Trader Joe's Strawberry and Creme Pancake and Waffle Mix Review: Berry Suspicious or Berry Delicious?

Leave it to Trader Joe's to turn your Sunday stack into a strawberry-scented sugar rush. If you're someone who believes breakfast should taste like dessert, then this mix might be calling your name. But if you're a pancake purist or someone who likes to actually taste your coffee with breakfast instead of competing with it, then Trader Joe's Strawberry & Crème Pancake and Waffle Mix might not be the right match for you.

Review of Trader Joe's Strawberry & Crème Pancake and Waffle Mix

Trader Joe's Strawberry & Crème Pancake and Waffle Mix is a seasonal offering that retails for $3.99. On the shelf, it looks like your standard bag of pancake mix. But once you open it and add water, you're greeted with something a little more extra. The batter transforms from a basic powder to a vibrant pink concoction, and once you pour it onto your griddle, those white baking chips begin to melt and caramelize just enough to add a creamy sweetness.

It's worth noting: this mix is sweet. Like, we-don't-really-need-syrup sweet. The white baking chips are scattered throughout, giving pops of sugar in every bite. It's a sugar-forward experience, and depending on your preferences, that could be a win or a "maybe I'll pass."

I'll admit it. I didn't expect to like this one as much as I did. The novelty of pink pancakes is fun, especially if you're serving these to kids or just want to make your breakfast a little more playful. The strawberry flavor is bold but doesn't taste artificial or overly fake. It's sweet and just slightly tart, like a strawberry milkshake collided with a pancake.

The baking chips really take things to the next level. They don't overpower the mix, but they do make it incredibly rich. I tried these plain and didn't reach for syrup once. Between the natural sweetness of the batter and the chips, this felt more like a breakfast-dessert hybrid than a traditional pancake.

That said, it won't be for everyone. If you prefer a buttermilk base or want something a little more neutral to pair with eggs or bacon, this might be too much. And if you're trying to keep your sugar intake low, this mix is not playing around. It's indulgent, sweet, and proudly so.

Still, for what it is, it's well executed. The mix cooks up evenly, doesn't stick to the pan, and delivers a reliably fluffy result. It's a fun change of pace, especially if you're looking to shake up your weekend breakfast.

One important thing to note here is the serving size. You'll get 2 mixes and bit leftover. That is really annoying. They should make it either an even 2 or 3 batches and not a random in between serving.

How to Serve

• As waffles - The mix works great in a waffle iron too, and the caramelized chips make for a crispy, candy-like edge
• Just as is - Honestly, it's sweet enough to enjoy plain
• With fresh strawberries - A few fresh slices balance out the richness
• With whipped cream - Lean into the dessert vibes and top with a dollop

Creative Uses

• Strawberry shortcake pancakes - Stack with whipped cream and strawberries for a dessert-forward brunch
• Mini pancake bites - Pour into a mini muffin pan for sweet, poppable breakfast treats
• Waffle ice cream sandwiches - Press into a waffle iron and sandwich with vanilla ice cream
• Valentine's brunch - That bright pink hue screams themed breakfast fun

Instructions

Here is how to make Trader Joe's Strawberry & Crème Pancake and Waffle Mix

1. Step 1: Add 1 ½ cups of this mix to a bowl.

2. Step 2: Add ⅔ cup milk

3. Step 3: Add 2 tablespoon oil

4. Step 4: Add 2 eggs

5. Step 5: Stir to combine

6. Step 6: Prepare your pancake or waffle maker. You'll need 2-3 minutes per side for pancakes or 3-5 for a waffle. Golden brown is what you are aiming for in either.

FAQs about Strawberry & Crème Pancake and Waffle Mix

Below is a list of frequently asked questions about this product:

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe's Strawberry & Crème Pancake and Waffle Mix is playful, vibrant, and unapologetically sweet. If you're into fun food and don't mind a sugar-forward breakfast, it's worth trying. Just maybe keep the syrup on standby and your dentist on speed dial. If you find it, just remember it is seasonal. Otherwise, you'll have to scour Amazon for third-party sellers.