Trader Joe's cake mixes are hit or miss-but when lemon is involved, I'm always curious. The Meyer Lemon Cake Mix with Lemon Icing, priced at $3.99, comes with everything you need to whip up a bright and citrusy dessert without much effort. If you love lemon desserts but don't want to squeeze or zest anything yourself, this could be your shortcut to sunshine in cake form.
Jump to:
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
FAQs about Trader Joe's Meyer Lemon Cake Mix with Lemon Icing
The following are commonly asked questions:
No-Meyer lemons are naturally sweeter and milder than regular lemons, so the flavor is more delicate than sharp.
Yes, and honestly, it tastes great plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Absolutely! Blueberries, white chocolate chips, or poppy seeds would all work beautifully.
While it often shows up in spring or early summer, it may not be available year-round.
You can find it in stores in early summer or through third-party sellers on Amazon.com
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.
Out of the package you get two packages: one icing, one mix:
Before going into the oven (and yes, parchment paper will prevent you from scrubbing those corners of a loaf pan):
After being cooked you get:
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe's Meyer Lemon Cake Mix with Lemon Icing is one of those products that makes you feel like a better baker without much effort. It's fresh, flavorful, and flexible enough to dress up or enjoy as-is. While the icing might be a bit sweet for some, the cake itself delivers on texture and taste. If you love lemon, you'll want to stock up while it's around.
Do you love these reviews?
Don't forget to share your thoughts by going to the "user review" at the bottom of the box (click on the number of stars you believe this product deserves) and leave a comment below.
You can also FOLLOW ME on the following platforms by clicking the icons below:
Trader Joe's Meyer Lemon Cake Mix with Lemon Icing
Product Name: Trader Joe's Meyer Lemon Cake Mix with Lemon Icing
Product Description: Trader Joe's Meyer Lemon Cake Mix with Lemon Icing is a returning seasonal favorite cake.
Price: $3.49
Currency: USD
Availability: LimitedAvailability
Summary
Trader Joe's Meyer Lemon Cake Mix is a seasonal favorite on store shelves.
-
Taste
-
Value
-
Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Bright citrus flavor: Real Meyer lemon taste comes through
- Easy to make: Just mix, bake, and drizzle
- Moist texture: Bakes up tender and evenly
- Customizable: Works with add-ins, toppings, or in muffin form
- Great price: Only $3.49 for a full dessert
Cons
- Icing is very sweet: May be too sugary for some palates
- Limited availability: Not always in stock year-round
- Only one pan option listed: Could benefit from muffin or bundt pan directions
- Not gluten-free: Contains wheat and dairy ingredients
judilyn says
Lemon . . . NOW you're talkin'! Fifteen years in the Bay Area, and I never really tasted a Meyer Lemon, although there was a lot of talk about them. We'll be visiting the local Trader Joe's in mid-June, so I'll surely be on the lookout for it in our store. This sounds really good. We don't eat much in the way of sweets, but this looks very appealing.
Virtual hugs,
Judie
becomebetty says
Hey Judie! I can't wait to hear about your trip to the Bay Area. I haven't been there in quite some time. You'll be posting about it on your blog correct? Can't wait to hear your thoughts! Thanks as always for stopping by!
judilyn says
We’re not going to California. I meant our local Trader Joe’s here in Arizona. Bay Area was not attractive to us at all by the time we moved away for good in 1998.
Dag says
I saw this on the shelf last weekend & was wondering about it. Glad to see you reviewed it! I might buy it and make cupcakes out of it. And maybe turn that icing into cream cheese frosting with some added lemon juice or crystallized TrueLemon.
becomebetty says
Hey Dag! This as cupcakes would really work. Someone on instagram suggested using lemon juice instead of water for the icing to make it more lemon flavored. I'd love to hear how yours turn out! Thanks as always for taking the time to stop by and share what you are up to.
Dag says
Lol... I always have so many ideas. But I think I will follow through with this one. I even thought about doing mini cupcakes and putting a big plump raspberry in the middle of the batter. I think I remember that if you use frozen, don't thaw and roll it in cornstarch first it won't bleed out into the batter and will remain relatively whole. Don't quote me on that I need to look at back up again. If I do do this I will definitely take a pic and share.
becomebetty says
Those sound like they would be amazingly photogenic. I think I've done something similar with blueberry muffins and using cornstarch to avoid having them discolor everything they touch. Can't wait to hear how yours turn out!
Dag says
I am determined to make them this weekend so I'll let you know. I will also take pics if they turn out well that is lol.
becomebetty says
No problem. Can't wait to see!
Rachel Click says
Did you glaze this immediately before serving? Also, how would I know if I need 1 va 2 tbsp Water for the icing?😬did you choose to ice all over top instead of the box image of drizzle? Lastly, just made this and mines been cooking on stovetop for about 50 minutes now. Will have a piece with my husband after dinner several hours from now soooo, hence my first question of should I glaze now or immediately before serving? Thank you for your great page!
becomebetty says
Hey Rachel! I'm not sure where you are but I'm in humid NY. So 1TBSP got my frosting but 2 TBSP will get you closer to a glaze. If you are going the glaze route then I would suggest waiting until right before you serve where icing isn't quite as moist. I chose to do the 1 tbsp just to see how it was before diluting it too much. With frosting you'll need a knife to spread it and a glaze you'll be able to drizzle a bit more. Do 1 tbsp and give it a quick taste to see if you like as is. Thanks for stopping by and hope that helps!
MARGARET says
Baked it several times and always came out very densed and gummy. I followed the directions to the latter without much success. Also spoke to several people that concurred with my statement. Will never buy this product again.
becomebetty says
Hey Margaret! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experience. Just out of curiosity, which part was gummy?
Lita poppenberg says
good morning.. I love this Mix Can I turn this into cupcakes?
becomebetty says
Hey Lita! I don't see why you couldn't. Just adjust the cooking time and you should be fine.
Lita poppenberg says
You are so gracious and thoughtful to reply.. thanks so much.....I make the TJ brownie mix into cookies but add Pecans and amaretto extract...Always well received.. but very careful not to overcook... have a great weekend lita
becomebetty says
Have a great weekend too Lita! I'd love to hear how these turn out for you!
Linda says
Has anyone doubled the recipe and baked it in a bundt pan? I'm sure you would need to add time to baking, but it would look very pretty!
becomebetty says
Hey Linda! I have not doubled this, but I don't see why it wouldn't work. I would mix the two cakes mixes at the same time. In a bundt pan that would probably make the baking time closer to 55 minutes (give or take). Let me know how it turns out!
Cori says
I just made this in a bundt pan and one package worked out perfectly. It doesn't quite fill the whole pan but it raised while baking and it looks great! I cooked it approx. 40 minutes. I love Trader Joes' mixes. The pumpkin bread (with added chocolate chips) is my kids favorite in the fall and this Lemon is perfect for spring and summer cookouts and gatherings.
becomebetty says
Hey Cori! Thanks so much for sharing this especially the cooking time. I love the pumpkin bread too. Thanks for taking the time out of your day to share your experience with it!