I’ve Tried Dozens of Costco Cakes, but This One Is the Best

Bargain buys on delicious desserts are among the top Costco membership perks shoppers enjoy. I confess that with so many cake choices, picking one isn't always easy. 

If you're looking for the best treats to enjoy this holiday season, you don't have to waste money sampling every selection from the bakery department. We did the work for you and enjoyed every bite. Which cake took the top spot? You'll have to keep reading for the answer.

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

Price: $6.99

There's something to be said for simplicity. Kirkland Signature's all-butter pound cake is a no-frills treat you will want to eat. As the name implies, Costco's bakers add plenty of real butter to this sumptuous sweet.

Eat this delightful dessert as-is, or dress it up with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a handful of fresh berries. Plus, it's a great price, helping you save money on groceries. 

Price: $10.20

Cousin to the all-butter pound cake, this lux lemon loaf has a subtle citrus kick that is both sweet and refreshing at the same time. Warm this almost muffin-ish runner-up and serve it for brunch, or pair it with fruit sorbet as an after-dinner treat.

The blueberry-packed lemon batter gives this bakery buy the perfect moist texture. Of course, that's not the only reason the cake landed on our list. Lemon icing and a crumbly butter streusel topping add a layer of gourmet-like goodness.

Price: $17.99

The bar-shaped cake has a welcome firmness to it, not as wet as other tres leche cakes. This popular refrigerated bakery dessert features sponge cake soaked in three types of milk (sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk), creamy custard mousse filling, caramel whipped cream topping, and shaved chocolate.

One Reddit user said (and I agree), "I'd give up a kidney for a slice. Pair it with a espresso shot."

Price: $22.69

A luscious, velvety texture makes this 12-inch cake a top-tier choice. Even though the warehouse club sells cherry-topped and other fancifully flavored varieties, the plain version still deserves a spot on our list (and a spot in your shopping cart). If you're craving something more, add your favorite fruit, caramel sauce, or a drizzle of melted chocolate to the top.

If almost $23 seems like a lot for a cheesecake, consider its size. This runner-up weighs in at four-plus pounds. A single slice of the Original flavor from The Cheesecake Factory is $10.95; Costco's $22.69 whole cake is actually a bargain.

Price: $18.99

Cream cheese icing, raisins, toasted walnuts, pineapple, and (of course) carrots make this a mouthwatering dessert that even the employees enjoy. Costco subreddit user Tesserae626 wrote, "It's really good, not super sweet…Very few things I get from my bakery, but I'd buy this."

Price: $23.99

Coffee lovers will enjoy this sinfully sweet treat from Costco's refrigerated bakery aisle. Indulge in a chocolatey graham and cocoa crust, dreamy mascarpone whip topping, and a cold brew cheesecake center.

This runner-up is a fan favorite. Shopper TomatilloFuzzy4636 posted on Reddit, "It's the best dessert I've ever had from Costco." Don't worry if you can't finish the entire cake yourself. I recommend popping a few slices into the freezer to thaw at a later date.

Price: $16.99

This 10-inch round frosted cake came in at a close second. Costco's chocolate mousse cake begins with a velvety-soft base and an ultra-fine crumb, topped with a thick, sticky frosting that's stiff, almost fudgy, and definitely on the sweeter side, a crowd-pleaser with a surprisingly long shelf life.

The refrigerated dessert is available in plain or decorated options. Pick up a party-ready version with balloons and a special message, or nab the unembellished alternative.

Price: $21.55

It's a classic for a reason. Layers of indulgent chocolate mousse, vanilla mousse, white chocolate, and dark chocolate ganache give this bakery buy a gourmet flavor that landed it at the top of the list.

This mega-popular pick isn't just our favorite. Shoppers also enjoy the decadently rich tuxedo bar cake. Redditor iforgothowtohuman raved about the amazingly addictive treat, "Warning! Do not buy the tuxedo cake…unless you're prepared to eat the whole thing yourself in maybe two or three days. Because you will. I am."

So, there you have it. After reviewing the top picks, the iconic tuxedo cake was chosen number one. But it wasn't an easy decision. When it comes to delicious desserts, Costco is a great place to pick up a cake.

These treats are not only top-quality but also cost-effective. You can save money shopping for all kinds of items at Costco. We suggest perusing other aisles right before a new season starts to find great new items worth trying.