Best and Worst: 6 Costco Desserts to Get—and 6 to Forget

Costco’s dessert section is a sweet lover’s paradise—but not every treat is worth the space in your cart (or the calories). We taste-tested a dozen popular options to help you separate the best from the bland. Here are six must-buy Costco desserts—and six we’d recommend skipping.

Buy: Kirkland Signature Vanilla Ice Cream $14.99 /128 oz

This ultra-creamy, rich vanilla ice cream is made with just a few high-quality ingredients. It’s been praised for its dense, French-style texture and pure vanilla flavor.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories: 360
• Total Fat: 23g
• Carbs: 33g
• Sodium: 60mg
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 31g
• Protein: 5g

Ingredients

Cream, skim milk, cane sugar, egg yolks, vanilla extract.

Preparation Instructions

Serve straight from the freezer or pair with warm desserts like brownies or pies.

Avoid: Kirkland Signature Ice Cream Bars $12.99/18 bars

These bars promise a premium experience with vanilla ice cream dipped in chocolate and almonds, but the coating is often waxy and the flavor lacks richness.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories: 290
• Total Fat: 22g
• Carbs: 20g
• Sodium: 20mg
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 18g
• Protein: 3g

Ingredients

Vanilla ice cream, milk chocolate coating, almonds, sugar, stabilizers.

Preparation Instructions

Best served frozen. Let thaw slightly for improved texture.

Buy: Cheese Danishes $9.99/4-pack

Flaky, buttery pastry surrounds a smooth cream cheese filling. These danishes taste fresh-baked and are excellent warmed in the oven.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories: 440
• Total Fat: 24g
• Carbs: 48g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 18g
• Protein: 6g

Ingredients

Enriched flour, cream cheese, eggs, sugar, butter, yeast.

Preparation Instructions

Warm in oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes for best taste.

Avoid: Braided Apple Strudel $10.99/2-pack

Though visually appealing, the strudel lacks apple flavor and has a doughy texture that overshadows the filling.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories: 370
• Total Fat: 17g
• Carbs: 49g
• Sodium: 260mg
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 26g
• Protein: 4g

Ingredients

Apples, flour, sugar, margarine, cinnamon, preservatives.

Preparation Instructions

Bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.

Buy: Tuxedo Cake $16.99/2.63 lbs

This decadent layered cake combines chocolate mousse, chocolate cake, and white chocolate ganache. It’s rich, balanced, and party-ready.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories: 430
• Total Fat: 27g
• Carbs: 41g
• Sodium: 310mg
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 35g
• Protein: 5g

Ingredients

Chocolate cake, mousse, whipped cream, ganache, sugar, eggs, flour, cream.

Preparation Instructions

Best served chilled. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before slicing.

Avoid: Pumpkin Pie $5.99/3.5 lbs

Though affordable and massive, this seasonal dessert is often overly dense and one-dimensional in flavor.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 14g
• Carbs: 45g
• Sodium: 270mg
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 24g
• Protein: 5g

Ingredients

Pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, cream, spices, flour crust.

Preparation Instructions

Serve chilled or heat slices for 10 seconds in the microwave.

Buy: Plain Cheesecake $16.99/4.5 lbs

Smooth, creamy, and subtly tangy, Costco’s plain cheesecake is perfect on its own or with your favorite toppings.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories: 450
• Total Fat: 28g
• Carbs: 38g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 30g
• Protein: 6g

Ingredients

Cream cheese, sour cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, graham cracker crust.

Preparation Instructions

Refrigerated—slice and serve cold or top with fruit compote.

Avoid: Banana Cream Pie $14.99/2.8 lbs

With artificial banana flavor and a gummy texture, this pie lacks the freshness and balance you’d expect.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories: 410
• Total Fat: 22g
• Carbs: 46g
• Sodium: 310mg
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 34g
• Protein: 5g

Ingredients

Whipped topping, banana-flavored pudding, pie crust, stabilizers, sugar.

Preparation Instructions

Chill before serving; not suitable for freezing.

Buy: White Cake with Vanilla Cheesecake Mousse $17.99/3 lbs

This cake is a surprise hit with its moist white sponge and a rich vanilla cheesecake mousse center.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories: 420
• Total Fat: 26g
• Carbs: 39g
• Sodium: 290mg
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 32g
• Protein: 4g

Ingredients

Cake flour, vanilla mousse, eggs, sugar, cream, emulsifiers.

Preparation Instructions

Best served slightly chilled. Slice gently to preserve layers.

Avoid: Caramel Apple Mini Cakes $9.99/6-pack

These fall-themed cakes have a cloying caramel flavor and soggy texture due to too much syrup.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories: 360
• Total Fat: 15g
• Carbs: 51g
• Sodium: 240mg
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 36g
• Protein: 3g

Ingredients

Apples, sugar, caramel glaze, flour, margarine, flavoring.

Preparation Instructions

Microwave for 10 seconds or serve at room temperature.

Buy: S’mores Cookies $9.99/24-pack

Loaded with marshmallows, chocolate chunks, and graham crumbs, these cookies are chewy, nostalgic, and satisfying.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories: 180
• Total Fat: 9g
• Carbs: 24g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 14g
• Protein: 2g

Ingredients

Flour, sugar, chocolate chips, graham flour, marshmallows, butter.

Preparation Instructions

Enjoy straight from the pack or heat in the microwave for 8–10 seconds.

Avoid: Strawberries & Cream Cake Bar $17.99/3.25 lbs

Beautifully layered but bland in flavor, this dessert is more style than substance. The frosting is overly sweet and artificial.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories: 430
• Total Fat: 24g
• Carbs: 46g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 38g
• Protein: 3g

Ingredients

Strawberries, whipped topping, vanilla sponge, stabilizers, sugar.

Preparation Instructions

Keep refrigerated and consume within 3–4 days of purchase.

Conclusion

Costco’s dessert game is strong, but not every sweet treat is a slam dunk. Stick with our top six picks for unbeatable flavor and value, and skip the underwhelming options that don’t deliver. Your sweet tooth—and wallet—will thank you.