Air Fryer Copycat Trader Joe’s Pancake Bread

Air Fryer Copycat Trader Joe’s Pancake Bread is a great copycat recipe of the famous Trader Joe’s Pancake Bread. The maple syrup in the middle makes it so moist and delicious. This is a winner.

Cooking is one of my favorite hobbies. I enjoy cooking for friends and family, experimenting with new ingredients, and finding the best recipes to create delicious and healthy dishes.

One dish I’ve wanted to try is Trader Joe’s Pancake Bread, but it doesn’t seem like they sell it anymore, so I decided to make my own! It turns out that making this bread at home was even easier than expected because all you need are a few essential ingredients which you probably have on hand already in your pantry or fridge. This pancake bread recipe tastes just like the original and will make an excellent addition to breakfast or brunch menus!

This is a great and easy make-ahead breakfast that is perfectly cooked up in the Air Fryer! I love a great piece of bread in the morning! It makes my mornings run so much smoother!

Some of my other favorite Air Fryer Quick Bread Recipes are AIR FRYER APPLE STREUSEL QUICK BREAD, AIR FRYER CHOCOLATE SWIRL QUICK BREAD, AIR FRYER ZUCCHINI PUMPKIN QUICK BREAD, and AIR FRYER BLUEBERRY QUICK BREAD.

What Is Trader Joe’s Pancake Bread?

If there is one food that a true breakfast enthusiast should have in their arsenal, it’s the Pancake Bread from Trader Joe’s. Made with half-crumbly coffee cake and fluffy buttermilk pancakes doused in rich maple syrup, it tastes like an incredibly sticky pancake encased by two layers of buttery goodness!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Copycat Trader Joe’s Pancake Bread

• All-Purpose Flour: Classic baking flour for structure and soft texture
• Baking Soda: Helps the bread rise with light lift
• Baking Powder: Adds extra rise for a tender crumb
• Salt: Balances sweetness and boosts overall flavor
• Butter: Rich base that gives moisture and depth
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a golden crust
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness and moisture
• Maple Syrup: Warm maple flavor for signature pancake taste
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and keeps the bread tender
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, sweet aromatic flavor throughout
• Ground Cinnamon: Cozy spice that pairs perfectly with maple

How To Make Air Fryer Copycat Trader Joe’s Pancake Bread

Step One: Start by mixing the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt together in a large mixing bowl. Then mix the butter, sugar, eggs, maple syrup, sour cream, and vanilla extract.

Step Two: Then in a small bowl, mix the topping ingredients.

Step Three: Prepare mini loaf pans by spraying with either non-stick cooking spray or olive oil spray. Pour the batter into the pans, sprinkle the topping on top, and set in the air fryer basket set cook time for 15 to 25 minutes at 320 degrees F, air fryer setting. Cool, before slicing.

Copycat Trader Joe’s Pancake Bread Recipe Tips

• Use room-temperature ingredients. Cold butter, eggs, or sour cream can make the batter thick and uneven.
• Don’t overmix. Stir until the batter is just combined, too much mixing leads to dense loaves instead of that soft pancake-cake vibe.
• Check early. Air fryers vary, so start checking for doneness at the 15-minute mark. A toothpick should come out clean or with light crumbs.
• Let the loaves cool fully. The crumb topping sets as they cool, giving you that signature bakery-style texture.
• Avoid overfilling the pans. Fill only 2/3 full so the loaves rise without spilling over.
• Use mini loaf pans or ramekins. They mimic the size and shape of Trader Joe’s loaves and cook more evenly in the air fryer.
• Store overnight for the best flavor. The cinnamon-maple flavors deepen and taste even closer to the original the next day.

Storing Instructions

• Room Temperature: Keep the cooled pancake bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It stays soft and moist without refrigeration.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, place it in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Let it come to room temp before serving for the best texture.
• Freezer: Wrap each loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw on the counter and warm it lightly in the air fryer or microwave if you want that fresh-baked feel.

Copycat Trader Joe’s Pancake Bread Recipe Faqs

What kind of pan should I use? A standard 9×5 loaf pan is ideal for this recipe. Ensure you grease and flour the pan well, or line it with parchment paper, to prevent the sticky, buttery streusel from adhering.

Why is my bread dry? This usually happens if the batter was over-mixed (developing too much gluten) or the bread was over-baked. Use a toothpick test—not just the clock—and stop mixing as soon as the dry ingredients disappear.

Can I use actual pancake mix? This copycat recipe is designed to mimic the boxed bread using standard baking ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder) for the best texture and flavor. Using liquid pancake batter directly is not recommended.

How do I prevent the streusel from sinking? Ensure the bread batter is thick enough to support the streusel. Also, make sure the butter in your streusel is cold and cut-in until coarse crumbs form, not melted, which helps it stay on top.

How should I store the leftover bread? Store the cooled bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or sealed in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It also freezes well (without the glaze) for up to 3 months.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER BLUEBERRY QUICK BREAD
• AIR FRYER RASPBERRY LEMON QUICK BREAD
• EASY AIR FRYER LEMON QUICK BREAD
• AIR FRYER CHOCOLATE CHIP QUICK BREAD

Don’t Forget To Pin!

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