Author’s note: I wasn’t paid (or compensated in any way) to write this review, and I have no affiliation with Kirkland or Costco.
Hey there, pie lovers! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably drooled over the thought of Costco’s massive, flaky, cinnamon-packed apple pie at some point. But here’s the million-dollar question that’s been buggin’ us all: does Costco sell apple pie year round? Well, lemme spill the beans right upfront—kinda yes, kinda no. It really depends on where ya shop and when ya go, but in many spots, especially lookin’ at the latest buzz for 2025, it’s more of a year-round treat than ever before. Stick with me, and I’ll break down everything you need to know about snaggin’ this dessert holy grail, plus some insider tips to make sure your sweet tooth ain’t ever left hangin’!
The Quick Scoop on Costco’s Apple Pie Availability
Before we dive deep into the crusty details (see what I did there?), let’s get the main answer outta the way. From what I’ve seen hittin’ up Costco over the years, their apple pie ain’t always guaranteed to be sittin’ on the bakery shelf every dang day of the year. Traditionally, it’s been more of a fall and winter vibe—think harvest season, cozy holidays, all that jazz. But, word on the street (and from my own recent prowls through the warehouse), is that in a lotta locations, especially as we roll into 2025, Costco’s keepin’ this bad boy around pretty much all the time.
Here’s the deal though—availability can be a bit of a crapshoot dependin’ on your local store. Some spots might stick to the seasonal thing, stockin’ it heavy from late summer through early spring, while others got it as a staple you can grab whenever. My advice? Don’t just assume it’s there. Swing by the bakery section or give your local Costco a quick holler to double-check. Worst case, they got frozen apple pies in the freezer aisle that’ll tide ya over.
Why the Heck Ain’t It Always Available Everywhere?
Now, you might be wonderin’, “Why can’t Costco just keep apple pie on deck 24/7 everywhere?” Fair question, fam. I’ve pondered this myself while starin’ longingly at an empty bakery display. Here’s what I reckon based on my nosy observations:
- Seasonal Cravings Rule the Game: Apple pie just screams fall and winter, don’t it? People go nuts for it when the weather cools down, and Costco knows that. They often ramp up stock durin’ these months to match the demand for comfort food. It’s like how ya don’t crave hot chocolate in July, ya know?
- Apple Harvest Timin’: Them juicy apples that go into the pie? They’re usually harvested in the fall. So, it makes sense that Costco might lean on fresher ingredients durin’ that time, givin’ us a top-notch pie when the fruit’s at its peak.
- Shelf Space Shuffle: Costco’s a warehouse, not a magical pie factory. They gotta juggle inventory like crazy. Stockin’ seasonal stuff means they don’t end up with a bunch of unsold pies gatherin’ dust. It’s all about keepin’ things fresh and avoidin’ waste.
So, while it ain’t a guaranteed year-round thing in every single store, the trend seems to be shiftin’. More and more, I’m hearin’ folks sayin’ they’ve spotted it even in the off-season. Fingers crossed your local spot’s on board with that!
What’s So Special About Costco’s Apple Pie Anyway?
Alright, let’s chat about why we’re all so obsessed with this pie in the first place If you ain’t tried Costco’s apple pie yet, lemme paint ya a picture This ain’t no tiny, wimpy dessert. We’re talkin’ a giant, hefty slab of goodness—weighin’ in at over 4 pounds! It’s got a double crust that’s flaky as heck, stuffed to the brim with tender apple slices swimmin’ in a sweet-tart, cinnamon-spiced slurry. Every bite’s like a warm hug from grandma, but on a budget.
And the price? Oh, honey, it’s a steal. Last I checked, you’re droppin’ around $14.74 for this behemoth. That’s enough to feed a small army at your next family get-together or just hoard for yourself over a long weekend (no judgment here). It’s got that perfect balance—not too sugary, just the right kick of spice. I usually warm a slice up a tad in the oven to get that fresh-baked feel, then slap on some vanilla ice cream. Game over, y’all.
How to Score Costco’s Apple Pie Like a Pro
Now that you’re droolin’ let’s talk strategy. If you’re hell-bent on gettin’ your hands on this pie, whether it’s year-round or not, I got some tips that’ve worked for me time and again. Here’s how to up your chances
- Hit Up the Bakery Section First: That’s ground zero for fresh pies. Head straight there when you roll into Costco. If it’s not on display, don’t be shy—ask one of the staff. Sometimes they got extras in the back or can tell ya when the next batch is droppin’.
- Time It Right for Peak Seasons: If your store’s more on the seasonal side, late summer through winter is your best bet. Think August to February-ish for prime apple pie huntin’. Holidays like Thanksgiving? Fuggedaboutit, they’re stockin’ it heavy.
- Check the Freezer Aisle as Backup: Can’t find a fresh one? No sweat. Costco usually got frozen apple pies hangin’ out in the frozen food section. They ain’t quite the same as fresh outta the oven, but they’re a solid quick fix for a dessert emergency.
- Call Ahead if You’re Desperate: Ain’t got time to wander the warehouse only to come up empty-handed? Ring up your local Costco and ask if they got the pie in stock. Saves ya a trip and a broken heart.
One more thing—sadly, you can’t pre-order these pies like you can with some of their custom cakes. So, it’s a bit of a gamble. Plan ahead if it’s for a big event, or have a backup dessert idea just in case.
What If Costco’s Apple Pie Ain’t There?
So, ya roll up to Costco, hyped for apple pie, and… nada. It’s gone, or it’s the wrong dang season at your store. Don’t throw in the towel just yet. I’ve been there, and I got some workarounds that’ll keep your dessert game strong.
- Scope Out Other Pie Flavors: Costco’s bakery ain’t a one-trick pony. They got other bangers like pumpkin pie (a fall classic), pecan pie for that rich, nutty vibe, or even cherry pie if they’re feelin’ fruity. Some of these might be year-round, dependin’ on the spot.
- Browse the Rest of the Bakery Goodies: Even if pies are a bust, their bakery section’s a goldmine. Grab a giant cake, some cookies, or them massive muffins. Trust me, their half-sheet cakes are legendary for feedin’ a crowd on the cheap.
- Frozen Section Saves the Day: Like I mentioned, frozen apple pies are often sittin’ pretty in the freezer aisle. Pop one in the oven, and you’re back in business. They’re handy to have stashed at home for last-minute cravings too.
Worst comes to worst, swing by another grocery spot or bakery nearby. But honestly, Costco’s value is hard to beat, so I usually just pivot to another treat from their lineup.
Ampin’ Up Your Costco Apple Pie Experience
Alright, let’s say you’ve scored the pie. Congrats, champ! But don’t just slap it on a plate and call it a day. I got some tricks to make this pie straight-up unforgettable.
- Warm It Up, Yo: Toss a slice or the whole dang pie in a low oven—think 300°F for about 15-20 minutes. It brings back that just-baked magic and makes the crust extra crispy. Your kitchen’s gonna smell like heaven too.
- Pair It with Some Goodies: Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a slice of sharp cheddar if you’re feelin’ wild. The creamy or savory contrast with the sweet-tart apples? Chef’s kiss, my friend.
- Get Fancy for Guests: Servin’ this at a party? Sprinkle a lil’ powdered sugar on top or drizzle some caramel sauce for that gourmet look. Ain’t nobody gotta know it’s store-bought.
Oh, and storage tip—keep it at room temp for a couple days if you’re eatin’ it quick. Otherwise, chuck it in the fridge for up to a week, or slice and freeze portions for up to 3 months. I’ve done this tons of times, and it thaws out just fine for a sneaky midnight snack.
Beyond Apple Pie: What Else Costco’s Bakery Got?
While we’re on the topic, lemme gush about Costco’s bakery as a whole. Apple pie might be the star of this show, but their lineup is stacked. If you’re wonderin’ what else to grab while you’re there (or if apple pie’s a no-go), here’s my hit list:
- Pumpkin Pie: This one’s a seasonal beast, usually around from late summer through the holidays. Creamy, spiced, and dirt cheap for the size. Perfect for Thanksgiving when you don’t wanna bake.
- Pecan Pie: If you’re into somethin’ richer, this sticky, nutty delight’s often around. It’s intense, so a small slice with black coffee cuts through the sweetness real nice.
- Berry Pies: Dependin’ on the time of year, you might catch cherry or mixed berry pies. They’re a tangy switch-up from the usual apple or pumpkin.
- Cakes Galore: Their half-sheet cakes are iconic—chocolate or vanilla, feeds like 48 people. Plus, they got smaller round cakes, cheesecakes, and seasonal flavors that rotate in.
- Muffins and Loaves: Don’t sleep on these for breakfast or snacks. Lemon, banana nut, zucchini—you name it, they got packs of ‘em.
Pro tip: Hit Costco early mornin’ or late afternoon for the freshest picks. Their stuff’s often baked daily, and timin’ it right means you’re gettin’ the good stuff straight outta the oven.
Why Costco’s Bakery is My Go-To (And Should Be Yours Too)
Lemme get real with ya for a sec. I’m all about savin’ a buck without skimpin’ on quality, and Costco’s bakery nails that sweet spot. Their portions are huge, prices are low, and the taste? Way better than you’d expect for mass-produced goodies. Whether it’s apple pie or somethin’ else, you’re gettin’ value that’s tough to match at fancy bakeries or even regular grocery stores.
Plus, it’s a lifesaver for busy folks like me. Got a last-minute party? Family droppin’ by unannounced? Costco’s got my back with desserts that look and taste like I put in way more effort than I did. And with their apple pie bein’ more of a year-round thing in lotsa places now, I ain’t gotta stress about timin’ my cravings just right.
A Lil’ Story From My Pie-Huntin’ Days
I remember this one time, I was plannin’ a big fall barbecue and banked hard on Costco’s apple pie to be the dessert star. Rolled up in mid-October, thinkin’ I’m golden—peak season, right? Nope. Bakery shelf was empty, and I nearly cried right there in the aisle. But, I asked a staff guy, and turns out they had a few frozen ones stashed away. Grabbed one, baked it up at home, and my guests were none the wiser. Moral of the story? Always have a backup plan, and don’t be afraid to chat up the employees—they’re usually super helpful.
Since then, I’ve made it my mission to scope out Costco’s bakery trends. Noticed that while some years it felt strictly seasonal, lately I’m seein’ that apple pie stickin’ around longer. Maybe it’s just my store, or maybe they’re catchin’ on that we want pie all the freakin’ time. Either way, I’m here for it.
Wrappin’ Up the Apple Pie Saga
So, back to that big ol’ question—does Costco sell apple pie year round? My take is, more often than not these days, yeah, they do, especially as we’re lookin’ at the latest patterns for 2025. But, it ain’t a hard-and-fast rule. Your local warehouse might play by different rules, stickin’ to fall and winter stock, or they might surprise ya with it in the dead of summer. Best bet is to check in person, call ahead, or keep an eye on the freezer section for backups.
What I love about this whole deal is that even if the apple pie ain’t there, Costco’s bakery got plenty to keep ya satisfied. From other pies to cakes and beyond, there’s always somethin’ to sweeten the day. So, next time you’re wanderin’ through them giant aisles, swing by the bakery corner. Sniff out that apple pie, or whatever else catches your fancy, and treat yourself. You deserve it, pal.
Got any Costco bakery faves or pie-huntin’ stories of your own? Drop ‘em below—I’m all ears for more dessert inspo. And hey, if this helped ya out, share the love with your pie-lovin’ crew. Let’s keep the sweet times rollin’!
It’s a big boy.
If you read other online articles about this pie, they often start off by mentioning it weighs 4+ pounds. Even though the label says 4 pounds, 11 ounces — mine always weigh a little more than 5 pounds on my kitchen scale. The diameter is nearly 12 inches.
It IS a huge pie. A Thanksgiving-feast-sized pie. A Duggar-Family-sized pie.
This is why my co-workers also end up with pie when I buy it — because my lonely little Hobbit stomach cannot possibly consume it fast enough. Alas.
Because of the gargantuan size, the slices are really long. Sometimes twice as long as a normal pie slice. Nothing wrong with this. Just a thing to know.
If you know, you know.
When I joined Costco 2.5 years ago, this Apple Pie was one of the first things I purchased. At the time, it was only $10, and I was blown away by what I got for the money. In fact, I immediately got on Facebook and babbled into the void about how much I liked this pie. Most of my friends and family are not Costco shoppers, so I got a collective eyeroll, and a few pity reactions.
But, you see — that’s because they don’t KNOW. You can’t know until you try it. You’ve got to try it. That is all.
(Do I sound like a weird cult leader? I sort of felt like one, just now.)
This pie is not currently as much of a bargain (more about the price later), but still a dang good pie. A dang tasty dessert. Probably the best supermarket apple pie I’ve ever had.
One of my co-workers promptly joined Costco after I fed her this pie. If you haven’t had it yet, I hope this post will convince you to try it. No, Costco isn’t paying me to say this. In fact, I don’t think Costco likes me very much — if you’ve read some of my other reviews, you know I snarkle them pretty hard when I don’t like their food (such as this review of their Chicken Pot Pie ). Hey, I’m just doing my snarkle-tastic job. Someone’s gotta do it.
Tiny caveat: you really need to “re-bake” Costco’s Apple Pie to get the best effect. More about that later.
My favorite aspect of this pie is the apples. They are thick, perky, and fresh-tasting. Soft on the outside, but with structural integrity. Just the right tender-crisp texture. And there are a LOT of them. My word. This pie is fairly bursting with apples. As someone who has cooked a number of pies from scratch, I know how apples shrink during baking. The starting volume must have been enormous.
(For another pie with “perky” fruit filling, check out my review of the Publix Apple Pie.)
Some fruit pies have too much gooey gel filling. Some have almost none. Costco seems to have chosen a crowd-pleasing compromise: there is viscous, sweet, spiced gel surrounding the apples, but only enough to fill in the crevices. Mostly, you are getting a stack of real fruit.
On a sweetness scale, I would say this pie is about a 7 out of 10 for sugary taste. It will satisfy a sweet-tooth, but it won’t overpower and become sickening.
Flavor-wise, the filling has a pleasant-but-subtle tanginess (no-where near as tangy as Aldi Apple Pie — you can read my review of it here), and a rich spice profile that leans heavily on Nutmeg.
I love Nutmeg. I love it so much, I’ve chosen to capitalize it, like the name of a cherished friend. Nutmeg, my old buddy.
There’s definitely a generous amount of cinnamon, too — but Nutmeg is the boss of this show. The warm, intoxicating aroma is unmistakable. Important side note: if you don’t love Nutmeg, we can’t be friends.
Do you want to know about the crust? Of course you do. You’re still here! I like the crust. It’s not as good as Costco’s Four-Berry Pie, but it’s good. It’s thick, but tender, with a flakey-sugary-coating on top — making it a slightly sweet crust.
It gets soggy in the middle if you refrigerate this for several days, but this is easily fixed by popping your slice in a toaster oven (or regular oven) and baking it up a bit. More about that later.
Costco’s Apple Pie | PIE NOON Review!
FAQ
Are apple pies available at Costco?
JJ’s Bakery, Lightly Glazed Apple Pie, 4 oz, 16-Count | Costco.
How long does apple pie last at Costco?
Since fruity pies are less perishable, you can leave them on the counter at room temperature for one to two days. After that, the USDA recommends refrigerating these pies. Costco’s apple pie will do just fine refrigerated for up to a week.
Are there pies at Costco?
Our signature, gooey Milk Bar Pie has a sticky, buttery, salty-sweet filling in a hearty oat-cookie crust. *This* is the pie that put Milk Bar on the map. We dare you not to have a second slice. This 10” pie serves 8-10 people.
Did Costco change their apple pie?
Unfortunately, the iconic vegan-friendly apple pie underwent a major recipe change in Costco’s bakery and now contains animal products, including milk and egg, which were previously omitted.
Are Costco Apple pies available year-round?
Costco apple pies are typically available year-round, but availability may depend on location. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Which Costco pies are best?
If you need to feed a crowd, consider adding Costco pies to your shopping list. The Costco apple pie (item number 1408372), is among contenders for the best store bought apple pie, IMO. It’s cinnamon scented, with hearty bites of fresh apple, a soft cobbler-like center, and a crisp golden brown crust.
Are Costco Apple Pies good?
The filling is perfectly balanced. Costco’s apple pie is one of the best grocery store apple pies I’ve tasted. The filling is packed with hearty bites of fresh apple in a not-too-sweet syrup flecked with warm cinnamon. It’s so big, it’s actually two desserts in one. As a crust-lover, the pastry is actually the most eye-opening part of the pie.
How much does Costco Apple Pie weigh?
UPDATED November 26, 2024: While Fall is apple season, the Costco Apple Pie is available in-store for both Fall and Spring family holidays! Costco’s fresh baked apple pie is baked fresh in each local Costco bakery and it weighs in at over 4.5 lbs!
What is the best store bought apple pie?
The Costco apple pie (item number 1408372), is among contenders for the best store bought apple pie, IMO. It’s cinnamon scented, with hearty bites of fresh apple, a soft cobbler-like center, and a crisp golden brown crust. Sure, it may not be grandma’s pie, but when you need a bakery apple pie, it’s definitely a delicious option.
Do Costco Apple Pies need to be refrigerated?
Costco sells their apple pies on a table at room temperature in the bakery. Though you do not need to refrigerate Costco apple pie, refrigeration will allow for a longer shelf life. Microwave: Place a slice of frozen apple pie on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 3 minutes. Oven: Preheat oven to 400F (200C).