Trader Joe’s Chocolate Peppermint Loaf and Baking Mix ($2.99 per box) is as good as you’re hoping it is. I baked it up in three mini loaves over the weekend and topped it with some candy cane shards from the bottom of the Peppermint Bark bag. For a boxed mix, it really is good. Rich chocolate flavor, nice mintyness.
I made them in two regular mini loaf pans and one foil one. I greased the mini loaf pans well with shortening and still had trouble getting the cakes out of the pan. Next time, I’ll line them with parchment paper to avoid any trouble! They took about 40 minutes to bake. Start checking at 30 minutes and go from there.
Also, don’t be tempted to top the cakes before they’re baked. I bashed up some peppermint bark and the white chocolate just turns brown and gross looking. So save the garnish for once they’re out of the oven. Maybe just go with candy canes.
Trader Joe’s Chocolate Peppermint Loaf and Baking Mix Verdict: Would buy again.
Although I don’t used boxed cake mix a ton (husband isn’t really a fan), I’ve been really pleased with Trader Joe’s versions. We used their Vanilla cake mix in this Lemon-Elderflower Cake to celebrate Harry and Megan’s wedding. And the results are delicious.
Check out our other recent We Tried’s from Trader Joe’s:
Cauliflower and Butternut Squash Risotto