Costco members across the region are lining up at food courts to try the newly launched Vanilla Apple Pie Sundae, a $2.99 seasonal dessert that is generating considerable buzz — though not everyone is convinced.
The treat, which debuted this fall, combines vanilla soft serve ice cream with apple pie filling and crispy cinnamon-sugar pie crust pieces. It arrives as part of Costco's rotating seasonal menu strategy, following June's Strawberry Shortcake Sundae.
The response at local Costco locations has been mixed. Social media chatter from shoppers reveals enthusiasm tempered by specific critiques about execution and missing ingredients.
"Apple pie and soft serve is such a perfect combo. Costco knows how to make a simple dessert tempting," one shopper posted online, reflecting sentiments from many who see the sundae as solid value at under three dollars.
But others aren't satisfied. Several Costco members have pointed to the absence of caramel sauce as a significant oversight. "I am surprised there's no caramel added. Seems like a miss," one commenter wrote, with multiple shoppers agreeing that the sundae feels incomplete without it.
One member who sampled the item noted the flavor profile didn't land: "Had it yesterday. It's missing something," they posted, suggesting caramel would elevate the dessert.
The sundae's release coincides with Costco's revival of another fan favorite. After roughly two years of absence, Twisted Churros — the cinnamon and sugar-dusted fried treat — returned to food courts last month on a limited basis. Some shoppers have suggested creative mashups: "Ok but what if you use a churro as a spoon to eat this?" one member suggested.
Costco's seasonal menu strategy appears designed to maintain food court traffic and generate word-of-mouth excitement among its membership base. By rotating offerings throughout the year, the company keeps the food court experience feeling fresh while building anticipation for future items.
Local members are already looking ahead. Several have suggested Costco capitalize on fall's extended season by introducing a pumpkin-flavored ice cream or dedicated pumpkin pie sundae option before winter.
The sundae is available for a limited time at local Costco food courts. Whether it becomes a permanent fixture may ultimately depend on whether management addresses member feedback about missing ingredients.
