread: Enjoy with a spread of butter or cream cheese for a simple, satisfying treat.
- Nutty Twist: Top your bread or muffins with a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans before baking for added texture and flavor.
- Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Stir in some chocolate chips into the batter for a decadent twist.
- French Toast: Use slices of the pumpkin bread to make a delicious, spiced French toast for breakfast.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use the muffins to create ice cream sandwiches by slicing them in half and filling them with vanilla or pumpkin ice cream.
Pairing Suggestions
Beverage Pairings:
- Coffee: A cup of black coffee or a pumpkin spice latte complements the warm spices in the bread or muffins.
- Tea: Pair with a chai tea or spiced herbal tea for a cozy autumn treat.
- Apple Cider: A warm or cold apple cider enhances the fall flavors in the baked goods.
Food Pairings:
- Yogurt Parfait: Serve a slice of pumpkin bread alongside a yogurt parfait with granola and honey.
- Cheese Plate: Include slices of the bread or muffins on a cheese plate with mild cheeses like Brie or cream cheese.
FAQs About Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread and Muffin Mix
The following are commonly asked questions about this product:
No, the mix requires eggs and oil, though you could try using flax eggs or other egg substitutes to make it vegan-friendly.
Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even swirl in some cream cheese before baking.
Once baked, the bread should stay fresh for about 3-4 days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread and Muffin Mix is a fantastic seasonal product that allows those who are gluten-sensitive to enjoy the flavors of fall. With its moist texture, balanced spice blend, and ease of preparation, it’s a great addition to any autumnal baking lineup. Whether you’re enjoying it plain, with mix-ins, or paired with your favorite fall beverages, this mix is sure to become a staple in your gluten-free pantry. Stock up while it’s available, as it’s only around for a limited time.
For $3.99, this is priced at a $1 premium over the non-gluten-free variety. If you have celiac's or do not eat gluten this is absolutely something to reach for. If you don't have to eat gluten-free, then this is worth a try, but not hugely different from the other varieties. Unlike the brownies, I did not feel one was vastly superior to the other.
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Trader Joe's Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread and Muffin Baking Mix
Product Name: Trader Joe's Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread and Muffin Baking Mix
Product Description: Trader Joe's Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread and Muffin Baking Mix is an annual favorite fall item.
Price: $3.99
Summary
Trader Joe's Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread and Muffin Baking Mix is around only for the Fall season. So if you love it then stock up.
Pros
- Gluten-Free: A great option for those who need or prefer gluten-free products.
- Delicious Flavor: Offers the same great taste as the regular version, with no compromise on flavor.
- Easy to Prepare: Requires just a few additional ingredients and minimal effort.
Cons
- Slightly More Expensive: Priced higher than the regular mix, which might be a consideration if you don’t need to avoid gluten.
- Subtle Aftertaste: A minor aftertaste typical of gluten-free baked goods, but not a dealbreaker.
judilyn says
Their mixes seem to be a cut above ordinary ones in the grocery store.
Virtual hugs,
Judie
becomebetty says
Much agreed Judie!
pauldaviescartoons says
I love to read your reviews, you must have eaten a wider variety of 'stuff' than almost anyone I know. I say 'stuff' as some of it cannot really be described as food, and what on earth is sorghum flour? Good stuff!
KitKat says
I tried both the regular and GF pumpkin bread mixes and preferred the taste of the GF. Not sure why. At my TJ they are priced the same
becomebetty says
Hey KitKat! I'm glad you liked the gluten free better. By chance, where are you located? I'm on the east coast and sometimes prices do vary based on location. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Rickie says
Stop posting items no longer sold
If you post ensure the item exists
Do you know where this CAN be purchased?
Very disheartening
becomebetty says
Hey Rickie! If you check the date of when I posted this it was more than a year ago. It is a seasonal item. Most often they appear after Labor Day but are often gone by Halloween. Unfortunately, while Trader Joe's probably won't get any until next year. I keep the posts up year round in case they do show up. I'm not affiliated with TJs in anyway and post reviews so that they may help people whether they are current or something they've had stowed away i the back of a closet. I hope you find some.