Every year, I look forward to Trader Joe’s fall selection of pumpkin-flavored items. (It’s one of my favorite parts of the season!). I always end up finding a new-to-me gem, and this year I’ve been all about the gluten-free pumpkin bread & muffin baking mix.
The first time I made pumpkin bread, the scent of pumpkin and spices filled the kitchen, which made the whole night feel extra warm and seasonal. Over the past few weeks, it’s become my new go-to baking mix. Even if you’re not gluten-free, this mix is a fun, low-effort way to enjoy a little taste of fall without a multistep recipe.
What’s So Great About Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Baking Mix?
The Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Baking Mix is made with actual pumpkin and includes a mixture of sorghum, millet, and brown rice flours. As someone who’s tried multiple gluten‑free mixes (I don’t have a gluten allergy, but a lot of my friends do), I can honestly say this one really delivered. The box includes instructions for both pumpkin bread or a dozen muffins.
The texture of the pumpkin loaf is perfectly moist and soft. After 45 minutes in the oven, the edges crisped up golden brown with just the right amount of crunch. It looked and smelled homemade, not like something from your average mix. If you’ve been let down by gluten-free baking mixes before, this one might change your mind.
What’s the Best Way to Enjoy Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Baking Mix?
This mix is my kind of seasonal dessert. It feels like it’s made for a cozy girl’s night in. It’s incredibly easy to mix together — with eggs, oil, and water — and then I just pop it in the oven while queuing up a rom-com for my friends. (We do this practically every week.)
My favorite way to spice up this mix is by adding chocolate chips, both into the batter and sprinkled on top before baking. It gives each bite bits of melty chocolate that pairs perfectly with the earthy pumpkin flavor. I also recommend tossing in some chopped walnuts for a nice crunch and a bit of contrast to the soft texture.
When it’s warm out of the oven, with the chocolate slightly gooey and the edges crisp, it’s honestly hard to believe that it isn’t a slice of pumpkin bread from a local bakery. Just add a cup of coffee or cinnamon chai and your favorite movie.
Find it in stores: Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Baking Mix, $4.49 for 17.5 ounces at Trader Joe’s
What’s your favorite fall Trader Joe’s find? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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