Trader Joe’s Cinnamon Bun Inspired Pancake & Waffle Mix Review

Cinnamon rolls and pancakes are two of my favorite breakfasts, so when Trader Joe’s combined them into one mix, I knew I had to try it. This Trader Joe's Cinnamon Bun Inspired Pancake & Waffle Mix promises all the warm, spiced flavor of a cinnamon bun in the quick, easy form of pancakes or waffles.

What’s in the Box

The mix comes as a dry base that only requires a few simple additions—egg, milk, and melted butter or oil. It’s designed to deliver that cinnamon roll sweetness without the work of kneading dough or waiting for anything to rise. You can make pancakes or waffles, which makes it versatile depending on what you’re craving.

Preparation

Making this mix couldn’t be easier. Combine the powder with the wet ingredients, whisk until smooth, and cook as pancakes on a skillet or in a waffle maker. Pancakes turn out fluffy with slightly crisp edges, while waffles come out golden and crisp, perfect for holding maple syrup.

I found that adding a little extra butter or oil to the pan helps prevent sticking and also gives the pancakes richer edges. With waffles, the batter crisps beautifully without much effort. The whole kitchen fills with the smell of cinnamon sugar, which honestly makes it feel like a weekend treat before you even take a bite.

how to make waffles instruction on the box

Taste and Texture

The mix delivers a warm, sweet cinnamon flavor that sits right between classic pancakes and a bakery cinnamon roll. The pancakes are soft and airy with a pleasant sweetness, while the waffles have that golden crunch outside with a fluffy middle.

The flavor isn’t overpowering, but it’s definitely sweeter than plain pancake mix. It pairs best with toppings—classic butter and maple syrup work perfectly, but cream cheese glaze or even whipped cream would make it taste like dessert.

cooked pancakes on the plate next to the box

My Honest Pros and Cons

Pros:

Convenient and easy to prepare
Strong cinnamon flavor without going over the top
Works well for both pancakes and waffles
Smells amazing while cooking

Cons:

On the sweet side, better as a treat than a daily breakfast
A bit heavier than regular pancakes
Needs toppings to really bring out the cinnamon bun feel

Similar Products

Try other Trader Joe's breakfast products:

Final Verdict

Trader Joe’s Cinnamon Bun Inspired Pancake & Waffle Mix is exactly what it claims to be: a fun, cozy twist on two breakfast favorites. It’s quick to make, delicious, and fills your kitchen with that irresistible cinnamon roll aroma. While it’s more of an occasional treat than an everyday staple, it’s definitely one I’ll repurchase when I want to make breakfast feel special.

Rating: 9 out of 10

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆