These supermarket desserts aren’t just backups—they’re main event-worthy.
Thanksgiving desserts have long been a battle of tradition versus convenience. For decades, Grandma’s pie reigned supreme—a flaky, buttery crust paired with a perfectly spiced filling, made with care and, admittedly, a fair share of unsolicited commentary about how you’re “doing it wrong.” But times have changed. While we all love a nostalgic pie moment, sometimes grabbing a dessert from the store is just smarter, tastier, and let’s face it, less stressful.
Whole Foods’ Berry Chantilly Cake
Credit: Axios
This cake has become a cult favorite for a reason. Layers of fluffy white cake are sandwiched with light Chantilly cream and fresh berries for a dessert that’s equal parts elegant and comforting. While Whole Foods recently swapped out the fresh fruit filling for jam in their grab-and-go slices, the full-size cake still delivers all the original magic—perfect for a Friendsgiving centerpiece.
Costco’s Maple Butter Crunch Bar Cake
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This seasonal marvel combines vanilla sponge, maple mousse, and a crunchy pecan layer for a dessert that’s the perfect mix of light and indulgent. Finished with brown butter mousse, it’s the fall dessert you didn’t know you needed. At $18.99, it’s a steal for something that looks and tastes like it belongs in a boutique bakery.
Trader Joe’s Nantucket Style Cranberry Pie
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This tart, buttery pie is a seasonal favorite that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. The cranberries bring a sharp, tangy burst, while the walnut-studded cobbler crust gives it a rustic charm. Pair it with Trader Joe’s Salted Maple Ice Cream for an easy upgrade that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Costco Pumpkin Cheesecake
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This nearly five-pound cheesecake is a dessert juggernaut. With a graham cracker crust, creamy pumpkin filling, and a spiced sour cream topping, it’s the ultimate way to feed a crowd without breaking a sweat. Plus, at $19.99, it’s priced to impress.
Posh Pantry’s Butter Pecan Bundt Cake at Costco
Credit: Southern Living
This Bundt cake is everything you love about Southern desserts: brown sugar, toasted pecans, and a velvety toffee buttercream that brings it all together. At just $11, it’s the easiest way to add a semi-homemade touch to your Thanksgiving spread. Pro tip: toss on some candied pecans for extra flair.
Whole Foods’ “The Pie”
Credit: Food & Wine
This isn’t your average pie. Whole Foods’ latest creation combines cranberry compote, spiced brown butter almond frangipane, and heirloom apple slices for a dessert that feels more Parisian patisserie than American tradition. Yes, it’s $60, but it comes with a reusable ceramic pie plate—and a whole lot of bragging rights.
Costco Pumpkin Pie
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It’s massive, it’s iconic, and at $5.99, it’s the best bang for your buck. With a lightly spiced pumpkin filling and a flaky crust, this pie might not be handmade, but it’s a staple for a reason. The fact that Costco sells six million of these every fall should tell you all you need to know.
Aldi’s Holiday Gelato Flights
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Pumpkin pie gelato? Eggnog? Candy cane? Aldi’s seasonal gelato flights make dessert feel playful and festive. Each pack includes multiple flavors for just $3.99, making it an easy choice for when you want to skip baking but still impress.
Whole Foods Take-And-Bake Cinnamon Rolls
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Warm, gooey cinnamon rolls fresh out of your own oven, without the hassle of making dough from scratch. At $7.99 for a pack of four, these rolls are an indulgent addition to any dessert lineup. Don’t forget the cream cheese icing—it’s sold separately, but it’s absolutely essential.
Magnolia Bakery’s Frozen Banana Pudding
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Banana pudding, but make it modern. Magnolia Bakery’s frozen-to-thaw version keeps all the flavor of their iconic fresh dessert while solving the age-old problem of mushy bananas. Available in multiple flavors, it’s a creamy, nostalgic treat that feels fancy enough for a holiday table without any effort on your part.
