Costco’s bakery section has done it again with their latest limited edition masterpiece – the Kirkland Signature Tiramisu Cheesecake. This mammoth 4.5-pound dessert combines two beloved classics into one show-stopping treat that’s taking social media by storm. Priced at just $23.99 (about $2 per serving), this rotating bakery item offers exceptional value while delivering the rich flavors of cold brew coffee-infused cheesecake layered with mascarpone cream. The dessert has already generated significant buzz among Costco enthusiasts and dessert lovers alike, with many rushing to their local warehouses to snag this indulgent creation before it disappears.
A Delicious Fusion of Two Classic Desserts
The Kirkland Signature Tiramisu Cheesecake represents a beautiful marriage between traditional cheesecake and Italian tiramisu. Unlike many fusion desserts that fail to capture the essence of their inspirations, this creation successfully honors both classics while creating something entirely new. I’m particularly impressed by how Costco’s bakery team balanced these distinctive flavor profiles without one overwhelming the other.
What makes this dessert special is its thoughtful layered composition. The foundation starts with a quarter-inch thick graham cracker and cocoa crust that delivers a mocha-meets-burnt-caramel flavor. This provides the perfect base for the star attraction – a velvety, creamy cold brew coffee-infused cheesecake that’s rich without being overpowering. The dessert is then crowned with an airy mascarpone whipped cream topping and a light dusting of cocoa powder for that authentic tiramisu finish.
Mara Weinraub, Director of Groceries & Shopping at The Kitchn, noted, “The first two ingredients are cream cheese and mascarpone cream, so I knew right away this cheesecake would be rich.” This combination of premium ingredients is what elevates the dessert beyond standard store-bought alternatives. If you enjoy making desserts at home, you might want to check out my tiramisu cold brew coffee cheesecake recipe for a DIY version.
The genius of this dessert is how it manages to be both familiar and novel. Each bite delivers the tangy creaminess expected from a quality cheesecake, alongside the coffee notes and light texture associated with traditional tiramisu. At approximately 12 servings per cake, it’s ideal for family gatherings or dinner parties where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
How It Differs From Traditional Tiramisu
While this fusion dessert captures the essence of tiramisu, it diverges from tradition in several key ways. Traditional Italian tiramisu typically features layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers alternating with mascarpone cream and dusted with cocoa powder. It often contains some form of alcohol such as Marsala wine, Cognac, or coffee liqueur to enhance the coffee flavor.
Costco’s version skips the ladyfingers and alcohol entirely, instead incorporating the coffee flavor directly into the cheesecake base. This makes it more family-friendly and accessible to those who might not appreciate the alcoholic undertones of traditional tiramisu. The result is a dessert that’s less about distinct layers and more about a harmonious blend of flavors throughout.
Despite these differences, the cheesecake still delivers the core flavors that tiramisu lovers crave. The cold brew coffee infusion provides that essential coffee kick, while the mascarpone cream elements maintain the authentic Italian character. The cocoa dusting on top completes the visual and flavor connection to its inspiration.
For those who enjoy exploring different takes on classic desserts, this interpretation offers a delightful twist. It’s perfect for anyone who finds traditional tiramisu too boozy or soggy but still appreciates those signature coffee and cream flavors. Costco has been expanding its specialty food partnerships recently, similar to the Chi Forest Costco partnership that brought unique Asian beverages to members.
Social Media Sensation and Consumer Reviews
This limited-edition dessert has quickly become a social media phenomenon. An Instagram post by @costcohotfinds featuring the Tiramisu Cheesecake racked up over 138,000 likes, with comments sections filled with enthusiastic Costco members planning special trips just to hunt down this bakery treasure. The visual appeal of the cake—with its perfect layers and professional finish—makes it highly “Instagrammable.”
Consumer reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. The Sushi Guy, a well-known Costco fanatic and food reviewer, gave the dessert an impressive 9.7 out of 10 rating. He described it as the second-best dessert currently available at Costco, coming in just behind the popular Tuxedo Mousse Cake. Many reviewers specifically praise the balance of flavors and the generous portion size relative to the price point.
What’s particularly notable in customer feedback is the appreciation for the distinct flavor layers. Many reviewers mention how each component—the crust, filling, and topping—can be tasted individually while still working harmoniously together. This attention to detail is often what separates premium desserts from more basic options.
Even those who typically prefer traditional tiramisu have expressed pleasant surprise at how well this fusion works. If you’re looking to try other dessert options from Costco, you might want to explore their frozen dessert selection which offers convenient options you can enjoy anytime without worrying about limited availability.
Availability and How to Find It
The Kirkland Signature Tiramisu Cheesecake is classified as a limited time, rotating bakery item (product number: 1869784). This means it isn’t part of Costco’s permanent bakery lineup and may appear and disappear from stores unpredictably. Currently, it has been spotted in Costco locations across Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, and Texas.
If you’re determined to try this dessert, I recommend calling your local Costco bakery department directly to check availability before making a special trip. The regional distribution of specialty bakery items can vary significantly, and some warehouses may receive smaller quantities than others. Costco’s expanding partnerships with specialty food providers, like their US expansion with Chi Forest, show how the warehouse club continues to diversify its offerings.
For those who don’t currently have a Costco membership, this might be the perfect excuse to join. Current membership deals include a Gold Star Membership plus a $20 Digital Shop Card for $65, or the Executive Gold Star Membership plus a $40 Shop Card for $130. The Executive membership might be worth considering if you plan to make Costco a regular shopping destination, as it offers 2% cash back rewards on qualified purchases.
You can check Costco warehouse locations near you at their official website (costco.com/warehouse-locations) and sign up for membership at costco.com/join-costco.html. Many members find that the bakery section alone justifies the annual membership fee, especially when limited-edition items like this cheesecake become available. Unlike some store-bought desserts that have faced quality issues, such as the recent Target cheesecake recall, Costco’s bakery maintains strict quality controls.
Value Proposition: Is It Worth It?
At $23.99 for a 4.5-pound dessert that serves approximately 12 people, the Kirkland Signature Tiramisu Cheesecake offers exceptional value compared to specialty bakeries. Breaking this down to about $2 per serving, it’s significantly less expensive than similar desserts from upscale patisseries, which often charge $6-10 per slice.
The quality of ingredients is another factor that makes this dessert worth considering. Using real mascarpone cheese (traditionally more expensive than regular cream cheese) and cold brew coffee rather than instant coffee flavoring demonstrates Costco’s commitment to quality without compromising on value. For those who enjoy entertaining or large families, the generous size eliminates the need to purchase multiple smaller desserts.
Beyond just the price-to-size ratio, there’s also the convenience factor to consider. Creating a tiramisu cheesecake from scratch would require numerous ingredients, specialized equipment, and several hours of preparation time. For busy home cooks who still want to impress guests with something special, this ready-made option hits the sweet spot between convenience and indulgence.
I find that the limited-edition nature of this item also adds to its appeal. There’s something exciting about trying a dessert that might not be available next month, which makes the purchase feel more like a special treat. If you’re a fan of unique food finds, don’t forget to submit your dessert recipe to be featured on our site and share your own culinary discoveries.
Other Costco Bakery Gems Worth Trying
While the Tiramisu Cheesecake is getting all the attention right now, Costco’s bakery section boasts several other noteworthy desserts that deserve recognition. If you can’t find the Tiramisu Cheesecake at your local warehouse, or you’re simply looking to expand your dessert horizons, consider these fan favorites.
The Tuxedo Mousse Cake frequently tops Costco bakery rankings and consists of layers of chocolate cake, white chocolate mousse, and dark chocolate mousse. For those who prefer a more straightforward version of tiramisu, the Tiramisu Bar Cake offers a more traditional interpretation with actual ladyfinger layers. Oreo Cheesecakes provide another unique spin on the classic cheesecake formula, incorporating everyone’s favorite sandwich cookie.
For morning indulgences, don’t overlook Costco’s almond croissants, which deliver buttery, flaky layers with a generous filling of almond paste. If you’re planning for a special occasion, David’s Cookies Mile High Peanut Butter Cake creates an impressive centerpiece with its towering chocolate-peanut butter construction. I always recommend checking the bakery section during each Costco visit as the rotating selection means there’s often something new to discover.
Whether you’re shopping for a family dessert or preparing for a special occasion, Costco’s bakery section consistently delivers quality that rivals dedicated bakeries at fraction of the cost. For those interested in finding more unique food items, consider supporting local businesses by taking a moment to submit a favorite local dessert shop to our business directory. And if you’re proud of your foodie lifestyle, don’t forget to check out our churro & foodie-themed apparel shop for stylish ways to celebrate your dessert enthusiasm!