{"id":13590,"date":"2026-03-14T16:22:14","date_gmt":"2026-03-14T20:22:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/snarklesauce.com\/blog\/?p=13590"},"modified":"2026-03-14T16:22:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-14T20:22:16","slug":"costco-lemon-custard-pie-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/snarklesauce.com\/blog\/2026\/03\/14\/costco-lemon-custard-pie-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Costco Lemon Custard Pie Review"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Author’s Note: I don’t work for Costco<\/a>. This is not a paid or sponsored review. I don’t do that.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5 out of 10 grumpy curmudgeons agree.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you were thinking “lemon meringue pie,” you’d probably be big mad. Costco’s new Lemon Custard Pie isn’t anything<\/em> like that. The filling is milky and mellow, without the tart citrus or sugary assault of a typical lemon meringue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But this is good<\/em> pie. In fact, it might be one of my favorite<\/em> Costco pies thus far. The lemon flavor is whisper-light, but the custard is rich and lush. I love the silky-smooth texture. It’s softer than flan, but firmer than pudding. It has a great balance of eggy-creaminess. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best of all, it is not very sweet. This thrilled me. Perhaps I can eat a whole slice without buying my dentist a new vacation home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Unfortunately, I found a bunch of grumpy curmudgeons on the internet who hate<\/em> this pie. Being the grumpiest curmudgeon of all,* I was surprised to see this. The biggest complaints seem to be the lack of lemon flavor and the barely-there sweetness. The two things I appreciate most! Ugh. Grumpy curmudgeons just can’t see eye-to-eye, I guess. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But I’m<\/em> right and everyone else is wrong. Hmmph!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Overhead<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I appreciate the aesthetics of this pie. Minus the mechanically-crimped crust, it has a vaguely homemade vibe. The piped garnish is thick<\/em> with slightly irregular loops that make it look like it came from an artisan bakery, not a wholesale corporation. Well done, Costco.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Crust<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This crust is advertised as “flakey.” Where’s the lie? I loved the delicate layers. The flavor is more savory than sweet. It’s also extremely tender, not dry or brittle. (Although, the crimped edges of mine fell off. Boo.) Because the custard is inherently moist, the crust gets “moister” over time. But (magically<\/em>) not soggy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was<\/em> disappointed to see this crust is made with shortening (soybean oil and friends<\/em>). But not surprised. More about the ingredients later.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Broken<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Overall, I like the gentle lemon flavor. It’s a combination of real lemon juice concentrate and “natural flavor.” But I think a little<\/em> more sassy zip would be nice, too. Or even a more concentrated lemon syrup drizzle on top that is tangier and brighter. Or bits of lemon zest mixed into the custard. Or… candied lemon peel on top. That would elevate this pie. But at the end of the day, I’m still pretty happy with it the way it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(If you’re wondering how this compares to Costco’s Key Lime Pie<\/a>, here’s my review.)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Serving the pie<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I liked my Lemon Custard Pie served with fresh fruit, like raspberries. I think the tangy fruit helps boost the milder, milkier flavors of the pie. Plus, the pop of deep red against the yellow is soooo purty. It’s serendipitous, my friends. Try it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

My pie didn’t serve very well the first day — the crust separated from the custard, and disintegrated when trying to scoop out a slice. But it got progressively better as the days marched on. By the third day, my slices were razor-sharp. Like my devastating <\/em>wit. Ahem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(I also reviewed Costco’s Triple Chocolate Creme Pie<\/a>. Here’s the scoop.)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Ingredients<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ingredients in Costco Lemon Custard Pie<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here’s my best attempt at typing out the ingredients, from the label:<\/p>\n\n\n\n