The Trader Joe’s Bakery Just Brought Back a Fall Favorite I Wait All Year For

I typically don’t lose my mind with excitement over trendy, seasonally-themed ingredients or products throughout the year. Candy canes are fun for Christmas. We hang them on the tree and incorporate them into some baking. Candy corn is cute for Halloween. We have a little dish on display for people to enjoy as they please. And hearts are sweet for Valentine’s Day. I love making little conversation heart care packages for friends and family. But I’m not running to the store to grab these items. However, there is one exception.

I have zero shame in admitting that when those doors swing wide open into the frenzy that is pumpkin spice season, there I am. With my comfy sweater, pumpkin spice latte, and pumpkin-scented candles, I’m ready to go pumpkin and apple picking and get all the cute photos to share on Instagram. And, of course, I’m picking up every pumpkin spice-centric seasonal item that catches my interest on the grocery store shelves.

There’s something about the transition from hot summer to crisp fall that simply pulls on my heartstrings. I just love it. So when I noticed last week that Trader Joe’s brought back a certain, beloved pumpkin treat, you know I grabbed a loaf to bring home and play with in the kitchen.

Pumpkin Brioche Twist Is Back at Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s adores a seasonal food theme, so it comes as no surprise that once fall hits, the store doesn’t hold back on all things pumpkin. And the Pumpkin Brioche Twist, found in the TJ’s bakery section, is finally back.

It’s light, buttery, and moist, with a subtle hint of pumpkin flavor and ribbons of pumpkin pie spices swirling throughout each slice. It’s tough to miss the vibrant golden color of this bread, as though it calls you to it and begs to be taken home. The texture of this brioche is incredibly soft, yet has an enjoyable dense chew once you bite into it. You feel like you’re snacking on a hearty piece of decadent bread, but don’t feel as though you’ve overindulged after enjoying a slice. And at $4.99 per loaf, it’s a steal—the perfect treat to have on hand in the pantry throughout the fall months.

My favorite thing about this brioche loaf is that it doesn’t try too hard. Unlike many pumpkin-spiced goodies, the flavor in the brioche is very subtle, which I personally welcome. Sometimes the level of sweetness or decadence in a pumpkin product is overwhelming, which can take away from the beauty of the squash overall. The hint of pumpkin flavor leaves space for getting creative with this brioche, so you can highlight the hints of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg ribboned throughout each bite as much or as little as you desire.

Occasional shoppers and loyal Trader Joe’s customers alike have been waiting for the return of Pumpkin Brioche Twist so they can bring a loaf home for the entire family to dig into. Fans on TikTok are enjoying this as a nostalgic childhood treat by simply toasting it, spreading a generous amount of butter on top, and topping it off with a mix of white sugar and ground cinnamon, for a sweet and spiced grainy cinnamon sugar topping.

But most fans are buying this loaf for one purpose. “I made pumpkin French toast with this bread, and it was delicious!” exclaimed one TJ’s shopper on Instagram.

“I made French toast with this and put their maple syrup on it,” shared another fan. “Best thing I’ve ever had!”

How To Use Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Brioche Twist

Enjoy this brioche by its glorious self. Or toast it and serve with butter and flaky salt or cream cheese and honey.

But it doesn’t have to be sweet. Take a savory approach and transform it into a grilled cheese with Swiss, Gouda, or Gruyère cheese. Or make an autumnal sandwich with layers of warm Brie, apple slices, arugula, caramelized onions, and turkey.

It also works nicely in a baked brunch casserole with whipped cream cheese. Finally, of course, you can never go wrong with French toast on a cozy weekend morning throughout the cold weather months. Suffice it to say, this Pumpkin Brioche Twist doesn’t last long in my house!