Is the Krusteaz Cinnamon Swirl Crumb Cake & Muffin Mix from Costco worth trying? It is.
The mix tastes fantastic. The cake is moist and fluffy with a pleasant cinnamon flavor that isn’t too sweet. The crumb topping adds a great texture, making each bite satisfying. Whether you have it as a morning treat or an afternoon snack, this mix always provides a homemade taste that will impress.
Other Bakery products from Costco are the Schwartz Brothers Bakery Organic Everything Bagel Chips, Universal Bakery Traditional Aussie Bites, Sugar Bowl Bakery Madeleine cookies , Sugar Bowl Bakery Petite Palmiers , Universal Bakery Strawberry Belgian Waffles, Kirkland Bakery Chocolate Mousse Cake and the Kirkland Bakery Pumpkin Pie Review
Costco Krusteaz Cinnamon Swirl Crumb Cake & Muffin Mix
Item No. 1757224
Taste Test
The taste of the Krusteaz Cinnamon Swirl Crumb Cake is very sugary and enjoyable. Its rich, sweet cinnamon flavor pairs perfectly with the crumb topping, creating a delightful combination that could be enhanced with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of icing.
While I am delighted with the flavor, I still need to perfect the texture. It could benefit from a bit more density. Nonetheless, I have a favorable opinion of the taste and like it.
Ingredients Analysis
The ingredients in the Krusteaz Cinnamon Swirl Crumb Cake & Muffin Mix from Costco include common baking elements and additives. The cake mix contains enriched bleached flour, sugars, modified corn starch, soybean oil, various leavening agents, salt, tapioca starch, gum arabic, xanthan gum, and natural flavors.
Some might be concerned about modified corn starch, soybean oil, and leavening agents like sodium aluminum sulfate if they prefer more natural, less processed ingredients.
The cinnamon topping includes sugars, palm and soybean oil, cinnamon, salt, silicon dioxide, and natural flavors. While sugars and cinnamon are standard, palm oil and silicon dioxide (an anti-caking agent) might not appeal to health-conscious consumers.
I appreciate the clear labeling of potential allergens like wheat, eggs, milk, soy, and tree nuts.
Nutrition Analysis
When looking at the nutrition facts for Krusteaz Cinnamon Swirl Crumb Cake & Muffin Mix, it’s clear that each serving (1/4 cupcake mix + 1 1/2 tbsp. topping) has a fair amount of calories and sugar: 170 calories and 23 grams of sugar.
The fat content is relatively low at 3 grams, with only 1 gram of saturated fat. Still, the high sugar content could concern those watching their intake.
It also has 1 gram of protein and 1 gram of fiber, offering minimal nutritional benefits. The sodium level is notable at 240 mg. As a health-conscious consumer, I might enjoy this cake mix in moderation but wouldn’t make it a regular part of a balanced diet.
Convenience
The mix is easy to prepare despite some challenges with layering and spreading the cinnamon. These minor issues are outweighed by the convenience of having a pre-measured mix that requires minimal effort.
The preparation is straightforward, involving simple steps like mixing the ingredients, layering the cinnamon topping, and baking. The clear instructions make it accessible even for novice bakers. The process is quick, allowing you to enjoy a fresh, warm crumb cake in no time.
Price Analysis
The product is priced under $9, which I find reasonable considering the quality and quantity you get. For a mix that delivers a delightful homemade taste, this price makes it a cost-effective option for those who enjoy baking but want to save money.
With enough mix to create a generous portion, it offers excellent value for anyone looking to treat themselves or their family to a tasty homemade crumb cake without the hassle of starting from scratch.
How I Prepare the Krusteaz Cinnamon Swirl Crumb Cake & Muffin Mix
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (non-convection bake).
- Prepare Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup of water
- 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
- One egg (cracked open, with shells removed)
- Open the Box:
- Confirm that the box contains three packets (crumb cake mix and cinnamon topping).
- Set aside two packets and use one for each cake mix and cinnamon topping.
- Mix the Batter:
- Combine the cake mix with the water, oil, and egg in a mixing bowl.
- Blend the mixture, ensuring that the sides of the bowl are scraped to incorporate all ingredients properly.
- Prepare the Pan:
- Spray an 8×8-inch pan with non-stick spray (Pam spray) and spread it evenly using a finger.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Pour half of the cake batter into the pan.
- Sprinkle half of the cinnamon topping over the batter.
- Add the remaining cake batter on top of the cinnamon layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon topping over the batter, spreading it as evenly as possible.
- Bake the Cake:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes.
- Check the cake by ensuring it doesn’t stick to the edges and that the base is cooked correctly.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the cake cool for about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Cut the cake into squares using a spatula.
- Optionally, pair with ice cream or icing for added flavor.
Despite some improvisation and challenges with the layering process, the cake turned out well.
Reddit Users Review
Reddit users praise the great taste of the Krusteaz cinnamon swirl crumb cake/muffin mix. One user called it “delicious” and appreciated that it’s “not too sweet.” Another user mentioned that baking with it makes their house smell like cinnamon.
For those considering this mix, users recommend substituting oil with melted butter for a richer flavor and adding thinly sliced apples for an apple pie twist. The Krusteaz cinnamon swirl mix is versatile and perfect for crumb cakes and muffins.
Based on Reddit reviews, the Krusteaz cinnamon swirl crumb cake/muffin mix is highly recommended for its excellent taste, pleasant aroma, and versatility in baking.
Review Score
- Taste: 8/10
- Ingredients: 7/10
- Nutrition: 7/10
- Convenience: 8/10
- Price: 9/10
Overall
- Give it a try!
After thoroughly assessing the Krusteaz Cinnamon Swirl Crumb Cake & Muffin Mix, I confidently recommend it as a convenient and tasty baking option. The flavor, with its rich, sweet cinnamon essence and satisfying crumb topping, makes it great for various occasions.
Although I have minor concerns about some ingredients and prefer a slightly denser texture, these are relatively good for overall enjoyment.
The convenience and reasonable price further enhance its appeal. If you want the warmth and comfort of homemade baked goods without extensive prep work, this mix is a worthy addition to your pantry. Give it a try and enjoy the homemade taste.
- What are your favorite ways to add a personal touch to a pre-made baking mix?
- Do you have any unique ingredients or techniques that elevate the flavor and texture of the final product?
FAQs
Can I use alternative oils instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil with other oils, such as canola oil, sunflower oil, or melted coconut oil. However, using different oils can slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cake.
How can I make the cake mix healthier?
To make the cake mix healthier, you could try substituting applesauce or Greek yogurt for some or all of the oil in the recipe. Additionally, consider reducing the sugar topping or using a lower-sugar alternative.
Can I add extra ingredients to the cake mix?
Absolutely! To personalize the cake mix, add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips. Be sure to fold these additional ingredients gently into the batter before baking.
How should I store the leftover cake?
Store the leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep it fresh. For more extended storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to three months.
Can I make muffins with this mix?
Yes, the Krusteaz Cinnamon Swirl Crumb Cake & Muffin Mix can be used to make muffins. Follow the instructions for mixing the batter and topping, but instead of pouring it into a single pan, divide the batter evenly into a muffin tin lined with paper cups. Bake at the same temperature, but check for doneness after 18-22 minutes.
Is the cake mix gluten-free?
No, the Krusteaz Cinnamon Swirl Crumb Cake & Muffin Mix contains enriched bleached flour, which is not gluten-free. If you require a gluten-free option, look for a different mix labeled explicitly as gluten-free.
Can I make this cake without eggs?
Yes, you can make the cake using egg substitutes like flax eggs, chia eggs, or a commercial egg replacer. The texture might be slightly different, but it should still be delicious.
Do I need any special equipment to make this cake?
No special equipment is needed. A mixing bowl, a spatula, a measuring cup, and an 8×8-inch baking pan should suffice. A muffin tin is required if you prefer to make muffins.
Can this cake be made in a convection oven?
Yes, you can make this cake in a convection oven. However, reduce the baking time by a few minutes and keep an eye on it, as convection ovens can bake more quickly and evenly.
Please be aware that this review is independent and unbiased. The product was purchased by Costcoverdict solely for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed here belong solely to Costcoverdict and do not reflect any affiliation with Costco or its suppliers. Should Costcoverdict ever receive compensation from a product manufacturer or any other third party, full disclosure will be provided, including instances where a product sample was provided for review purposes
