You’ve probably seen the empty shelf space where they’re supposed to be. It's a vibe, honestly. You walk into Trader Joe’s with a specific mission—to snag those thick, fluffy Trader Joe's griddle cakes—only to find a lonely "temporarily out of stock" sign mocking you. It happened to me three times last month.
These aren't just pancakes. Calling them pancakes feels like an insult to their structural integrity. They’re technically "Dutch Griddle Cakes," inspired by poffertjes, but scaled up to the size of a hockey puck and twice as delicious.
They are dense. They are sweet. They are remarkably salty in a way that makes your brain light up like a pinball machine.
What Actually Are Trader Joe's Griddle Cakes?
Basically, they are the grocery store answer to the McDonald’s McGriddle bun, but better. Much better. While a standard pancake is light and floppy, these have a springy, almost cake-like crumb.
They’re imported from the Netherlands, which explains the "Dutch" in the name. Each box usually comes with eight cakes, stacked in two columns of four. The ingredients list is pretty straightforward: wheat flour, canola oil, eggs, sugar, and whey powder. No weird chemical aftertaste. Just a solid, bready base with a hint of vanilla.
One thing you'll notice immediately is the weight. They’re heavy. Two of these bad boys for breakfast will actually keep you full until lunch, unlike those paper-thin frozen waffles that dissolve the second they hit your stomach acid.
👉 See also: How is gum made? The sticky truth about what you are actually chewing
The Great Separation Struggle
We have to talk about the packaging. It’s... not great.
The cakes are often frozen together in a solid block. If you try to pry them apart with your bare hands, you're going to lose. You'll end up with half a griddle cake and a lot of sadness.
Pro Tip: Use a butter knife. Slide it between the cakes and give it a gentle twist. If they’re really fused, let them sit on the counter for about three minutes. They’ll give up eventually.
How to Cook Them (The Right Way)
The box gives you options, but not all heat is created equal. I've tried them all. Here is the definitive ranking of preparation methods:
- The Air Fryer (The GOAT): 350°F for about 4-5 minutes. This is the only way to get that slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft. It mimics the "griddled" texture of a restaurant.
- The Toaster: It works, but it's risky. Because they are so thick, the outside can burn before the middle is hot. If you go this route, use a low setting and do two cycles.
- The Microwave: Great if you’re late for work. 30-45 seconds. They stay soft and pillowy, but you lose any hope of crunch.
- The Skillet: High effort, high reward. A little pat of butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat. It takes time, but it’s the most authentic experience.
The DIY McGriddle Hack
This is why most people are buying them. It’s the open secret of the Trader Joe’s subreddit. You can recreate a better-than-fast-food breakfast sandwich at home for a fraction of the price.
✨ Don't miss: Curtain Bangs on Fine Hair: Why Yours Probably Look Flat and How to Fix It
Here is the blueprint:
- The Bread: Two toasted Trader Joe's griddle cakes.
- The Protein: TJ’s Chicken Breakfast Sausage Patties (the ones in the green bag) or a slice of thick-cut bacon.
- The Egg: One egg, fried over-medium or scrambled into a neat square.
- The Cheese: A slice of Sharp Cheddar or Havarti.
The salt from the sausage and cheese hits the sweetness of the cake, and suddenly you understand why people are fighting over these in the aisles. It’s a flavor profile that shouldn't work as well as it does. It's chaotic. It's perfect.
Nutrition and Reality
Let's be real: these aren't "health food." If you’re looking for a low-carb, keto-friendly start to your day, keep walking toward the cauliflower gnocchi.
A serving (two cakes) clocks in at around 350 calories. You’re looking at 21g of fat and about 13g of added sugar. They are indulgent. They are a "Saturday morning after a long week" kind of meal.
But compared to a fast-food version? The sodium is significantly lower. You can actually read the ingredients. It’s a trade-off I’m willing to make every single time.
🔗 Read more: Bates Nut Farm Woods Valley Road Valley Center CA: Why Everyone Still Goes After 100 Years
Why Can't I Ever Find Them?
The "Trader Joe’s Effect" is real. When a product goes viral on TikTok or Instagram, the supply chain simply can't keep up. Because these are imported from Europe, it’s not as simple as ramping up production at a local factory. They have to cross an ocean.
Supply chain issues, shipping delays, and massive demand have turned these into a "buy it when you see it" item. Some stores have even started putting "two per customer" limits on them. If you see them, grab two boxes. Don't be "that person" who clears out the whole shelf, but definitely secure the bag.
Serving Ideas Beyond the Sandwich
If you aren't in the mood for a savory sandwich, these are surprisingly versatile:
- The Classic: Just maple syrup and a massive amount of salted butter.
- The PB&J: Toast them and use them as the "bread" for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The warmth melts the PB into the cake.
- The Dessert: Top with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and some sliced strawberries. It’s basically a shortcut shortcake.
The Verdict
Are Trader Joe's griddle cakes worth the hype? Yeah. They actually are.
In a world of sad, freezer-burned breakfast options, these feel like a genuine treat. They have a specific texture you just can't find anywhere else in the frozen aisle. They’re thick, they’re sweet-savory, and they make a Tuesday morning feel about 40% more bearable.
Your Next Steps:
Check the frozen breakfast section of your local Trader Joe's. If they’re out, ask a crew member when the next shipment is due—they can usually look up the exact date on their computer. Once you get them home, skip the microwave and go straight for the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes. Pair them with the TJ's chicken sausage patties for the full "copycat" experience. Don't forget the butter knife for the separation struggle.