Costco, a multinational corporation that operates a chain of membership-only warehouse clubs, has made its mark with its wide range of products and its delectable bakery items. The Costco Strawberries Cream Cake holds a special place, offering a compelling experience for dessert lovers. It’s a cake that combines the freshness of strawberries with the smoothness of cream, wrapped in a fluffy sponge that leaves you craving more.
This review takes an in-depth look at this popular Costco item, exploring its taste, texture, appearance, and overall value. Whether you’re a long-time fan or considering your first purchase, this Costco Strawberries and Cream bar Cake review promises to offer valuable insights.
Costco Strawberries & Cream Bar Cake Review
The Taste: A Symphony of Flavors
Regarding the taste of the Costco Strawberries and Cream Cake, ‘fantastic‘ is the word that comes to mind. You’re greeted with a delightful burst of flavors when you take your first bite. The sweetness of the strawberries perfectly complements the rich, velvety cream, creating a harmonious blend that is neither too sweet nor bland.
The strawberries used are always fresh and juicy, lending a natural fruitiness that cuts through the richness of the cream. Meanwhile, the cream is light and fluffy, offering a smoothness that contrasts beautifully with the slight tartness of the strawberries.
The cake base is subtly sweet and incredibly moist, wrapped in this symphony of flavors. It carries the flavors of the strawberries and cream well, soaking up the fruity juices and creamy richness without becoming soggy.
Every bite of the Costco Strawberries and Cream Cake is a celebration of well-balanced, delightful flavors. It’s a taste experience that impresses even the most discerning palates.
Exact Ingredients: A Detailed Breakdown
The Costco Strawberries and Cream bar Cake has high-quality ingredients, each contributing to its fantastic taste and texture. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Whipping Cream: This is the base for the creamy component of the cake, offering a rich, smooth texture. It contains cream, cellulose gel, carrageenan gum, and cellulose gum.
Strawberry Mixture: This includes water, sugar, strawberry puree, glucose, modified corn starch, natural flavors, strawberry juice concentrate, citric acid, pectin, fruit & vegetable juices for color, cellulose gum, guar gum, and carob bean gum. This mixture gives the cake its fresh strawberry flavor and sweetness.
Cake Base: The main components include sugar, enriched bleached flour (wheat flour, niacin, iron, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid), water, eggs, and canola oil. This results in a moist, fluffy, and subtly sweet sponge.
White Chocolate: Made from sugar, cocoa butter, dry whole milk, nonfat dry milk, soy lecithin, natural vanilla extract, and milkfat, the white chocolate adds a layer of decadence to the cake.
Leavening Agents: These include sodium acid pyrophosphate, sodium bicarbonate, monocalcium phosphate, and tetrasodium pyrophosphate. They ensure the cake rises appropriately and has a light, airy texture.
Additional Ingredients: Other ingredients include corn starch, calcium sulfate, modified corn starch, salt, sodium alginate, natural flavor, and white chocolate curls & dominos (containing sugar, cocoa butter, whole milk powder, lactose, soy lecithin, natural vanilla, and beetroot extract for color).
Icing: The icing is made from sugar, palm oil, and canola oil, shortening (interesterified soybean oil, soybean oil, fully hydrogenated cottonseed oil, mono-diglycerides, polysorbate 60), water, corn starch, nonfat dry milk, salt, natural & artificial flavor, and preservatives (TBHQ & citric acid).
Please note that this cake contains wheat, egg, milk, and soy allergens.
Each ingredient is crucial in creating the delicious Costco Strawberries and Cream Cake we love.
Pricing and Value
Price per Cake
The Costco Strawberries and Cream Cake costs $17.99. Considering the cake’s weight of approximately 3 pounds (2 pounds, 14 ounces as stated on the label), this is a generous size for a cake of this quality.
Comparisons with Other Similar Cakes
You can expect to get between 8-10 servings from this cake, depending on how thinly you slice it. If you’re more conservative with your slices, you might stretch it to 12 servings. This puts the cost at around $1.80-2.25 per serving.
While this might seem pricier compared to other items from the Costco bakery, it’s essential to consider the value you’re getting. The cake is delicious, made with high-quality ingredients, and crafted with care. Therefore, many would argue that despite being slightly “spendy,” it’s worth every penny.
Remember, value isn’t just about price; it’s also about the quality and experience you get for your money. And by those measures, the Costco Strawberries and Cream bar Cake offers excellent value.
Storing and Serving Suggestions for Costco Strawberries and Cream Cake
Freezing and Defrosting Tips
- Freezing: If you wish to freeze the cake, it’s best to maintain its freshness on the day of purchase. Before freezing, wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap, completely covering all sides. This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the cake moist. For an extra layer of protection, you can also cover the cake with aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-friendly container.
- Defrosting: When you’re ready to serve the cake, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Once the cake has melted in the fridge, you can bring it to room temperature on the counter before serving. Avoid thawing the cake directly from the freezer at room temperature, as this can lead to a soggy texture.
Occasion Suitability
Occasion suitability: The elegant design and delightful flavor profile of the Costco Strawberries and Cream bar Cake make it suitable for various occasions. It’s perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, holiday gatherings, or a special treat for a family dinner. Its light, fruity flavor makes it an excellent choice for spring and summer events.
Remember, presentation matters when serving a cake. Consider using a nice cake stand or platter and providing a sharp, clean knife for slicing. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can also make an excellent accompaniment.
Nutrition and Health Considerations
Overview of Nutritional Content
Here is the nutritional breakdown for a 2.7 oz serving of Costco’s Strawberries Cream Cake:
- Calories: 260 Kcal
- Calories from Fat: 117 Kcal
- Total Fat: 13g (20% of the daily value)
- Saturated Fat: 6g (30% of the daily value)
- Sodium: 230mg (10% of the daily value)
- Total Carbohydrates: 33g (11% of the daily value)
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 3g (6% of the daily value)
Please note that percentages are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Healthiness Rating
Given this nutritional information, on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the healthiest, the Costco Strawberries and Cream bar Cake might score around a 5. The cake has a high sugar content (25g per serving) and a significant amount of saturated fat (6g per serving). However, it does provide some protein (3g per serving).
Remember, indulging in a slice of cake now and then won’t derail a healthy eating plan, as long as you’re mindful of portion sizes and balance it with other nutritious foods throughout the day.
Final Verdict
The Costco Strawberries and Cream Cake is a delicious and visually appealing dessert that suits a variety of occasions. From its creamy texture to its fresh strawberry flavor, there’s a lot to love about this cake.
However, it’s essential to be mindful of its nutritional content. With a high sugar and fat content, this cake is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. If you’re watching your sugar or fat intake, consider smaller portions or look for alternative, healthier desserts.
In terms of storage, the cake freezes and defrosts well, making it a convenient option for planned events. It can cater to 8-10 people, making it a cost-effective choice for small gatherings.
Overall, the Costco Strawberries and Cream Cake could be a great choice if you’re looking for a tasty treat to share with friends and family and aren’t overly concerned about sugar and fat content. However, it may be worth exploring other options for those with specific dietary needs or health concerns.
Review scores
Taste (8.5/10): The cake has a delightful mix of flavors. The freshness of the strawberries, combined with the creaminess of the frosting, is appreciated, making it a delicious choice for dessert lovers.
Value (8/10): The cake provides good value for money. It’s a high-quality product can serve multiple people, making it a cost-effective choice for small gatherings.
Quality (9/10): The quality of the cake is high, with fresh ingredients and a well-balanced flavor profile.
Convenience (9.5/10): This cake scores high on convenience. It freezes and defrosts well, making it an excellent option for planned events or last-minute dessert needs.
Cost (7/10): While the cake is pricier than other options, the quality and taste justify the price.
Nutrition (5/10): Nutritionally, the cake has a high sugar and fat content. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Overall Satisfaction (8/10): The Costco Strawberries and Cream Cake is a hit. While it’s not the healthiest option, its taste, quality, convenience, and value make it a crowd-pleaser.
Remember, everyone’s tastes and dietary needs are different. What works for one person might not work for another. Always consider your personal preferences and health needs when choosing a dessert.
Video Review
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to the Costco Strawberries and Cream Cake
How should I store the Costco Strawberries and Cream Cake?
The cake should be stored in a cool, dry place if it’s going to be consumed within a day. If you plan on keeping it for longer, it’s best to refrigerate it to preserve its freshness. You can also freeze the cake if you want to keep it for an extended period.
How many people does the Costco Strawberries and Cream Bar Cake serve?
The cake is designed to serve around 8-10 people. This could vary depending on the size of the slices.
Is the Costco Strawberries and Cream Cake suitable for vegetarians?
As with any product, it’s always best to check the label for specific ingredients. Generally, this cake should be suitable for vegetarians as it doesn’t contain any meat products but may contain dairy.
Can I order the Costco Strawberries and Cream Bar Cake online?
Availability online depends on your location and the specific Costco warehouse. It’s best to check Costco’s website or call your local Costco for the most accurate information.
What is the nutritional content of the Costco Strawberries and Cream Cake?
For a 2.7 oz serving, the cake has 260 calories, 13g of fat, 33g of carbohydrates, and 3g of protein. It’s important to note that the cake is high in sugar and saturated fat.
Is the Costco Strawberries and Cream Cake gluten-free?
The cake is not marketed as gluten-free. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, it’s always best to check the label for specific ingredients or contact Costco directly.
Disclaimer
This review is based solely on my personal experience and opinion. There has been no compensation received from Costco, and there is no affiliation or connection with this company in any capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my opinion and not reflective or indicative of Costco’s official policies, positions, or product performance.
Alex
