I always make a concerted effort to adhere to my shopping list whenever I step foot into Costco. “It’s only the essentials today,” I repeat to myself as I navigate past the tempting bakery section. “Do I really need a whole cheesecake?” I ponder aloud while impulsively adding the Kirkland Signature Cherry Topped Cheesecake to my cart. Intrigued by the discussions I had come across regarding this particular cheesecake on a Costco Reddit thread, and considering my previous adoration for Costco’s Mixed Berry Streusel Cheesecake, I simply couldn’t resist the urge to sample the cherry-topped variant.
Returning home with my Kirkland Signature butter, frozen potstickers, and ground beef, I couldn’t help but wonder if I had made a regrettable $22.99 splurge on a cheesecake that wasn’t even on my original list.
Kirkland Signature Cherry-Topped Cheesecake
Price: $22.99 for a 6-pound cheesecake
Why It Has Won My Heart: The cheesecake boasts a rich flavor profile without veering into overpowering sweetness. The sweet-tart cherry topping harmoniously complements the delicate sour cream-meets-whipped cream border.
Presented by Simply Recipes/ Costco
Costco’s Kirkland Signature Cherry-Topped Cheesecake: An Instant Hit
While the $23 price tag may seem steep for a cheesecake, this nearly six-pound confection easily serves a crowd of at least 15 and makes for a stunning centerpiece on any dessert table. The classic Costco cheesecake base is a decadent delight, featuring a buttery and slightly soft graham cracker crust. However, it is truly the cherry topping hugged by the sour cream-meets-whipped-cream border that sets this dessert apart.
While I typically approach cherry desserts with caution due to their tendency to be overly sweet or artificial in taste, Costco’s cherry topping encapsulates the essence of this stone fruit beautifully. The topping strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and tartness, boasting a delightful syrupy consistency without being overly dense. The addition of a touch of sour cream along the cake’s edge impeccably counterbalances the richness of the cheesecake layer.
This cherry cheesecake is ideal for festive gatherings such as Valentine’s Day, Easter, graduations, or baby showers, yet it can also be conveniently frozen for smaller households like mine. After savoring slices for dessert on one occasion, I proceeded to slice the remaining cake into eight portions and freeze them on a parchment-lined tray before transferring them to an airtight container for extended storage.
Now, I have the luxury of indulging in a slice of this exquisite cheesecake any evening by simply allowing it to thaw on a plate for 15 minutes. Rest assured, the next time I venture to Costco in search of basics, this cherry cheesecake will undoubtedly secure a prime spot on my essential items list.
