14 Hidden Treasures in Walmart's Bakery Section (We’re Obsessing Over #5)

In today's iffy economy, splurging on anything that's not a staple may seem like a foolish money move. But life's little extras don't have to break the bank. Savvy shoppers know how to save money at Walmart. That's why we scoured the store for the top deals on decadent desserts.

From mouthwatering madeleines to tasty turtle brownie bites, these 14 hidden treasures are affordable alternatives to pricey gourmet goodies. Here's a tip: Pay special attention to number five.

Most of these bakery finds ring up for less than $7, and several come with enough servings to share at a party or potluck without needing to buy more than one package.

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

Price: $6.47

Pass on pricy patisserie picks and nab this French find for under $7. Get one dozen of the delicately delicious, zesty lemon cookies in Walmart's bakery section. Made with real butter, these madeleines are a decadent deal you won't want to miss.

The 8.4-ounce package works out to about 54 cents per cookie, and the shell-shaped sponge cakes get their signature lemon flavor from lemon oil in the batter. 

Customers who have reviewed these madeleines on Walmart's site say the cookies are a favorite they keep repurchasing. 

They're ready to eat straight from the package, making them an easy addition to an afternoon coffee or tea break without any baking required.

Price: $6.47

Think of this more like a deconstructed birthday cake than a 16-count of cookies.

The indulgently rich frosting paired with sweet sprinkles and sumptuously soft sugar cookies makes this bakery buy a 10/10. Walmart customer Bob raved, "These are perfection! There is a homemade taste to both the icing and the cookie that most grocery store bakeries fail to create."

At $6.47 for 16 cookies, the price works out to about 40 cents per cookie, making it an affordable option for a party platter or lunchbox treat. 

The colorful sprinkles and frosted tops give the cookies a festive, birthday-party look without needing to decorate anything at home. 

Because they're pre-packaged and shelf-stable, they also travel well for potlucks, office celebrations, or bake sale contributions.

Price: $4.97

Peanut butter and rolled oats give this no-bake sweet treat a flavor you'll savor. And with those ingredients near the top of the list, you can pretend these cookies are a "healthy" option (FYI, they're not).

Do you need an easy party-ready dessert? The 22-count is a bulk buy that's perfect for group gatherings. Walmart shopper Jacklyn called them, "Almost as good as homemade."

The 12.38-ounce package works out to roughly 23 cents per cookie, among the more affordable options on this list. 

Beyond rolled oats and peanut butter, the recipe includes margarine and partly skimmed milk to help bind the no-bake mixture together. 

They're shelf-stable rather than refrigerated, so they hold up well for packed lunches, road trips, or stocking a pantry for whenever a sweet craving hits.

Price: $5.87

What exactly is a cowboy cookie? Well, it doesn't wear a hat or ride a horse. Instead, it's a rich mix of semi-sweet chocolate chips, pecans, and coconut. We suggest serving this soft-baked sweet with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

The 13.5-ounce package includes six cookies, working out to just under $1 per cookie. 

Cowboy cookies are traditionally associated with the Old West, with one story claiming cowhands carried them as a high-energy snack on the trail. 

Walmart shoppers have posted reviews of these cookies saying they enjoy the chewy texture.

Price: $6.97

Is it a croissant or is it a muffin? In this case, it's both. Incredibly indulgent flaky layers of pastry crust and a decadent cream cheese filling make this one of our top picks. So if you can't decide on one bakery item, this fresh find is a double-duty delight that, at under $7 (for four), is also a delicious deal.

Because the pack includes four muffins, the price breaks down to about $1.74 each, putting it in line with a single pastry at many coffee shops. 

The croissant-muffin hybrid format gives it the buttery, layered texture of a croissant while keeping the muffin's individually portioned shape, making it easy to grab one and save the rest for later in the week.

Price: $6.24

Don't worry, we won't tell anyone you didn't spend the day baking this eight-inch pecan pie. The perfect buttery crust, combined with a rich, golden-brown pecan filling, makes this a fan favorite. One Walmart shopper gushed, "Certainly worth the price. Have purchased several times, and the quality is consistently very good."

The 23-ounce pie yields five servings, working out to roughly $1.25 per slice, which is a fraction of what a bakery-made pecan pie typically costs. 

Walmart's site lists the pie as coming from its Fresh Bakery, and it's suggested for holiday entertaining or any occasion where a homemade-style dessert is needed without the prep time. 

It also pairs well with vanilla ice cream or whipped topping.

Price: $4.34

Make breakfast better with these magnificent muffins. We're not sure if it's the juicy blueberries or the crunchy streusel, but this bakery buy is one bargain that shoppers absolutely enjoy.

Here's a hint to make them even better (as if that's possible): Microwave the muffins for a few seconds to make them melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Streusel-topped muffins like these typically combine a butter, flour, and sugar crumb topping with a moist cake base, giving each bite a mix of soft and crunchy textures. 

They're a bakery item rather than a boxed mix, so there's no measuring or baking involved, making them a quick grab-and-go breakfast or an easy addition to a brunch spread alongside coffee or fruit.

Price: $5.34

Peanut butter lovers rejoice. This PB and chocolate pie has everything you could ask for and so much more. With its light, flaky crust, decadently nutty creme filling, generous portions of airy whipped cream, peanut butter chips, and chocolate drizzle, this 12-ounce Walmart bakery section selection is a winner.

At $5.34 for a 12-ounce pie, the price is well below what a specialty bakery would typically charge for a similar cream pie. 

The combination of peanut butter creme filling, whipped topping, and chocolate drizzle gives it a layered dessert feel similar to a slice from a diner or bakery counter. 

Because it's a no-bake style pie, it should be kept refrigerated and served chilled for the best texture.

Price: $4.86

No one will guess that you bought this four-pack from Walmart. The buttery pastry shell and dreamy cream cheese filling give this brunch-time buy a flavor that tastes like it came from a bespoke bakery. But you can snag this deal for under $5.

Split four ways, the pack works out to about $1.22 per danish, which is competitive with a single pastry at most coffee shops or bakeries. 

Cream cheese danishes like this one typically use a laminated, buttery dough similar to a croissant, then are filled or topped with a sweetened cream cheese center before baking, giving them a flaky exterior and a soft, tangy-sweet filling.

Price: $4.98

When it comes to loaves, this cinnamon and vanilla combo takes the cake. Even though the sweet treat isn't always in the spotlight, it definitely deserves a spot in your cart.

How can you make this pick even better? Serve the cream cheese icing-topped slices warm with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and fresh seasonal berries.

A loaf-style iced cake like this one is typically pre-sliced, making it easy to portion out for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert without cutting a whole cake. 

The combination of a cinnamon-swirled crumb and a vanilla cream cheese icing gives it a flavor similar to a coffee cake or cinnamon roll, but in a sliceable loaf format that's easier to store and reheat a piece at a time.

Price: $5.97

Not in the mood to indulge in a full-sized snack? These chocolate, caramel, and walnut minis are bite-sized brownies that are big on flavor. Take it from Walmart customer Katt, "These are a great dessert alternative to big pieces of pie or cake! Many compliments as far as taste…not too sweet but just enough!"

Turtle-flavored desserts traditionally combine chocolate, caramel, and pecans or walnuts, a flavor combination borrowed from the classic turtle candy. 

Because these are bite-sized rather than full brownie squares, they work well for portion control or for setting out on a dessert table where guests can grab just one or two without committing to a full-size slice.

Price: $7.68

Not sure which type of cake you want to try? No problem. This variety pack serves eight to 10 people and includes Vanilla, Meyer Lemon, Sock It To Me, and Chocolate Fudge Flavors.

Serving eight to 10 people for under $8 works out to less than $1 per serving, which is a fraction of what a bakery-decorated cake of similar size would cost. 

A Sock It To Me cake is a Southern-style pound cake typically swirled with a brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecan filling, giving this variety pack a mix of fruity, chocolate, and spiced flavors that can appeal to a group with different preferences at a single gathering.

Price: $2.46

What exactly are Bolillos? These Mexican-style rolls feature a crisp golden crust and a soft center. While you can eat the bread as-is, you can also use it to make everything from open-faced sandwiches to pint-sized pizzas.

Walmart customer DJ gave this hidden bakery gem a five-star review, writing, "I had never heard of them before, but they're delicious."

The 12-ounce package includes six rolls, working out to roughly 41 cents each, and the rolls are baked fresh in store. 

Other Walmart shoppers have described the texture as chewy without being too dense, making the rolls popular for hot sandwiches like tortas or Cuban-style sandwiches, as well as toasted with butter. 

They sell out quickly at some stores, according to customer reviews, so it may be worth checking a few different times if they're out of stock.

Price: $4.98

A golden, almost caramelized crust with a moist, perfectly crumbly center makes this more than just plain cornbread. The four enormous squares are subtly sweet and satisfying, and are among the "hidden" Walmart bakery items that deserve a more prominent place in the store.

Serve this versatile baked good with veggies, fried chicken, or barbecued brisket.

Split four ways, the cornbread works out to about $1.25 per square, which is comparable to a single side order at many barbecue or Southern-style restaurants. 

Because the squares are large, one can easily be split further to stretch the pack across more servings at a family dinner or cookout, and the sweeter profile makes it a fit for pairing with savory, smoky mains like brisket or fried chicken.

If you're looking for an easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth and keep your shopping budget on track, these Walmart dessert deals are must-have steals that are hiding in plain sight. So go ahead and treat yourself to something truly special

The savings don't stop at the checkout aisle. Use the top travel credit cards on eligible Walmart purchases to earn airline miles or points for your next vacation.

Because most of these bakery items are priced under $7 and several yield six or more servings, they can work out to less per serving than many grocery-store or coffee-shop desserts bought individually. 

Keeping an eye on the bakery section during a regular grocery trip, rather than making a special dessert-focused stop, is an easy way to build these finds into a normal shopping routine without adding much to the overall bill.