Sure! Here’s a full recipe with everything you asked for, including the history, method, and some love sprinkled throughout. This is for a delicious homemade Costco-style cake that you’ll love to make—and even more to eat!
The Homemade Costco Cake: A Delicious Twist on a Classic
Introduction
If you’ve ever stepped into a Costco store, you’ve likely been greeted by the legendary Costco sheet cake. Soft, fluffy, and loaded with sweet frosting, it’s a treat that’s become a favorite for birthdays, celebrations, or even just a random indulgence. But why not bring that joy into your own kitchen?
Here’s a homemade version that captures all the flavors you adore, with a few tweaks to make it even more personal. This recipe blends the best of Costco’s cake and your own kitchen love to create something truly spectacular. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a birthday, or just because you love cake (we totally understand), this one is guaranteed to satisfy.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp heavy cream (optional for desired consistency)
Optional Cake Flavoring Add-ins:
- 1 tbsp lemon zest or orange zest (for a citrus twist)
- ½ cup shredded coconut (for a tropical flair)
- 1 tsp almond extract (to enhance flavor)
History of the Costco Cake
Costco cakes are a nostalgic part of many people’s lives. They’ve been around since the 1980s and became famous for their simple, yet irresistible flavor. Known for their huge size and reasonably low price, these cakes have been a staple for parties and special events, particularly due to the generous servings and rich buttercream frosting.
The Costco cake has earned its reputation with its soft texture and not-too-sweet frosting, making it a crowd favorite. But the best part is that it’s so versatile—you can personalize it with different flavors, fillings, or toppings to match any celebration. This homemade version keeps the spirit of the original, with a few personal touches to make it uniquely yours!
Method & Instructions
Making the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans or one large rectangular pan with butter or non-stick spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper for extra ease when removing the cakes.
- Cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer). This is the secret to a light, airy texture!
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures the eggs fully incorporate into the batter, giving you a smooth and consistent texture.
- Mix in the vanilla extract. If you’re adding any other flavorings (like almond extract or citrus zest), now’s the time to add them.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture (this helps the cake stay moist). Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Tap them gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Frosting:
- Beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy (around 2-3 minutes). This will be the base of your rich, creamy frosting.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing until smooth. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure even mixing.
- Add vanilla extract and a tablespoon of heavy cream if you’d like a slightly softer, more spreadable frosting. If you want it thicker, just omit the cream.
- Beat on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy. This frosting will hold up well on the cake and give you that signature, slightly firm texture that Costco cakes are known for.
Assembling the Cake:
- Once the cakes are fully cooled, place one layer on your serving platter or cake board. Use an offset spatula to spread a generous layer of frosting over the top.
- Place the second layer on top, and apply a thin crumb coat of frosting to seal in any loose crumbs. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to set the crumb coat.
- Frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing the edges and top to your desired look. You can decorate with sprinkles, edible flowers, or even fresh fruit to make it more festive.
- For a Costco-inspired finish, you can use a piping bag with a star tip to create decorative borders around the edges of the cake.
Formation and Finishing Touches:
When forming the cake, it’s essential to keep the layers even and neat. A pro tip: if you’re making a larger batch, you can even cut your cake layers horizontally to create more layers (similar to Costco’s signature look). This gives the cake extra height and makes for more frosting per slice!
The beauty of this homemade Costco cake is that it’s both impressive and easy to make. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced one, you’ll love the results—and the reactions when you share it!
Conclusion: The Love of Homemade Cake
At the end of the day, there’s something undeniably special about baking a cake at home. It’s the heart you put into it, the smiles around the table, and the joy of sharing something you’ve created with your own hands. Whether you’re recreating the beloved Costco cake or experimenting with your own twists, this homemade cake is sure to be a hit with anyone lucky enough to taste it.
Just like the Costco cake has a place in the hearts of many, so too will this homemade version, with a little love and extra care in every bite.
Lovers of the Cake: Who Will Love This Recipe?
- Families will adore it for birthdays, anniversaries, and even just because it’s a great treat to share.
- Cakes-for-every-occasion fans—this is perfect for any holiday or casual gathering.
- Those who love Costco cake but want to add their own personal touch to it.
- Anyone who loves baking from scratch—this recipe is beginner-friendly but can easily be dressed up for more advanced bakers.
If you’re looking for a cake that says “I love you” in every bite, this one’s for you.
Enjoy baking and eating your very own homemade Costco-style cake! Let me know if you have any questions along the way! 😊