Thanksgiving is one of the busiest cooking holidays of the year. Between roasting a massive turkey, preparing everyone’s favorite side dishes, and keeping the kitchen chaos under control, dessert often takes a backseat. This is where Costco’s famous Kirkland Signature pies come to the rescue.
These gigantic desserts, weighing over three pounds, are a lifesaver when hosting a crowd or contributing to a Friendsgiving.
We took it upon ourselves to taste Costco’s three most popular Thanksgiving pies—pumpkin, Apple, and Pecan—so you don’t have to! Here’s our verdict on these colossal desserts, ranked from least to most impressive.
Kirkland Signature Pumpkin Pie: Affordable but Falls Short on Flavor
Costco’s Pumpkin Pie is a holiday steal at just $5.99 for a 68-ounce pie. That’s less than 50 cents per serving if you cut the recommended 12 slices. And if you’re feeling generous, you can stretch it to 16 servings. But while the price is a winner, the taste left us wanting more.
The filling had an unexpectedly bland flavor and a slightly watery texture. Some tasters described it as “baby food-like.” One major critique was the lack of signature pumpkin spice flavor, making this dessert a fall favorite.
“Where are the spices? Where is the love?” lamented one reviewer. Another added, “It’s flavorless. I’ve never wished for more pumpkin spice, but it was desperately needed here.”
On the positive side, the pie slices cleanly and holds its shape better than the apple or pecan pies. However, the crust didn’t stand out, making this pie more about quantity than quality.
Kirkland Signature Double Crust Apple Pie: A Close Contender
At $12.99 for nearly five pounds of pie, the Double Crust Apple Pie was a close second in our ranking. The golden, sugar-dusted crust was a showstopper, with decorative flower-shaped vents adding a touch of elegance. The crust was delightfully crisp with a “short” texture, and there wasn’t a soggy bottom in sight.
The apple filling offered a nice balance of cinnamon spice and tangy sweetness. However, its sticky, syrupy texture was polarizing. While some found it comforting, others thought it detracted from the overall experience.
Due to its massive size, the pie predictably fell apart when sliced, but our tasters didn’t mind. One joked, “I’m more concerned about an apple pie that doesn’t fall apart—it feels more authentic this way.”
Kirkland Signature Pecan Pie: The Star of the Show
For good reason, Costco’s Kirkland Signature Pecan Pie takes the top spot. At $16.99 for a hefty four-pound dessert, it’s the most expensive, but every penny is worth it. The crust was buttery and crumbly, pairing perfectly with the rich, gooey filling.
The toasted pecans crowning the pie were generously portioned, buttery, and flavorful. Pecans are listed as the second ingredient, right after corn syrup.
Unlike many pecan pies, which can feel like eating a sugar bomb, this one struck a better balance. One taster even compared the crust’s texture to “graham cracker on pudding.” While most of the feedback was positive, some tasters found the filling a bit too thick, with one describing it as “tacky.”
The pecans were unevenly distributed throughout the pie, leaving a few bites less satisfying than others.
Despite these minor flaws, the Pecan Pie emerged as the clear winner, offering quality and quantity at under $2 per serving.
Tips for Serving Costco’s Giant Pies
- Cut Smaller Slices: While Costco recommends 12 servings, you can easily cut these pies into smaller squares or slices to serve up to 16 people.
- Warm It Up: For a more homemade touch, reheat slices of Apple and Pumpkin pies in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Pair It Right: Serve the Pumpkin Pie with a dollop of whipped cream, or balance the sweetness of the Pecan Pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Store Properly: With these massive pies, you’ll likely have leftovers. In the fridge, use airtight containers to keep slices fresh for up to 3–5 days.
Conclusion
When it comes to Costco’s Thanksgiving pies, there’s a clear winner for every type of dessert lover. If you’re a pumpkin pie fan on a budget, the Kirkland Signature Pumpkin Pie is a decent choice but might require some added spices to bring out the flavor.
The Double Crust Apple Pie is an excellent option for a classic, crowd-pleasing dessert, thanks to its golden crust and cinnamon-spiced filling. But if you want the best of the bunch, the Pecan Pie reigns supreme with its decadent topping and rich filling.
Whether hosting Thanksgiving dinner or heading to a Friendsgiving potluck, Costco’s pies are a convenient and delicious way to sweeten the holiday table. With these massive desserts, everyone is bound to leave with a happy (and complete) belly!
FAQs
How long do Costco’s pies stay fresh?
Costco’s pies are best enjoyed within 3–5 days of purchase. To maintain freshness, store them in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze Costco’s pies?
Yes! Both the Apple and Pumpkin pies freeze well. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Are Costco’s pies made fresh daily?
Yes, Costco bakes its pies fresh in-store daily, especially during the holiday season. However, it’s always a good idea to check the packaging date.
What’s the best way to reheat Costco’s pies?
For Apple and Pumpkin pies, reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes. Pecan Pie is best served at room temperature.
Are these pies suitable for large gatherings?
Absolutely! Costco’s pies are designed for a crowd, each serving 12–16 people. They’re an excellent value for their size and quality.
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