Autumn is in the air, and it seems like pumpkin spice is everywhere at this time of year. Unlike other retailers, Costco doesn't go all in on this fall flavor. And that's what makes the warehouse club's bakery section one of the best places to shop for under-the-radar bargains.
You can get a PSL at Starbucks, a Pumpkin and Creme Pie at McDonald's, and seasonal selections at your local grocery store. But if you're looking for a way to save on sweet treats without going overboard on in-your-face autumn items, we've got you covered.
Get more out of your Costco membership right now and check out our 10 favorite fall sleeper finds. Hint: Pay close attention to number three — we're obsessed with this limited-time buy.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
Kirkland Signature Waffle Cone Bar Cake
Price: $18.99
Snag this decadently delicious dessert before it's gone. Unlike the tuxedo and dulce de leche versions, the Kirkland Signature waffle cone bar is a seasonal selection that won't stay on shelves (or rather, the refrigerated bakery section) for long.
While this pick does have a summer-like quality, we think it's also a fabulous fall find. The golden cake and chocolate stripes have major autumn vibes, making it the ideal alternative to pumpkin everything overload.
What do members think about this bakery buy? Redditor kawi-bawi-bo described it as a "tres leches bar cake and tiramisu bar cake hybrid. It's incredibly sweet, and the sponge is soaked."
Kirkland Signature Caramel Apple Strudel Bites
Price: $7.99
There's nothing like a crisp autumn apple. That is, unless it's sliced and baked into a caramel-packed strudel.
When this seasonal selection hit bakery shelves last year, shoppers flocked to try the bold bites. Praise for the puff pastry pick hit social media, with Costco shoppers saying, "They're actually amazing; buy them with caution. Hide in a closet and consume them all to yourself. Warm one up for 15 seconds with a scoop of Kirkland Vanilla Ice Cream. Whatever you do, you must try these!"
Hurry and nab the sugar-coated 12-count right now. Unlike chocolate chip cookies and croissants, this returning sweet treat isn't one of Costco's permanent products.
Kirkland Signature Mini Pain Au Chocolat
Price: $9.99
Pain au chocolat is hardly a new Costco item. While the members-only club has stocked the gourmet goodie in one form or another for years, this fall we finally spotted the French pastry in the store's fresh bakery section.
The classic confection features indulgently rich dark chocolate nestled into layers of beautifully buttery, fabulously flaky dough. And don't worry about overspending on this gourmet goody. Get the 20-count bulk buy right now for under $10.
Not sure how to serve the mouthwatering morsels? We suggest eating them straight out of the container. But if you're looking for an autumn-inspired idea, add a dollop of pumpkin butter or a drizzle of caramel on top.
Kirkland Signature Rosemary Parmesan Cheese Loaf
Price: $7.99
Costco's bakery is known for outrageously indulgent sweets, like the club's line of bar cakes and assortment of cookies. But the Kirkland Signature-branded buys also include savory selections such as this rosemary and parmesan cheese bread.
The massive two-pound loaf is perfect for making cozy fall favorites. Use it as a base for avocado toast, grown-up grilled cheese sammies, and so much more. Or, simply slice pieces and dip them into a warm bowl of chili or your favorite autumn soup.
Members couldn't stop raving about this bakery buy on the Costco subreddit. User A_Life_Well_Steved posted, "This Parmesan Rosemary bread is sooo good! Better not get rid of it!"
Kirkland Signature Apple Filled Danishes
Price: $11.99 for 2
Get all the taste of a freshly baked apple pie without having to invest in a four-plus-pound dessert.
The retailer's apple pie is an autumn item that shoppers quickly snap up. But if you don't have a large family to feed, this mouthwatering mammoth could go bad. Instead of wasting money (and food), snap up the smaller-sized danishes. The flaky pastry dough, sweet apple filling, and delicious icing drizzle make the breakfast/brunch bargain buy a winner.
Costco only sells bakery-fresh danishes in pairs. So if you're looking for a single pack, you're out of luck. But at under $12 for two four-count containers, this deal is a must-have steal that you can't pass up. And yes, you can mix and match flavors.
Kirkland Signature White Cake Filled with Vanilla Cheesecake Mousse
Price: $17.99
Basic cake? No way. Even though the plain white frosted round cake may seem simple, the refrigerated dessert is a hidden treasure that you shouldn't ignore.
Unlike Costco's ready-decorated party cakes, the white cake and vanilla cheesecake mousse dessert is conspicuously empty. Think of the 10-inch treat as a blank canvas. Get creative this fall and transform the ivory icing with fall-colored frosted leaves and other seasonal decor.
Don't worry if cake decor isn't your thing. Here's an easy way to turn this $17.99 bakery bargain into an autumn masterpiece: Top this pick with pumpkin cut-out cookies and a dash of orange, brown, red, and yellow sprinkles.
Kirkland Signature Apple Berry Pie
Price: $15.99
Apples? Berries? If you're not sure which fruit filling is your favorite, we can help you decide. Instead of picking up two pies, grab this must-have mix. The four-plus-pound freshly baked fall find has a crispy yet buttery lattice crust that makes it taste almost like homemade.
Costco's plain apple pie may get all the love, but this often overlooked item is just as good…if not better. One Costco Redditor raved, "First time seeing this and it did not disappoint. I absolutely love the apple pie, so when I saw pies at the bakery, I instantly got excited. To my surprise, it was something I haven't seen before. Can't go wrong for pie lovers."
Kirkland Signature Pretzel Bagels
Price: $4.99
The Bavarian pretzel is an Oktoberfest staple that reappears every autumn. And while these bagels are a different take on the time-tested classic, we think the eight-count bag is a standout substitute.
This salty, doughy bakery buy does not disappoint. Searching for some easy-to-add autumn inspo? Slice the freshly made find and smother it with apple butter and honey. Or, go for a more straightforward approach and cover toasted halves with stone-ground German mustard. You can even cut the bagels into nugget-sized pieces and dip them into beer cheese.
Costco Redditor GoodTee cautioned other club members, "Don't buy them! They're insanely delicious and addictive."
Kirkland Signature Crumb Cake Muffins
Price: $6.99
The warehouse club's blueberry cream and lemon raspberry muffins get all the hype. But these summertime flavors aren't the only sweet selections to try. The crumb cake recipe is a fall find that shouldn't take a backseat to other bakery buys.
If you're already a fan of Kirkland's muffins, pick up this pack while you can. Why should you try something different? It doesn't get better than a warm coffee crumb cake on a cold autumn morning. And this eight-count is an affordable option that tastes as good as it looks.
For $6.99, this fresh bakery item is a budget-friendly bargain. Target sells a four-count of Favorite Day Coffee Cake Muffins for $4.49. At that price, you would pay $8.98 to get Costco's quantity.
- 18-29
- 30-39
- 40-49
- 50-59
- 60-69
- 70-79
- 80+
Kirkland Signature Cherry Berry Sourdough Bread with Pecans
Price: $9.99
Priced at almost $10 per loaf, this new fall bakery find is a splurge. And while it might seem excessive, the cherry berry sourdough with pecans is a loaf you'll love.
Shoppers praise this pick as a flavorful and filling option. Take it from Redditor ElderberryNo5595, "Very tasty, but the long thin shape is unusual, kind of like focaccia. It's a very hearty bread, due to the fruit and nuts, so a little goes a long way."
Slice and eat this bold bread as-is or use it to make a gourmet grilled cheese with brie or gouda. And, if you prefer something sweet, we suggest smothering a piece with hazelnut spread or honey.
Bottom line
You don't have to look far to find these hidden treasures. Even though our favorite bakery buys may fly under the radar, the items on this list are available at most Costco stores this autumn.
The retailer is known for a constantly revolving stock of products that are only available in certain regional markets. That means you might not find some of these hidden gems at your local club anytime soon.
Are you looking for more ways to save on fall finds right now? Here's an easy way to save money on everything from Halloween decor to cozy sweaters: Put your next Costco haul to work. Use the best cash back credit cards to earn (as the name implies) cash back on eligible purchases.
Subscribe Today
Learn how to make an extra $200
Get vetted side hustles and proven ways to earn extra cash sent to your inbox.
Add Us On Google