No dinner is complete without dessert, right? For many, that means a pie that's been prepped days in advance, a cake that starts baking early in the morning, or a sheet pan full of brownies or cookies that took a decent amount of effort to mix up. Not everyone is inclined to baking, though, and for some reason, store-bought desserts are frowned upon for special occasions and holidays. But we're here to say that is it okay to go with store-bought and, many times, most people won't even be able to tell the difference. Even more so, we're saying it's okay to go store-bought and shop at Costco for all your dinner-planning needs, including a dessert! With sweets as delicious as these, you'll be able to get away with saying it's homemade.
Tiramisu Bar Cake
This cake recently went on sale as of December 2020 but even when it's not, it's a winner and well worth the $16 you'll pay for it. Many people have a mixed opinion when it comes to tiramisu due to its duality in both bitter and sweet flavors, but this one is a game-changer. It hits all the right coffee notes without having that bitter aftertaste, has the perfect ratio of sponge cake to decadent cream, and looks gorgeous on a serving platter.
Tuxedo Cake
If Tiramisu isn't your thing, then the tuxedo cake will surely be a hit. The cake is designed in such a way that makes it a breathtaking centerpiece on any table, complete with chocolate curls that look more like something out of a museum. It's the perfect dessert for chocolate lovers and is decadent and luxurious enough to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Cheesecake
Costco's cheesecake has a solid reputation for being delicious and also affordable. It's also a great way to feed a crowd considering most of these cakes weigh four pounds, at least. You can find them with fruit topping or plain, and they're great for having around after dinner or pulling out after a party or special occasion.
Pumpkin Pie
Everyone loves pumpkin pie, right? According to Mashed, Costco sells over five million of these pies in a one-year period which means there must be something to them. Rumor has it that the store has been using the same recipe since the late 80s, so it's guaranteed that you'll end up with a great-tasting pie each time. From its creamy, flawless filling to that slightly browned crust, there's nothing not to love about these freshly-baked pies.
Apple Lattice Pie
The apple lattice pie from Costco has been hailed as one of the greatest from any grocery store and for good reason. The filling is on point with that classic flavor everyone has grown to know and love, and the slightly sweet lattice topper is the perfect cherry on top - so to speak - in terms of decoration and a perfect crust.
Mini Cream Puffs
Costco actually offers multiple options for cream puffs which is great, because they're something that everyone loves. These mini cream puffs come in a huge box container and can be kept easily in the refrigerator or freezer, which makes them a great option to pull out in the event of unexpected company or just as a snack. They also look super pretty on a platter and we won't tell anyone if you don't say where they're from.
David's Cookies Rainbow Cake
There's nothing more stunning than a dessert that exudes a vibrant array of colors, and this cake certainly has it. The 9" rainbow cake from David's Cookies not only tastes delicious but offers a rainbow of good-looking fun to go along with it. It's great for holidays, special occasions, and birthdays, and we guarantee that no one will expect the multi-colored surprise that waits in the first slice.
Chocolate Chunk Cookies
For something simple yet satisfying, why not go with cookies? They're a dessert that everyone loves and go perfectly with coffee, and they're not heavy enough to overshadow another main dessert, should there be one. Costco's gourmet chocolate chunk cookies are about as chocolate-y as can be and will certainly serve a crowd. They're also super affordable and have that freshly-baked, after-school-snack cookie type of flavor.
Carrot Walnut Cake
Another four-pound dessert is Costco's carrot walnut cake. Not only is this a delicious version of the classic carrot cake that so many are fond of, but it has a welcome addition of apricots for added sweetness. It's the perfect cake for any occasion and while it isn't offered year-round, it's definitely something to keep an eye out for if you happen to have a sweet tooth one day.