Costco Just Dropped a New Dessert in Time for July 4—Is It Worth It?

Just ahead of the Fourth of July, Costco has introduced a new waffle cone bar cake, an oversized dessert which has the look and flavour of a classic ice cream cone—without the risk of melting in the summer heat. 

Priced at around $18.99, the cake is low-cost and big enough to feed a crowd.  That makes it a perfect contender for backyard barbecues, pool parties, and July 4 holiday gatherings. 

What’s Actually in the Cake?

Despite the “ice cream” buzz, this isn’t a frozen dessert. 

Costco has recreated the taste of ice cream, but in cake form. The waffle cone bar cake features sponge cake layers, rich creamy filling, drizzled with chocolate and caramel, and topped with mini chocolate-filled waffle cones for a crowd-pleasing finish. 

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Like other Costco bar cakes, it’s easy to slice and share, and is heavy on filling compared to the cake itself.

The result is something that looks like a mashup between a sheet cake and an ice cream sundae—arguably ideal for July 4, when traditional ice cream cakes can quickly turn into a melted mess once they leave the freezer.

Why It Works for July 4 Celebrations

If you’re hosting a Fourth of July cookout, dessert can be one of the trickier elements to get right. 

Ice cream is always a crowd-pleaser, but it doesn’t work in hot weather. Cakes are easier, but they don’t always feel seasonal.

Costco’s new offering threads the needle. You get the nostalgic flavour profile of waffle cones, chocolate, and ice-creamy filling, but in a format that can sit out on a table during a long afternoon of grilling and celebrating.

What Shoppers Are Saying

Early reactions online suggest Costco has another hit on its hands. 

Shoppers seem torn between excitement and restraint. “The problem is the price because I’d want to buy two,” one commenter joked. Another said, “This tastes just like ice cream—no joke!”

Others have raised small concerns—mainly around whether the waffle cones could turn soggy over time—but early feedback from those who’ve tried it suggests they hold up better than expected, staying “very crunchy,” according to responses circulating online. 

There are also some concerns over the ingredients: “Costco needs to start using better-for-you ingredients in the cakes,” and “Why can't they actually make clean stuff?”

As with most Costco bakery items, availability appears to be limited and location-dependent, at least for now, meaning you may need to check your local store before building your July 4 menu around it. 

So…Is It Worth It?

Whether this cake is worth picking up depends on what you’re looking for.

From a value standpoint, it’s hard to argue with the price. Feeding a group for under $20 is a classic expectation among Costco shoppers, and the “wow” factor adds extra appeal.

On the flip side, this is clearly an indulgent dessert. It’s rich, heavy on cream and toppings, and not exactly something you’d classify as a light summer treat. If you prefer simpler options or are watching what you eat, it might not be the best fit.

But for a July 4 party dessert that’s easy, shareable, and built for hot weather, it checks a lot of boxes. It delivers the flavour of an ice cream cone without the logistical headache—and for many hosts, that alone could make it worth adding to the cart.

Bottom line: If you’re already heading to Costco before the holiday, this new cake is a low-risk, high-reward pickup. It’s not revolutionary—but as a crowd-pleasing shortcut for summer entertaining, it might be exactly what you need.

source https://www.mensjournal.com/news/costco-just-dropped-a-new-dessert-in-time-for-july-4-is-it-worth-it