5 Costco Desserts to Serve This Thanksgiving — No Baking Required

Hosting Thanksgiving is one of the most rewarding experiences of the year, but it’s also one of the most exhausting. Between prepping the turkey, crafting the perfect stuffing, managing side dishes, setting the table, and cleaning the house before guests arrive, dessert often becomes an afterthought. And yet, a Thanksgiving meal simply isn’t complete without something sweet to close the evening.

That’s where Costco comes in — a beloved haven for hosts who want high-quality food in generous portions, without the stress of cooking everything from scratch. One of the best-kept secrets of Costco’s bakery and refrigerated sections is the number of ready-to-serve desserts that require zero baking, zero mixing, and absolutely zero stress.

To help you save time while still impressing your guests, here are five Costco desserts perfect for Thanksgiving, each offering a blend of convenience, flavor, and festive charm. Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or an intimate holiday dinner, these treats deliver big satisfaction with minimal effort.

1. Costco’s Legendary Pumpkin Pie (Yes — No Baking Required!)

For many families, Thanksgiving isn’t complete without pumpkin pie. And Costco’s version has achieved near-legendary status — a dessert that has sparked viral social media posts, national news stories, and annual anticipation that starts the moment the calendar approaches November.

Why It Works for Thanksgiving

Costco’s pumpkin pie is enormous — a 12-inch giant that can easily feed 10–12 people. It’s made with real pumpkin purée, eggs, and spices, giving it a homemade flavor that rivals or even surpasses many from-scratch recipes. The crust is flaky, the filling is creamy, and the seasoning strikes that perfect balance of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Most importantly: it requires zero preparation. No rolling dough, no mixing spices, no worrying about cracks in the filling. Just pick it up, chill it, and slice when ready.

Serving Tips

Even though the pie is ready to go, you can elevate it with simple touches:

Add a homemade whipped cream topping (still no baking!)
Decorate the rim with candied pecans
Drizzle each slice with caramel sauce
Serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream

With just a few minutes of effort, you can turn Costco’s famous pie into a dessert centerpiece that looks custom-made.

2. Tuxedo Chocolate Mousse Cake — A Showstopper Without Lifting a Finger

If there’s one dessert guaranteed to make your guests gasp when it hits the table, it’s Costco’s Tuxedo Chocolate Mousse Cake. Tall, elegant, and layered with multiple textures, this dessert offers pure decadence — and not a single moment of baking is needed.

What Makes It Special

This cake is built in layers:

A dense, chocolate cookie crust
A rich chocolate cake layer
Silky chocolate mousse
White chocolate mousse
Dark chocolate ganache
Chocolate curls on top

The contrast of textures — the crunch of the base, the softness of the mousse, the richness of the ganache — makes each bite a luxurious experience. It’s a dessert for chocolate lovers and a great alternative for guests who may not enjoy pumpkin-based desserts.

Serving Tips

Because it’s so rich, smaller slices work best. Serve with:

Fresh raspberries
A dusting of powdered sugar
A sprig of mint for color

It’s one of the easiest ways to add elegance to your Thanksgiving table without turning on the oven.

3. Cheesecake Factory Cheesecake — A Reliable Crowd-Pleaser

Costco is well-known for carrying Cheesecake Factory’s iconic original cheesecake in a large frozen format. While it comes frozen, all it requires is thawing — no baking, mixing, or prep involved. What you’re left with is an incredibly creamy, silky cheesecake that tastes just like the restaurant version.

Why It's Ideal for Thanksgiving

Not everyone loves pumpkin pie, and some guests prefer something classic and neutral. Cheesecake works beautifully in this role. It has a rich, comforting flavor that fits perfectly with Thanksgiving traditions but doesn’t compete with the other autumn spices on the table.

Plus, because it’s pre-sliced into 12 perfect pieces, serving is simple and elegant.

Ways to Dress It Up

You can create a full dessert bar around this cheesecake by offering toppings such as:

Mixed berry compote
Warm apple-cinnamon topping
Salted caramel
Chocolate shavings
Toasted pecans
Lemon curd

You can even offer a “DIY Cheesecake Station” where guests personalize their own slice — a fun, interactive addition to a Thanksgiving feast.

4. Mini Cream Puffs or Éclairs — Perfect for Large Gatherings

Costco’s frozen dessert section often carries mini cream puffs and chocolate éclairs, which are lifesavers if you’re running out of time or oven space. These bite-sized treats are ready to serve after thawing and require no baking or assembly.

Why These Work So Well

On a holiday known for heavy food, smaller desserts can feel refreshing. Cream puffs offer a light, airy option that still satisfies the sweet craving without overwhelming guests who may already be full from the main meal.

They’re also ideal for:

Children
Guests who prefer grazing
Dessert platters
Large celebrations

Their elegant presentation makes them look homemade or bakery-prepared even though you didn’t do any of the work.

Serving Suggestions

Arrange them in a tower for a croquembouche-style display
Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce
Dust lightly with powdered sugar
Serve with espresso or coffee for an after-dinner treat

If you want a dessert that can be beautifully displayed and easily eaten, these are a perfect option.

5. Costco Fruit Tart — The Fresh, Colorful, No-Bake Option

For guests who prefer something lighter and fruit-forward, Costco’s signature fruit tart is an excellent no-bake choice. It’s beautiful, colorful, and looks like it came straight from an upscale bakery.

Why It's Perfect for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving meals tend to be heavy, so having something light and refreshing on the dessert table can balance out the richness. The tart typically includes:

A crisp, buttery tart shell
Smooth pastry cream
Fresh fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and mandarin oranges
A shiny glaze that keeps everything looking vibrant

The freshness of the fruit and the coolness of the cream make it a natural finishing touch to a large holiday dinner.

Serving Enhancements

Chill for at least 1 hour before serving
Add extra fresh berries around the edges
Pair with a chilled dessert wine or sparkling water

It’s a dessert that requires no effort but looks like a gourmet creation.

Why Costco Desserts Are Perfect for Stress-Free Hosting

Thanksgiving hosts are often overwhelmed with tasks, and dessert should be the last thing causing anxiety. Costco offers several advantages that make it the go-to solution for holiday entertaining:

1. High Quality at Great Value

Costco desserts are made with premium ingredients but priced lower than most boutique bakeries. Feeding 10–20 people becomes affordable and convenient.

2. Consistency

You know exactly what you’re getting. Costco’s bakery items have consistent texture, flavor, and size — ideal for predictable planning.

3. Time Savings

Every dessert on this list requires:

No baking
No mixing
No decorating
Minimal cleanup

This frees you to focus on cooking, hosting, and enjoying the holiday.

4. Easy Transportation

The packaging is sturdy and travel-friendly, making Costco desserts ideal for potlucks or family gatherings.

5. A Variety That Appeals to Everyone

Between chocolate, fruit, cheesecake, and pumpkin, there’s something for every palate.

How to Build a Dessert Spread Using Only Costco Desserts

If you want to go all-out, you can assemble a restaurant-worthy dessert table using the five desserts above. Here’s how to create a balanced, visually appealing spread:

Step 1: Choose a Hero Dessert

This is your centerpiece — often the pumpkin pie or Tuxedo cake.

Step 2: Add Variety

Include different textures and flavors:

One fruit dessert
One chocolate dessert
One creamy dessert

Step 3: Offer Small Bite Options

Cream puffs or mini éclairs add elegance and accessibility.

Step 4: Add Garnishes

A few simple garnishes elevate everything:

Fresh mint
Powdered sugar
Drizzles of caramel or chocolate

Step 5: Use Multiple Serving Heights

Cake stands, platters, and raised tiers create a stunning visual effect.

Step 6: Light Candles or Add Seasonal Decor

Pumpkins, pinecones, and candles add that Thanksgiving atmosphere.

Final Thoughts: Effortless, Elegant, and Completely Delicious

Thanksgiving should be about gratitude, connection, and enjoying time with loved ones — not stressing in the kitchen. Costco makes it easy to serve desserts that look and taste extraordinary without requiring hours of baking or preparation.

Whether you choose the iconic pumpkin pie or go for something rich like the Tuxedo mousse cake, these five no-bake desserts offer everything you need to end your Thanksgiving meal on a sweet and memorable note.