Trader Joe’s Brown Sugar Maple Butter: Recipes to Sweeten Your Day
Trader Joe’s has done it again! Their Brown Sugar Maple Flavored Butter has become a staple in many kitchens, and for good reason. This delightful concoction combines the rich, caramelized flavor of brown sugar with the warm, comforting taste of maple syrup, all blended into creamy, dreamy butter. It’s incredibly versatile and can elevate everything from your morning toast to your evening dessert. This blog post is dedicated to exploring the many delicious ways you can use Trader Joe’s Brown Sugar Maple Butter to sweeten your day. We’ll dive into a variety of recipes, offering detailed instructions and tips to help you create culinary masterpieces with this magical ingredient.
## What Makes Trader Joe’s Brown Sugar Maple Butter So Special?
Before we jump into the recipes, let’s appreciate what makes this butter so unique. The combination of brown sugar and maple syrup creates a depth of flavor that’s both sweet and complex. The brown sugar imparts a molasses-like richness, while the maple syrup adds a distinctive sweetness with hints of caramel and woodsy notes. This butter is not just sweet; it’s flavorful and aromatic, making it a delightful addition to any dish. It’s also incredibly convenient. Instead of having to mix brown sugar and maple syrup with butter yourself, Trader Joe’s has done all the work for you. Just open the tub and start cooking!
## Recipe Ideas: Unleashing the Potential of Brown Sugar Maple Butter
Here are some recipe ideas, ranging from simple breakfasts to decadent desserts, to inspire you to get creative with Trader Joe’s Brown Sugar Maple Butter:
### 1. Brown Sugar Maple Butter Toast
This is the quintessential way to enjoy this butter. It’s simple, quick, and utterly satisfying.
**Ingredients:**
* Your favorite bread (sourdough, brioche, or multigrain all work well)
* Trader Joe’s Brown Sugar Maple Flavored Butter
**Instructions:**
1. **Toast the bread:** Toast your bread to your desired level of crispness. Be careful not to burn it!
2. **Butter generously:** While the toast is still warm, spread a generous amount of Trader Joe’s Brown Sugar Maple Butter over the surface. The warmth will help the butter melt and soak into the bread.
3. **Enjoy immediately:** Take a bite and savor the simple yet delicious combination of crispy toast and sweet, flavorful butter.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Sprinkle with cinnamon:** For an extra layer of warmth, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over the buttered toast.
* **Add chopped nuts:** Toasted pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
* **Top with fruit:** Sliced bananas, berries, or apples make for a more substantial and nutritious breakfast.
* **Use different types of bread:** Experiment with different types of bread to find your favorite pairing. Brioche and challah are particularly delicious with this butter.
* **Make it savory-sweet:** Add a sprinkle of sea salt after buttering. The salt enhances the sweetness and creates a more complex flavor profile.
### 2. Brown Sugar Maple Butter Pancakes or Waffles
Take your pancakes or waffles to the next level with a generous dollop of this flavorful butter.
**Ingredients:**
* Your favorite pancake or waffle batter (homemade or store-bought)
* Trader Joe’s Brown Sugar Maple Flavored Butter
* Maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
* Fresh fruit (berries, bananas, etc.)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the batter:** Prepare your pancake or waffle batter according to the recipe instructions.
2. **Cook the pancakes or waffles:** Cook the pancakes or waffles on a griddle or waffle iron until golden brown and cooked through.
3. **Top with butter:** Place a pat of Trader Joe’s Brown Sugar Maple Butter on top of each pancake or waffle. Allow it to melt slightly.
4. **Add toppings:** If desired, drizzle with maple syrup and top with fresh fruit.
5. **Serve immediately:** Enjoy your delicious pancakes or waffles while they’re still warm.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Mix into the batter:** For an even more intense flavor, melt a tablespoon or two of the butter and mix it directly into the pancake or waffle batter.
* **Add spices:** A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom will complement the flavors of the butter.
* **Add chocolate chips:** Chocolate chips add a touch of decadence to your pancakes or waffles.
* **Make it a breakfast sandwich:** Layer your pancakes or waffles with eggs, bacon, and the brown sugar maple butter for a sweet and savory breakfast sandwich.
### 3. Brown Sugar Maple Butter Oatmeal
Transform your plain oatmeal into a gourmet breakfast with this simple addition.
**Ingredients:**
* 1/2 cup rolled oats
* 1 cup water or milk (or a combination)
* Pinch of salt
* 1 tablespoon Trader Joe’s Brown Sugar Maple Flavored Butter
* Optional toppings: chopped nuts, dried fruit, fresh fruit
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine oats, water/milk, and salt:** In a saucepan, combine the rolled oats, water or milk, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. **Reduce heat and simmer:** Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the oatmeal is cooked through and has reached your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. **Stir in butter:** Remove from heat and stir in the Trader Joe’s Brown Sugar Maple Flavored Butter until melted and well combined.
4. **Add toppings:** Top with your favorite toppings, such as chopped nuts, dried fruit, or fresh fruit.
5. **Serve immediately:** Enjoy your warm and comforting bowl of oatmeal.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Use steel-cut oats:** Steel-cut oats take longer to cook but have a chewier texture and a nuttier flavor.
* **Cook in the microwave:** For a quicker option, cook the oatmeal in the microwave according to package instructions. Stir in the butter after cooking.
* **Add protein:** Stir in a scoop of protein powder or add a dollop of Greek yogurt for a more filling breakfast.
* **Experiment with different fruits:** Apples, pears, peaches, and berries all pair well with the brown sugar maple flavor.
### 4. Brown Sugar Maple Butter Sweet Potatoes
This butter adds a delicious sweetness and warmth to roasted sweet potatoes.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 tablespoons Trader Joe’s Brown Sugar Maple Flavored Butter, melted
* Optional toppings: chopped pecans, dried cranberries
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Toss sweet potatoes with oil and seasonings:** In a bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. **Roast sweet potatoes:** Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized, flipping halfway through.
4. **Drizzle with melted butter:** Remove from oven and drizzle the melted Trader Joe’s Brown Sugar Maple Flavored Butter over the sweet potatoes. Toss to coat evenly.
5. **Add toppings:** If desired, sprinkle with chopped pecans or dried cranberries.
6. **Serve immediately:** Enjoy your sweet and savory roasted sweet potatoes.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Add spices:** A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger will enhance the warm flavors of the dish.
* **Roast with other vegetables:** Add other vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or onions, to the baking sheet.
* **Make it a salad:** Toss the roasted sweet potatoes with mixed greens, goat cheese, and a vinaigrette for a delicious and healthy salad.
* **Use different herbs:** Try adding fresh rosemary or thyme to the sweet potatoes before roasting for a savory twist.
### 5. Brown Sugar Maple Butter Glazed Carrots
A simple and flavorful glaze for roasted or steamed carrots.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced
* 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons Trader Joe’s Brown Sugar Maple Flavored Butter
* 1 tablespoon water
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the carrots:** Steam or roast the carrots until tender-crisp. If roasting, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
2. **Melt the butter:** While the carrots are cooking, melt the Trader Joe’s Brown Sugar Maple Flavored Butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
3. **Add water:** Add the water to the saucepan and stir to combine. The water will help to create a smooth glaze.
4. **Glaze the carrots:** Pour the glaze over the cooked carrots and toss to coat evenly.
5. **Serve immediately:** Enjoy your sweet and flavorful glazed carrots.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Add a squeeze of lemon juice:** A squeeze of lemon juice will add a bright acidity to balance the sweetness of the glaze.
* **Use different types of carrots:** Try using rainbow carrots for a more colorful dish.
* **Add herbs:** Fresh thyme or parsley will add a touch of freshness to the carrots.
* **Roast with balsamic vinegar:** For a deeper, more complex flavor, roast the carrots with balsamic vinegar.
### 6. Brown Sugar Maple Butter Cornbread
Add a touch of sweetness and warmth to your favorite cornbread recipe.
**Ingredients:**
* Your favorite cornbread recipe
* 2 tablespoons Trader Joe’s Brown Sugar Maple Flavored Butter, melted
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the cornbread batter:** Prepare your cornbread batter according to the recipe instructions.
2. **Stir in melted butter:** Stir the melted Trader Joe’s Brown Sugar Maple Flavored Butter into the batter until well combined.
3. **Bake the cornbread:** Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake according to the recipe instructions.
4. **Serve warm:** Serve the cornbread warm with butter or honey.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Add corn kernels:** Add fresh or frozen corn kernels to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
* **Add jalapenos:** For a spicy kick, add chopped jalapenos to the batter.
* **Add cheese:** Shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese will add a savory element to the cornbread.
* **Top with honey butter:** Serve the cornbread with honey butter for an extra touch of sweetness.
### 7. Brown Sugar Maple Butter Cookies
Create delicious and chewy cookies with this unique butter.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 large eggs
* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup Trader Joe’s Brown Sugar Maple Flavored Butter, softened
**Instructions:**
1. **Cream together butter and sugars:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. **Beat in vanilla and eggs:** Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs until well combined.
3. **Gradually add dry ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. **Fold in Brown Sugar Maple Butter:** Gently fold in the softened Trader Joe’s Brown Sugar Maple Flavored Butter until evenly distributed.
5. **Chill dough:** Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
6. **Preheat oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. **Drop dough onto baking sheets:** Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
8. **Bake cookies:** Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
9. **Cool on baking sheets:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Add chopped nuts:** Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
* **Add chocolate chips:** Chocolate chips are always a welcome addition to cookies.
* **Add oats:** Add rolled oats to the dough for a chewier texture.
* **Sprinkle with sea salt:** Sprinkle the cookies with sea salt before baking for a salty-sweet flavor combination.
* **Use different extracts:** Experiment with different extracts, such as almond extract or maple extract, to enhance the flavor of the cookies.
### 8. Brown Sugar Maple Butter Apple Crisp
Add a touch of warmth and sweetness to your classic apple crisp.
**Ingredients:**
* 6-8 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup rolled oats
* 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
* 2 tablespoons Trader Joe’s Brown Sugar Maple Flavored Butter, melted
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Prepare the apples:** Place the sliced apples in a baking dish.
3. **Make the crisp topping:** In a bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. **Drizzle with melted butter:** Drizzle the melted Trader Joe’s Brown Sugar Maple Flavored Butter over the apples.
5. **Sprinkle with crisp topping:** Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apples.
6. **Bake the crisp:** Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
7. **Serve warm:** Serve the apple crisp warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Use different types of apples:** Use a combination of different types of apples for a more complex flavor.
* **Add nuts:** Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crisp topping.
* **Add spices:** Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the crisp topping.
* **Use different fruits:** Experiment with different fruits, such as pears, peaches, or berries.
* **Add a streusel topping:** Replace the crisp topping with a streusel topping made with flour, butter, sugar, and oats.
### 9. Brown Sugar Maple Butter French Toast
A decadent twist on classic French toast.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 slices of bread (challah, brioche, or sourdough work well)
* 3 large eggs
* 1/2 cup milk or cream
* 1/4 cup Trader Joe’s Brown Sugar Maple Flavored Butter, melted
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Pinch of cinnamon
* Butter or oil for cooking
* Optional toppings: maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream
**Instructions:**
1. **Whisk together wet ingredients:** In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, melted Trader Joe’s Brown Sugar Maple Flavored Butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
2. **Soak the bread:** Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, soaking for a few seconds on each side. Make sure the bread is thoroughly saturated but not soggy.
3. **Cook the French toast:** Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium heat. Cook the French toast for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. **Serve immediately:** Serve the French toast immediately with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Use stale bread:** Stale bread will soak up the egg mixture better than fresh bread.
* **Add orange zest:** A little orange zest will add a bright citrusy flavor to the French toast.
* **Use different types of milk:** Experiment with different types of milk, such as almond milk or oat milk.
* **Add spices:** Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the egg mixture.
* **Make it stuffed French toast:** Spread a layer of cream cheese or ricotta cheese between two slices of bread before dipping them in the egg mixture.
### 10. Brown Sugar Maple Butter Popcorn
Elevate your movie night snack with this sweet and salty treat.
**Ingredients:**
* 8 cups popped popcorn
* 4 tablespoons Trader Joe’s Brown Sugar Maple Flavored Butter, melted
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
**Instructions:**
1. **Pop the popcorn:** Pop the popcorn using your preferred method (air popper, microwave, or stovetop).
2. **Melt the butter:** Melt the Trader Joe’s Brown Sugar Maple Flavored Butter in a small saucepan or in the microwave.
3. **Drizzle and toss:** Drizzle the melted butter over the popped popcorn and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle with salt.
4. **Serve immediately:** Serve the popcorn immediately and enjoy!
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Add nuts:** Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the popcorn.
* **Add chocolate:** Drizzle melted chocolate over the popcorn for an extra touch of decadence.
* **Add spices:** Sprinkle with cinnamon or chili powder for a unique flavor combination.
* **Use different types of salt:** Experiment with different types of salt, such as sea salt or smoked salt.
* **Make it caramel corn:** Coat the popcorn with a homemade caramel sauce for a truly decadent treat.
## Beyond the Recipes: More Ways to Use Brown Sugar Maple Butter
These recipes are just the beginning. Here are a few more quick and easy ways to enjoy Trader Joe’s Brown Sugar Maple Butter:
* **Spread on muffins or scones:** A delicious alternative to regular butter or jam.
* **Use as a topping for baked apples or pears:** A simple and flavorful way to enhance these classic desserts.
* **Stir into hot beverages:** Add a spoonful to your coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a touch of sweetness and flavor.
* **Use as a glaze for ham or chicken:** Adds a delicious sweetness and caramelization.
* **Mix into mashed sweet potatoes:** Creates a creamy and flavorful side dish.
## Storage Tips
To keep your Trader Joe’s Brown Sugar Maple Butter fresh and delicious, store it in the refrigerator. It will last for several weeks when properly stored. You can also freeze the butter for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container.
## Conclusion
Trader Joe’s Brown Sugar Maple Butter is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can elevate a wide variety of dishes. From simple toast to decadent desserts, the possibilities are endless. With a little creativity, you can use this magical butter to sweeten your day in countless ways. So, grab a tub of Trader Joe’s Brown Sugar Maple Butter and start experimenting! You’re sure to discover some new favorite recipes along the way. Enjoy! This butter is a must try for baking during fall season, its warmth and taste are a perfect match. It’s also so easy to prepare, and is so convenient.