Pumpkin Vs Apple: Which Is The Better Fall Costco Pie?

Costco has a revolving inventory that highlights each of the four seasons, but if you're a fan of autumnal flavors, right now is the perfect time to visit. Costco's fall rollout includes tons of festive finds, from butternut squash raviolis to pumpkin spice coffee creamer, but the real standouts are in the bakery department. This fall, Costco has brought back two iconic fall treats: the Kirkland Signature Pumpkin Pie and the Kirkland Signature Lattice Apple Pie. Both the pumpkin and apple pies weigh over 3 pounds each and could individually feed at least 10 people. 

As you peruse the bakery department, taking in the scent of sweet pastries and warming spices, it can be hard to choose which pie will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests. I opted to test out the Kirkland Signature Pumpkin Pie and Kirkland Signature Lattice Apple Pie to determine which fall Costco pie deserves a prime spot at your next dinner party.

Prices are as of the date of publication and may vary based on region.

To maintain consistency, I purchased both pies at the same time and consumed them within the same hour. As per the container instructions, I stored the pumpkin pie in the refrigerator and the apple pie on the countertop, as there were no refrigeration specifications listed. To serve, I microwaved a slice of apple pie until it was warm and brought the pumpkin pie to room temperature. 

Since both pies are completely different types, I mostly considered whether they had the specific qualities that make up a good pumpkin pie or apple pie, focusing on texture, consistency, and flavor. I also made note of the price in relation to quantity to determine which was a better value.

Although there are tons of creative store-bought pumpkin desserts, nothing beats a classic pumpkin pie. Costco sells its Kirkland Signature Pumpkin Pie for a few months out of the year. It has sold the pie for nearly 40 years and has racked up a loyal following in the process. It weighs 58 ounces and sells for $5.99, making it a real bang for your buck. 

I tried out a slice of this iconic pie at room temperature without adding any additional toppings. The slice of pie held its shape completely, and the texture was consistent from the tip to the crust's edge. Each bite was smooth, light, and custardy. Warm notes of cinnamon and nutmeg came through immediately, along with a uniform sweetness. There were hints of earthy squash flavor from pumpkin puree, but I wished this came through a bit stronger. The crust of the pie didn't get soggy, which was a huge plus, and it was well seasoned — the same thing our writer noted when they compared it to Sam's Club's pumpkin pie. There was a solid saltiness and a slight buttery flavor, even though vegetable shortening was used for the crust instead of butter. 

My main issue with the crust was that it crumbled immediately when I hit it with the fork. I wish it held its structure a bit better so that crispy chunks of crust could contrast with that smooth, velvety filling.

No dessert is as quintessentially American as apple pie. Many grocery store bakeries make their own versions of the classic apple pie, and Costco's Kirkland Signature brand sells one of the biggest. Its Lattice Apple Pie is a part of its fall lineup. The pie is pricier than the brand's Pumpkin Pie, selling for $12.99, but it's huge, weighing over 4 pounds 12 ounces. It could easily satisfy a full dinner party. It's also vegan-friendly, which is a bonus when feeding a crowd.

While I typically enjoy a warm slice of apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, for the review's sake, I tried it on its own, warmed slightly in the microwave. The slice of pie didn't completely hold its shape. The back crust collapsed upon plating, but the filling didn't spill out, which was a bonus. The slice was packed with layers of thinly sliced apples, which held their shape and had a slight bite that gave way to a tender, soft interior. The apples were coated in a sticky, semi-jammy sauce that was speckled with cinnamon. The cinnamon was the predominant spice that came through, and the sauce had a solid balance of tartness and sweetness. The overall flavor was simple but very effective. The crust can make or break an apple pie, but this one hit the mark. It maintained a crisp, flaky consistency even after it was microwaved, and had a sprinkling of sugar that elevated it even further.

When it comes to pies, I have to give Costco its flowers. I thoroughly enjoyed both of these festive fall desserts and would easily purchase them again. But based on my comparison of each pie to its respective variety, I have to say that the Kirkland Signature Lattice Apple Pie veered ever so slightly ahead of the pumpkin.

While the pumpkin pie is sold at a phenomenal price point with no prep time necessary, the crust was too crumbly for my liking, and I yearned for a stronger pumpkin flavor profile. On the other hand, the apple pie had a flaky, flavorful crust and a well-balanced sweet and tangy filling that coated layers of perfectly cooked apples. At Thanksgiving dinner, I typically go straight for the pumpkin pie. To my surprise, as I wrote this review, I found myself subconsciously going back to the apple pie for just one more bite, and then another, until the plate was clean. This solidified the apple pie as the superior option. On your next Costco trip, make sure to snag a Lattice Apple Pie before the season is over. It is well worth it.