Costco’s dessert aisle can be both a blessing and a challenge to navigate. With a wide variety of options, some desserts are fantastic, while others might not live up to expectations. Here’s a guide to help you choose wisely! Check out our curated list of must-buy desserts and 6 that you can confidently skip, along with some better alternatives. Enjoy reading!
1. Skip: Strawberries & Cream Cake Bar $14.99/2 lbs
This cake bar features layers of cream and strawberry filling, but the artificial taste and overly sweet profile make it a miss.
Nutrition Facts (per bar):
290 calories
15g fat
34g carbohydrates
3g protein
Ingredients:
Artificial strawberry flavor
Whipped topping
Sugar
Cornstarch
Better Option:
Fresh strawberries with real whipped cream or Costco’s Kirkland Signature Cheesecake offer a much more satisfying dessert experience.
2. Must-Buy: Kirkland Signature S’mores Cookies $8.99/24 ct
These chewy cookies perfectly capture the essence of s’mores—rich chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and crunchy graham cracker pieces all in one delicious bite.
Nutrition Facts (per cookie):
170 calories
8g fat
22g carbohydrates
2g protein
Ingredients:
Marshmallows
Chocolate chips
Graham cracker crumbs
Butter
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Warm them in the microwave for a gooey s’mores experience or enjoy with a cold glass of milk.
3. Skip: Banana Cream Pie $9.99/3.5 lbs
Despite its classic appeal, this pie disappoints with its overly sweet filling and artificial banana flavor.
Nutrition Facts (per slice):
370 calories
19g fat
45g carbohydrates
5g protein
Ingredients:
Artificial banana flavor
Corn syrup
Sugar
Cream
Better Option:
Try Costco’s Tuxedo Chocolate Mousse Cake for a richer, more satisfying dessert or make a homemade banana pudding with fresh bananas.
4. Must-Buy: Tuxedo Chocolate Mousse Cake $22.38/2.75 lbs
This cake features layers of moist chocolate cake, light mousse, and rich chocolate ganache, creating the ultimate indulgent treat perfect for any celebration.
Nutrition Facts (per slice):
340 calories
22g fat
36g carbohydrates
5g protein
Ingredients:
Cocoa powder
Cream
Eggs
Sugar
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor. Pair with fresh raspberries or a scoop of ice cream for an extra touch.
5. Skip: Kirkland Signature Ice Cream Bars $12.43/18 ct
These chocolate-coated ice cream bars sound promising but tend to be too dense and lack the creaminess you expect in a premium ice cream bar.
Nutrition Facts (per bar):
280 calories
16g fat
28g carbohydrates
4g protein
Ingredients:
Milk
Cream
Sugar
Cocoa butter
Better Option:
Opt for Kirkland Signature Vanilla Ice Cream tubs if you’re looking for a creamy, versatile ice cream to enjoy at home.
6. Must-Buy: Kirkland Signature Plain Cheesecake $23.62
Rich, creamy, and deliciously tangy, this cheesecake offers the perfect base for any dessert, whether you’re serving it plain or dressing it up with toppings.
Nutrition Facts (per slice):
320 calories
23g fat
26g carbohydrates
5g protein
Ingredients:
Cream cheese
Sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Serve as-is or top with fresh berries, caramel drizzle, or whipped cream for added flair.
7. Skip: Braided Apple Strudel $12.43/12 oz
This apple strudel lacks the flaky texture you expect in a pastry, and the filling is overly sweet and underwhelming in flavor.
Nutrition Facts (per strudel):
360 calories
17g fat
49g carbohydrates
3g protein
Ingredients:
Apples
Corn syrup
Wheat flour
Artificial flavoring
Better Option:
If you’re in the mood for an apple dessert, opt for Costco’s classic apple pie, which offers better flavor and a flaky crust.
8. Must-Buy: Kirkland Signature Vanilla Ice Cream $18.65/64 Fl Oz
Creamy, rich, and made with real vanilla beans, this ice cream is a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with almost any dessert.
Nutrition Facts (per 1/2 cup):
270 calories
18g fat
24g carbohydrates
4g protein
Ingredients:
Milk
Cream
Sugar
Vanilla bean extract
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Serve alongside pies, cakes, or simply enjoy on its own with your favorite toppings like caramel, chocolate, or fresh berries.
9. Skip: Costco Pumpkin Pie (Seasonal) $7.45/58 Oz
While a fall favorite, this pumpkin pie often falls short with an overly sweet filling and a lack of depth in the spice profile.
Nutrition Facts (per slice):
310 calories
14g fat
43g carbohydrates
5g protein
Ingredients:
Pumpkin puree
Sugar
Spices
Wheat flour
Better Option:
Opt for a homemade pumpkin pie with a more robust spice blend or try Costco’s apple pie for a fall treat that’s hard to beat.
10. Must-Buy: Kirkland Signature Cheese Danish $14.92
Flaky, buttery, and filled with rich cream cheese, these Danishes are a perfect dessert or breakfast treat.
Nutrition Facts (per Danish):
480 calories
26g fat
51g carbohydrates
8g protein
Ingredients:
Wheat flour
Cream cheese
Butter
Sugar
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Warm slightly before serving for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Pair with coffee for the perfect start to your day.
11. Skip: Caramel Apple Mini Cakes $11.99/12 ct
These mini cakes look appealing but often have a gummy texture, and the overpowering caramel flavor masks the apple.
Nutrition Facts (per mini cake):
260 calories
13g fat
35g carbohydrates
2g protein
Ingredients:
Caramel flavoring
Apple pieces
Wheat flour
Corn syrup
Better Option:
For a more satisfying apple treat, stick with Costco’s apple pie or try making caramel apple slices at home for a fresh, balanced flavor.
12. Must-Buy: White Cake Filled with Vanilla Cheesecake Mousse $19.89
This white cake filled with vanilla cheesecake mousse is light, fluffy, and perfect for special occasions.
Nutrition Facts (per slice):
290 calories
18g fat
32g carbohydrates
3g protein
Ingredients:
Sugar
Cream cheese
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture. Top with fresh fruit or chocolate drizzle for a stunning dessert.
Final Thoughts
Navigating Costco’s dessert aisle can be tricky, but now you’re equipped with the knowledge of which treats to grab and which to skip. From indulgent cakes to satisfying cookies and ice creams, these must-buys will make your next Costco dessert experience a hit!
