Summer Bakery Desserts at Costco

I have written about bakery items several times, whether to review items (Product Review: Upper Crust Bakery Mini-Lemon Bites) or to discuss items (To Buy or Not to Buy From the Bakery (Part 1 of 2): Advice from a Professional)); (To Buy or Not to Buy From the Bakery (Part 2 of 2): Advice From a Bakery Employee))). Although I don’t buy many items there, it is one of my favorite departments to visit. I love baked goods in general. In addition,as summer arrives (yay!!), and people have BBQs and other outside parties, when I came across this article about summer items in the Costco bakery, I wanted to comment on them. Some of the items are available all year, whereas others are seasonal and a few are brand new. 

8 Best Summer Bakery Items

1. Key Lime Pie

The article mentions this pie as a summer treat that gets mixed reviews. Whereas it is a favorite among some Costco member, others would prefer it to be more tart and less sweet.

I have only eaten key lime pie once or twice, while in the Florida Keys. I have also tried the key lime Chobani yogurt (by the pool in Florida because it just seemed like the right setting). I actually can’t remember if I liked the pie or not but I love the idea of it and *think* I’d like it. I  rarely see it here in stores and likely wouldn’t choose it over other options that I know I like. However, it sounds very refreshing and light, as long as not too sweet (so I’m guessing the Costco variety would not be for me). I also really like the color.

2.Caramel Flan

Apparently this flan has not been introduced to all warehouse stores. The author describes it as caramel sweetened egg custard topped with caramel. Although she reports that some members find the flan overly baked, she suggests it as a change from traditional American desserts.

I have never had flan but have had creme brulee and I view them as similar treats.  I don’t love caramel (too sweet) so it would not be my pick of dessert..

3.Strawberry and Cream Bar Cake

The author reports that this cake was introduced last summer and is back this summer. The treat consists of layers of vanilla cake, strawberry jam, and whipped cream.

I have written about my experience with strawberry shortcake (To Buy or Not to Buy From the Bakery (Part 2 of 2): Advice From a Bakery Employee). I haven’t had it in decades but still view it as a very appealing dessert. Although I think highly of Costco’s bakery, I would not buy this cake. I’d prefer it with real whipped cream and real berries, especially in the summer when fresh strawberries are in season. Therefore, if serving it at a party, I’d be more inclined to serve pound cake with bowls of freshly whipped cream and fresh strawberries for guests to put together. It also seems this may get soggy if saved or frozen. This dessert was mentioned in my posts about recommended bakery items and was not suggested (To Buy or Not to Buy From the Bakery (Part 1 of 2): Advice from a Professional)); (To Buy or Not to Buy From the Bakery (Part 2 of 2): Advice From a Bakery Employee))).

4. Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies

According to the article, despite not being exceptional, these soft cookies are a good option for a small treat, for children, or a simple dessert for a party. 

I have seen these cookies in the Costco bakery. For some reason, I assumed they were crispy (even though the large cookies are chewy).  I don’t love small cookies because I like a lot of “center” and because it’s easier to keep track of how many I have eaten when the cookies are bigger. However, these mini cookies could be good as part of a platter, perhaps served with other mini desserts (Product Review: Upper Crust Bakery Mini-Lemon Bites).

5. Apple Pie

The author points out the central role in many American holiday meals throughout the year. She mentions its double-crust and balanced sweet filling. 

I have mentioned before that I have seen this pie served at meals but have never actually tried it. I think it is funny that apple pie is popular in the opposite seasons of winter and summer because of its association with holidays. Despite its frequent presence at July 4th gatherings and the appeal of ice cream (and therefore pie a la mode…yum!), I think it sounds better in winter. I really enjoy hot apple pie or crisp warmed and topped with melting ice cream. However, pie (especially with a thick crust) strikes me as a heavier dessert to eat in colder weather. Therefore, if I decided to serve an apple-based dessert in the summer, I’d choose a light apple tart. 

6. Tuxedo Cake

The author raves about this cake. Apparently, it is rich, chocolatey, and beautiful looking. 

I have seen this dessert and agree it looks very good. I love rich chocolate desserts. However, this cake doesn’t seem like a summer dessert to me. I associate summer with lighter treats, such as ice cream (who am I kidding? Ice cream is always welcome!), fruit tarts, and light cupcakes. I’m contrast, richer desserts seem better in the winter. I’m certainly not saying that I would not eat this tuxedo cake (!)…it just seems slightly more appealing in fall or einter. 

7. Banana Cream Pie

Apparently, some warehouses have introduced this banana cream pie. The pie consists of a graham cracker crust filled with banana cream and topped with a caramel drizzle. The article mentions mixed reviews, with some complaints that the pie is too sweet.

I have never had banana cream pie and am not interested in it. I actually do not tend to opt for many banana-flavored products. I do eat fresh bananas. I also like banana bread and the banana ice cream in Chunky Monkey (a funny pick for me because I so rarely eat chocolate and fruit together and because I don’t like nuts in ice cream…although I definitely would prefer it without walnuts). I also went through a phase in which I froze bananas and then blended them to make “ice cream”. However, I never liked banana-flavored candy and do not think banana pudding sounds good.

8. Mixed Berry Cheesecake

The author mentions this new dessert, anticipating that it will appear in more warehouse stores soon. The treat is the usual cheesecake and then topped with a layer of sour cream layer and a layer of mixed berries (blueberries, cherries, raspberries, and strawberries).  

I have mentioned that, despite how good it looks, I have never actually had the Costco cheesecake  (Best Costco Items to Freeze); (New Items for February 2024); (To Buy or Not to Buy From the Bakery (Part 1 of 2): Advice from a Professional); (To Buy or Not to Buy From the Bakery (Part 2 of 2): Advice From a Bakery Employee); (“Would you bring a dessert?”); (Would You Recommend?)). Although the berries make the cake look pretty, I have always preferred plain cheesecake. Before I started only eating kosher, I went to the Cheesecake Factory. I was with friends and we were excited to try the fancy desserts. I got the cookie dough cheesecake. It certainly was not bad, but I’d still prefer plain. Another time I ordered it with strawberry. Again, not bad, but I would have liked it better without the syrupy topping. I’ve also tried chocolate cheesecake in the past and did not like it at all. I can see the appeal of this new cheesecake but I would not choose it.

Have you seen and/or tried any of these summery bakery desserts? Thoughts?