Costco’s September Bakery Drop: Delicious New Treats and Recipes!
Costco, the warehouse giant, is known for its bulk buys, incredible deals, and surprisingly delicious bakery section. September brought a wave of new and exciting bakery items to Costco shelves, and we’re here to break down the best of the best, alongside inspiring recipe ideas to make the most of these tempting treats. From sweet breakfast options to decadent desserts, we’ll explore how to incorporate these Costco finds into your everyday meals and special occasions.
What’s New in Costco’s Bakery This September?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s take a look at some of the standout bakery items that have hit Costco stores this month. Please note that availability may vary by location, so it’s always a good idea to check with your local Costco.
* **Apple Streusel Muffins:** These massive muffins are packed with chunks of apple and topped with a crunchy streusel. Perfect for a quick breakfast or afternoon snack.
* **Pumpkin Streusel Muffins:** A seasonal favorite, these muffins bring the taste of fall to your table with pumpkin spice and a sweet streusel topping.
* **Chocolate Chunk Cookies:** Classic and comforting, these cookies are loaded with generous chunks of chocolate.
* **Tuxedo Cake:** A layered chocolate and vanilla cake with a rich ganache, perfect for celebrations.
* **Lemon Blueberry Loaf:** A moist and tangy loaf cake studded with blueberries and a bright lemon glaze.
* **Croissant Variety Pack:** This pack often includes a mix of plain, chocolate, and almond croissants, offering something for everyone.
* **Mini Cakes(Varied Flavors):** Single serving cakes which contain various flavor options depending on the season and location.
Recipe Ideas Using Costco’s New Bakery Items
Now for the fun part! Here are some creative and delicious recipe ideas to elevate your Costco bakery finds:
1. Apple Streusel Muffin French Toast Casserole
This recipe transforms Costco’s Apple Streusel Muffins into a decadent and easy-to-make French toast casserole. It’s perfect for weekend brunch or a special holiday breakfast.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 Costco Apple Streusel Muffins, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 8 large eggs
* 1 1/2 cups milk
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* Pinch of salt
* Optional: Maple syrup, whipped cream, fresh berries for topping
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Muffins:** Cut the Costco Apple Streusel Muffins into 1-inch cubes. Spread the muffin cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet and let them sit out for about 30 minutes to dry out slightly. This will help them absorb the custard better.
2. **Make the Custard:** In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
3. **Assemble the Casserole:** Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place the muffin cubes in the prepared baking dish in an even layer. Pour the custard mixture over the muffin cubes, making sure to saturate them evenly. Gently press down on the muffins to help them absorb the custard.
4. **Refrigerate (Optional):** For best results, cover the casserole with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight. This allows the muffins to fully absorb the custard and results in a richer, more flavorful casserole. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but the casserole may be a little less moist.
5. **Bake:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator (if refrigerated) and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes while the oven preheats. Bake the casserole for 40-45 minutes, or until it is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
6. **Cool and Serve:** Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup, top with whipped cream, and garnish with fresh berries, if desired. Enjoy!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add Nuts:** Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the muffin cubes before pouring the custard for added crunch and flavor.
* **Use Different Spices:** Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to customize the flavor profile.
* **Add Fruit:** Incorporate other fruits like sliced apples, pears, or cranberries for extra flavor and texture.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free muffins instead of regular muffins to make this casserole gluten-free.
2. Pumpkin Streusel Muffin Parfaits
Create a delightful fall-themed parfait using Costco’s Pumpkin Streusel Muffins. This is a simple and elegant dessert or snack that’s perfect for entertaining.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 Costco Pumpkin Streusel Muffins, crumbled
* 16 oz Vanilla Greek Yogurt
* 1/2 cup Pumpkin Puree
* 1/4 cup Honey
* 1 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
* 1/4 cup chopped pecans
* Optional: Whipped cream, caramel sauce
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Muffins:** Crumble the Costco Pumpkin Streusel Muffins into small pieces.
2. **Prepare the Yogurt:** In a bowl, mix the greek yogurt, pumpkin puree, honey, and pumpkin pie spice until everything is well combined.
3. **Assemble the Parfaits:** In glasses or parfait dishes, layer the crumbled muffins, spiced pumpkin yogurt, and chopped pecans. Repeat the layers until the glasses are filled.
4. **Chill and Serve:** Refrigerate the parfaits for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce, if desired. Enjoy!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add granola:** Layer granola with the muffins and yogurt for added crunch.
* **Use different yogurt:** Substitute Greek yogurt with regular yogurt, coconut yogurt, or any other yogurt you prefer.
* **Add fruit:** Incorporate fruits like cranberries, chopped apples, or pears for a more complex flavor.
* **Make it vegan:** Use vegan yogurt and vegan pumpkin muffins to make this parfait vegan.
3. Chocolate Chunk Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Upgrade your ice cream sandwich game with Costco’s Chocolate Chunk Cookies. This is a classic treat that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
**Ingredients:**
* 8 Costco Chocolate Chunk Cookies
* 1 pint your favorite ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, or cookies and cream work well)
* Optional: Sprinkles, chocolate shavings, chopped nuts
**Instructions:**
1. **Soften the Ice Cream:** Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes to soften slightly. This will make it easier to spread.
2. **Prepare the Cookies:** If the cookies are very hard, you can microwave them for a few seconds to soften them slightly (be careful not to melt the chocolate).
3. **Assemble the Sandwiches:** Place four cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread a layer of softened ice cream on top of each cookie. Top with the remaining cookies, pressing down gently to create sandwiches.
4. **Freeze:** Wrap each ice cream sandwich in plastic wrap and freeze for at least 30 minutes to allow the ice cream to harden.
5. **Decorate and Serve:** Before serving, roll the ice cream sandwiches in sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or chopped nuts, if desired. Enjoy!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Use different cookies:** Experiment with other Costco cookies, like the snickerdoodles or oatmeal raisin cookies.
* **Use different ice cream flavors:** Try different ice cream flavors like mint chocolate chip, peanut butter cup, or strawberry.
* **Add a sauce:** Drizzle the ice cream sandwiches with chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or hot fudge.
* **Make it a sundae:** Crumble the cookies and use them as a topping for an ice cream sundae.
4. Tuxedo Cake Trifle
Transform Costco’s Tuxedo Cake into an elegant trifle. This dessert is visually stunning and incredibly delicious, perfect for special occasions.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Costco Tuxedo Cake, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1 (8 oz) container mascarpone cheese
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 cup coffee liqueur or strong brewed coffee
* Chocolate shavings for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Cake:** Cut the Costco Tuxedo Cake into 1-inch cubes.
2. **Make the Mascarpone Cream:** In a large bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
3. **Assemble the Trifle:** In a large trifle bowl or individual glasses, layer the cake cubes, mascarpone cream, and coffee liqueur (or coffee). Repeat the layers until the bowl is filled.
4. **Chill:** Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
5. **Garnish and Serve:** Before serving, garnish with chocolate shavings. Enjoy!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add berries:** Layer fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries with the cake and cream.
* **Use different liqueurs:** Experiment with different liqueurs like amaretto, Kahlua, or Grand Marnier.
* **Add chocolate sauce:** Drizzle chocolate sauce over the cake layers for added richness.
* **Make it a parfait:** Assemble the trifle in individual parfait glasses for a more elegant presentation.
5. Lemon Blueberry Loaf Grilled Cheese
For a sweet and savory twist, turn Costco’s Lemon Blueberry Loaf into a grilled cheese sandwich with a unique flavor profile.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 slices Costco Lemon Blueberry Loaf
* 2 slices Brie cheese
* 2 tablespoons butter, softened
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Bread:** Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of the Lemon Blueberry Loaf.
2. **Assemble the Sandwich:** Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in a skillet over medium heat. Top with the Brie cheese slices. Top with the second slice of bread, butter-side up.
3. **Grill the Sandwich:** Cook the sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
4. **Serve:** Cut the grilled cheese sandwich in half and serve immediately. Enjoy!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add a drizzle of honey:** Drizzle honey on the bread before grilling for added sweetness.
* **Add prosciutto:** Layer prosciutto with the Brie cheese for a salty and savory contrast.
* **Use different cheeses:** Experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese, cream cheese, or Gruyere.
* **Add balsamic glaze:** Drizzle balsamic glaze over the grilled cheese for a tangy and flavorful finish.
6. Croissant Bread Pudding
Transform day-old Costco croissants into a decadent bread pudding.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 Costco Croissants (plain or chocolate), cut into 1-inch pieces
* 4 large eggs
* 1 1/2 cups milk
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* Pinch of salt
* Optional: Raisins, chocolate chips, chopped nuts
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Croissants:** Cut the croissants into 1-inch pieces. Spread the croissant pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and let them sit out for about 30 minutes to dry out slightly.
2. **Make the Custard:** In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
3. **Assemble the Bread Pudding:** Grease a 8×8 inch baking dish. Place the croissant pieces in the prepared baking dish in an even layer. Sprinkle with raisins, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts, if desired. Pour the custard mixture over the croissant pieces, making sure to saturate them evenly. Gently press down on the croissants to help them absorb the custard.
4. **Refrigerate (Optional):** For best results, cover the bread pudding with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight. This allows the croissants to fully absorb the custard and results in a richer, more flavorful bread pudding. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but the bread pudding may be a little less moist.
5. **Bake:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the bread pudding from the refrigerator (if refrigerated) and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes while the oven preheats. Bake the bread pudding for 35-40 minutes, or until it is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
6. **Cool and Serve:** Let the bread pudding cool for a few minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce, if desired. Enjoy!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add different spices:** Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to customize the flavor profile.
* **Use different types of milk:** Substitute regular milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk.
* **Add fruit:** Incorporate other fruits like sliced apples, pears, or berries for extra flavor and texture.
* **Make it savory:** Omit the sugar and cinnamon and add savory ingredients like cheese, ham, or spinach for a savory bread pudding.
7. Mini Cake Milkshakes
Blend mini cakes to craft flavorful milkshakes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Costco Mini Cake (any flavor)
* 1 1/2 cups milk (or milk alternative)
* 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
* Optional: Whipped cream, sprinkles, cherries for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Cake:** Crumble the Costco Mini Cake into smaller pieces.
2. **Blend:** In a blender, combine the crumbled mini cake, milk, and vanilla ice cream.
3. **Blend Until Smooth:** Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the milkshake and add more milk or ice cream to adjust the consistency and sweetness to your liking.
5. **Pour and Garnish:** Pour the milkshake into a glass. Top with whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry for garnish, if desired.
6. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the milkshake immediately and enjoy!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Use different ice cream flavors:** Experiment with different ice cream flavors that complement the cake flavor.
* **Add toppings:** Incorporate sauces, nuts, candies, or fruit.
* **Make it vegan:** Use plant-based milk and ice cream, plus a vegan mini cake.
* **Get creative:** Try new combinations like chocolate cake with peanut butter ice cream
Conclusion
Costco’s September bakery drop offers a fantastic array of treats that can be enjoyed as is or transformed into something even more special. With a little creativity, you can use these bakery items to create delicious breakfasts, desserts, and snacks that will impress your family and friends. So, head to your local Costco and explore the new bakery offerings – you might just discover your new favorite treat!