When there is not a whole lot of time to make something from scratch (though from scratch is what I prefer, as I know exactly what is going into each recipe), enter Trader Joe’s. They have some pretty yummy seasonal stuff and their pumpkin bread box mix is really tasty. So… I know this isn’t typical, but I decided to share a very successful, quick and easy recipe using all Trader Joe’s ingredients:
Their pumpkin muffins are taken to the next level when filled and topped with a savory/sweet filling of mascarpone cheese and pumpkin butter. Perfect for breakfast! Just remember to refrigerate, as the mascarpone cheese is perishable.
Ingredients
- 1 box Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix
- 1 jar Trader Joe’s pumpkin butter
- 2 8 oz. containers Trader Joe’s mascarpone cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1 cup water
- sanding sugar (optional)
Follow instructions on the muffin mix box, baking muffins for 18 – 20 minutes at 350. While the muffins are baking, prepare the filling/frosting. Mix jar of pumpkin butter with mascarpone cheese and stir until well-blended. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours (refrigerating the mascarpone mixture helps it firm up so that it works well as a frosting).
Once the muffins are cool, use a knife to cut an inch-deep hole into the center of each muffin. Remove the center of each muffin and promptly eat it. Fill the center with the mascarpone cheese mixture, then frost the top of the muffin.
Repeat with each muffin. Dust with sanding sugar, and serve at room temperature.
Happy box baking!
Okay. I guess it’s time I finally buy a jar of that pumpkin butter I keep hearing about. They are even advertising it on NPR!!
When I saw in the photo that you had to cut out the middle, I immediately thought that, if I make these, I will eat all those middles. And then I scrolled down and read your ‘promptly eat’ instruction and laughed. I mean, why waste it?! ; )
You know, there is box baking and then there is seriously delicious/not a walking death-trap/be proud to feed it to your family box baking. You nailed the latter.
Oh my this looks like a decadent and yummy treat! I don’t shop at Trader Joe’s as often as I should. I never used to buy much boxed snacks which is what it seemed best for… now I am buying a whole bunch of crackers and cereal so I need to check it out.
First: Gorgeous as a blonde. You look like Katherine Heigel. (Actually you look like her even as a brunette.)
Thanks for the pumpkin muffin idea. I have the mix on hand (could not bring to school b/c of “nut facility” of all TJs stuff) and Frankie loves sweet cheese. A perfect complement to her other favorite food: bacon.
Happy Halloween. We miss you.
xxx
Nora! You have power?! We’ve been thinking of you guys! And yes, bacon is quite possibly the perfect food. Smart lady you have there.
These muffins looks so great. And I think you know how I feel about Trader Joe’s. I want to high five everyone in the entire county over our store opening.
I’m really glad you posted this icing recipe. Thanks to a bumper crop of sugar pumpkins from our teeny-tiny back yard, pumpkin muffins have been the dessert du jour here and I was looking for a nice topping to go with them. For the record, I have been making other pumpkin delights, but my muffin recipe is so darn easy.
Where do you get sanding sugar from? Is it something you can make at home?
Yum! I wonder if my fussy little Habeshas would like these? Might give it a try…