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“Would you bring a dessert?”
Okay, okay, I am a *little* late with this one as Thanksgiving is tomorrow and Costco is not open tomorrow. However, *maybe* it will help a few people or for other occasions?
“What can I bring?” is a question a lot of people ask when invited to a Thanksgiving meal. Now I would love to see that person’s face if the host ever said, “Actually, it would help me out a lot if you would handle the turkey.” I know in my family, the desired answer to the question of what to bring is dessert–usually pretty easy to buy or make and almost guaranteed to be enjoyed!
If you are depending on Costco for at least one dessert this Thanksgiving, here are some options:
(Obviously depending on tradition, religious and/or ethical dietary laws, health will determine your selections (for example, I know some households that eat the dessert first because then they have had dairy dessert and still have turkey whereas kashrut laws would not permit the other order)).
My family was never one to have a large dessert selection for Thanksgiving and I have never had many of these (either from Costco or not) but I will briefly mention each.
1. Kirkland Signature Pumpkin Pie, $5.99 for 3.63 pounds
Where else can you get a delicious, giant pumpkin pie for just $5.99? The Costco pumpkin pie is basically a legend! It’s creamy and sweet, and the recipe has remained unchanged since 1987. Add a dollop of whipped cream and you’re all set!
Very little to say here. I have never had pumpkin pie!
2. Kirkland Signature Cheesecake, $14.99 for 4.5 pounds
The Kirkland Signature Cheesecake is a classic, plain cheesecake with whipped cream on top and buttercream cream cheese icing; it’s delicious with sliced, fresh strawberries or a drizzle of some chocolate sauce on top (or both — it’s the holidays, after all!). In my house, we top ours with a sprinkle of nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon.
My family would not serve cheesecake on Thanksgiving but for other occasions, I have read great reviews of this cake! I always loved cheesecake growing up (and would love watching Golden Girls with my Grandparents while sharing cheesecake in their bed) and still find it a special treat. I have never actually had the Costco variety but it sure looks good!
3. Mediterranean Baklava, $9.89 for 2.2 pounds
Baklava is one of those desserts I forget about and then, once I see it, I remember why I love it so much. This Mediterranean pastry tray is so good, it needs no accompaniment (although I wouldn’t argue with serving vanilla ice cream on the side!). The bites are sweet, flaky, cinnamon-y, and easy to serve.
Although I like the idea and look of baklava, I have always found it much too sweet. However, I know plenty of people who rave about this product and would love to see it on a Thanksgiving dessert table.
4. Caramel Tres Leches Bar Cake, $14.99 for 2.75 pounds
Bar cakes are fun because they’re a bit surprising on a holiday table. This one can serve around 15 people if you slice it right (it’s so rich, a small slice is all you need!). Warning: It tends to sell out at Costco during Thanksgiving, so grab one when you see it!
Never had it.
5. Tiramisù Individual Dessert Cups, $9.59 for six
I realized two things after taking these photos: Most of my favorite desserts are Italian, and Costco is the place to go if you love Italian desserts! Tiramisù — in any form — is my all-time favorite (I love anything with coffee in it) and these individual dessert cups are pure delight. I’m not the only one who thinks so; the Costco employee checking me out said she buys 10 boxes to serve at the holidays every year!
As a non-coffee eater/drinker, I have never tried tiramisu.
6. Tiramisù Bar Cake, $16.99 for 2.38 pounds
This dessert combines the beauty of bar cakes with my all-time favorite flavor (tiramisù!). The creamy cake is loaded with layers of chocolate, coffee, and mascarpone cheese. Serve it with coffee and you’re going to have some happy guests. I love this cake so much, I’ve requested it as my birthday cake — trust me, you will too!
Again, never had.
7. Kirkland Signature Almond Biscotti, $10.49 for 2.2 pounds
This Italian dessert is even more fantastic when served with some hot coffee, cider, or tea. It’s also a nice choice if you go heavy on dinner and just want a little something sweet for dessert. I like that these are shelf-stable too, because we all know fridge space is very limited during the days leading up to big holidays. You could even set these out before the meal as a sweet appetizer.
Not generally someone who likes crunchy foods/desserts, I did not enjoy biscotti the 1-2 times I tasted it (I also do not care for mandel bread which is a similar texture). It seemed dry. I could imagine it being good dipped in a hot drink (like crispy cookies in hot chocolate) but as I do not drink coffee and typically turn down tea as well, it is not an ideal dessert for me.
8. Kirkland Signature Imported French Brie, $8.50 for 1.32 pounds
Cheese as dessert? Yes. It’s a nice option for people who don’t love sweets. It’s rich, creamy, and pairs well with black or red grapes, apple slices, and pears.
Curious to know if people tend to serve cheese as a dessert option? I would not eat it after meat even if the idea were appealing to me because I associate dessert with sweet (!) but I know others love cheese and might prefer it over a traditional cake or pie.
9. Kirkland Signature Gran Panettone, $6.99 for 35.25 ounces
A classic Italian yeast-leavened cake, this panettone isn’t cloyingly sweet like traditional fruit cakes. Cut it into small squares and serve it with coffee or some apple cider. You could also bring this to someone’s house or give it as a gift!
They even mention fruitcake in the description! I have never had this before–likely because I associate it with fruitcake–also a food I have never tried (you hear enough negative comments about it for some reason, it just doesn’t sound appealing anymore!).
10. Kirkland Signature Double Fudge Cupcakes, $7.99 for 6 cupcakes
My brother requests these cupcakes every single year. Rich, ultra chocolate-y, and well-priced for the size, they’re great for small gatherings. You could also get these specifically for the kids.’
I don’t know if I have even seen these at Costco. I cannot tell if they are the new version of the huge chocolate layer cake or if it is a different product–anyone know?
Thoughts on these desserts? Have you tried them? Will you?
Any other favorites–at Costco or in general?
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