10 Best Desserts to Buy at Costco for Thanksgiving

I can’t think of a better place to shop for Thanksgiving desserts than Costco. Can you? Probably not, which is why you’re reading this post! The bulk warehouse has excellent pies, cakes, cheeses, and even cheesecakes at great prices and in huge quantities — just what we’re looking for during the holidays!

Recently, I went to my local Costco to round up some of my (and my family’s) favorite desserts — and these are the ones that made the cut. Number one remains the centerpiece on our table (it’s a classic!), but any of the others would be the highlight of any holiday spread.

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!

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.

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.

Related: The 5 Best Frozen Appetizers to Buy at Costco Right Now

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

What’s your favorite Costco dessert for Thanksgiving? Tell us in the comments below.