The Best Thanksgiving Dessert You'll Find at Aldi, Trader Joe's, and Costco

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and you’re in full menu-planning mode. Did you know you can save money at Aldi, Trader Joe’s, and Costco on the season’s most decadent desserts?

Pass on pricey bakery buys from specialty stores and caterers. We’ve rounded up the top Thanksgiving treats from your favorite budget-friendly retailers. From an indulgent maple butter pecan bar confection to traditional pies, these buys will put a smile on your face and leave cash in your wallet.

Editor’s note: Prices are subject to change and may vary by location.

Price: $4.99

A pumpkin pie for under $5? You can score this bargain buy at Aldi just in time for Thanksgiving. You’ll get 24 ounces of the classic holiday dessert from the store’s exclusive Bake Shop brand for $4.99. Compare this low price to $7.49 for a 13-ounce half-pie at Whole Foods Market and $89.95 for Williams Sonoma’s nine-inch gourmet version.

Not only is this Bake Shop sweet treat a fraction of what you could pay at another retailer, but it also costs less than a from-scratch pie. Pillsbury’s Ready-to-Bake Pie Crusts cost $4.49. While you will get two for this price, you may only need to bake one Thanksgiving dessert. If this is the case, the additional crust may go to waste. Along with this cost, you will also need to buy filling or mix ($4.29 for a 30-ounce can from Libby’s at Target) and seasoning ($5.99 for a 1.12-ounce jar of McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice from GFS).

Between the spiced pumpkin puree filling and the flaky pasty crust, you can’t go wrong with Aldi’s traditional treat. The budget-friendly buy pie won’t just save you money — it will also save you time. Instead of spending hours in the kitchen mixing, rolling, and baking, all you need to do is serve the ready-made holiday dessert. Add a spritz of Friendly Farms’ Pumpkin Spice Whipped Dairy Topping ($3.29) or vanilla ice cream.

Price: $6.99

The limited-time seasonal selection is back in stock. Trader Joe’s beloved berry pie is topped with tangy, tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts. The rich buttery base has a cobbler-like texture, giving the frozen, ready-to-heat-and-eat treat a rustic feel.

Either defrost the pie at room temperature for an hour or two or warm it in the oven for 20 minutes at 325 degrees. Both options are easier than starting from scratch. You would have to spend most of Thanksgiving day (or the night before) in the kitchen to bake a similar treat. Even though your Thanksgiving guests will enjoy this goodie as-is, you can always dress it up with powdered sugar or Trader Joe’s Salted Maple Ice Cream ($3.79).

You won’t find this beloved bargain in many grocery or specialty stores. Harry and David sells an Oregon Berry Pie for $54.99, and Williams Sonoma’s Jane’s Sweet Things Cranberry Mascarpone Pie retails for $69.95.

If you’re wondering whether the Nantucket Style Cranberry Pie really is as good as it sounds, Redditor AveryElle87 raved, “This is my favorite TJ’s dessert,” and goldencherry wrote, “I just had this and it’s delicious!”

Price: $18.99

Costco’s massive pumpkin pie is a fan favorite. But it’s not the only dessert that deserves a spot on your Thanksgiving day buffet. The warehouse club’s Maple Butter Pecan Bar Cake is a new seasonal staple that you need to try. Vanilla sponge cake, pecan crunch, maple mousse filling, toasted pecans, and an indulgent brown butter mousse topping make this one of the retailer’s best bar cakes. And bonus, like the tuxedo and caramel tres leche versions, this Kirkland-baked creation feeds more than just three or four.

Shoppers are already praising the pecan-stuffed pick. Redditor kawi-bawi-bo commented, “Each element is done well, the maple cream, is rich in maple flavor while airy…not too sweet…the bottom toffee/pecan butter layer with the crushed pecans on top adds an amazing texture.” User tarrasque added, “It’s a nice dessert with a light texture. Far better than most grocery store desserts and even better than most of what Costco offers.”

The creamy whipped topping with pecan sprinkles makes this refrigerated cake a stand-alone dessert that doesn’t require anything else. But if you feel the need to dress it up, you can always get creative and customize this bargain dessert bar. Welcome additions include fresh berries, a drizzle of warm cranberry sauce, honey, chocolate shavings, a light dusting of cinammon and powdered sugar, or a scoop of pumpkin-flavored ice cream.

Serve your Thanksgiving guests the most sumptuous holiday desserts yet. Aldi, Trader Joe’s, and Costco have the season's top treats for less.

The savings don’t have to stop at the register. With the top rewards credit cards, you could earn cash back towards your family’s gift wish list, travel points for a mid-winter trip, or other valuable perks on eligible purchases.