Every January, a quiet frenzy erupts in Costco bakeries, not for the giant muffins or the famous sheet cake, but for a seasonal, ring-shaped sweet bread known as the Three Kings Cake. As of late 2025, the highly anticipated Kirkland Signature Rosca de Reyes is once again making its limited-time appearance, marking the celebration of *Día de los Reyes Magos* (Three Kings Day) on January 6th. This year, the demand is hotter than ever, fueled by its reputation for quality, massive size, and a fresh wave of reseller controversy that has dominated social media.
This deep dive provides the most current information on the 2025 Costco Three Kings Cake, including its expected price points, the exact tradition it honors, and why this particular bakery item has become one of the most sought-after seasonal finds in the entire warehouse. If you plan to secure one for your Epiphany celebration, you need to know the details and the best time to shop.
The Rosca de Reyes: A Deep Dive into Costco's Three Kings Cake
The "Three Kings Cake" sold by Costco is specifically the Rosca de Reyes, a traditional sweet bread celebrated across Spain and Latin American countries, particularly Mexico. It is not to be confused with the French *Galette des Rois* (a puff pastry with frangipane) or the Louisiana-style Mardi Gras King Cake.
The Rosca de Reyes is central to the celebration of Epiphany, or Three Kings Day, which falls on January 6th. This day commemorates the biblical arrival of the Three Wise Men (Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar) to present gifts to the Baby Jesus.
Key Features of the Kirkland Signature Rosca
Costco’s version, sold under the Kirkland Signature brand, is known for its impressive size and quality, often weighing in at approximately 2 kilograms (about 4.4 pounds).
- The Bread: It is a soft, spongy, and buttery sweet bread, subtly flavored, often with a hint of orange blossom or citrus zest.
- The Shape: The circular, wreath-like shape of the Rosca symbolizes the crown of the Three Wise Men, and its hidden elements represent the dangers Baby Jesus faced from King Herod.
- The Toppings: The bread is lavishly decorated with strips of candied fruit (like cherries and figs) and colorful sweet paste (betunes), which are said to symbolize the jewels on the kings’ crowns. The Kirkland Rosca is specifically noted for being decorated with multiple icings and slivered almonds.
- The Hidden Figurine: Crucially, a small plastic figurine of the Baby Jesus (*muñeco*) is baked inside the cake. The person who finds the figurine in their slice is traditionally tasked with hosting the next celebration—often providing tamales and *atole* (a warm, thick drink) on *Día de la Candelaria* (Candlemas) on February 2nd.
2025 Price and Availability: What to Expect at Costco
The Rosca de Reyes is a strictly seasonal item. Its availability window is extremely tight, typically appearing in the bakery section only for the first week of January to coincide with the January 6th holiday. Pre-sale and early stock often begin in late December.
For the 2025 season, demand is expected to be exceptionally high, meaning shoppers should plan to visit their local warehouse as close to the beginning of the new year as possible.
Current 2025 Pricing Estimates
Pricing for the Rosca de Reyes can vary by country and region, but the value offered by the Kirkland Signature 2 kg cake remains a major draw for customers.
- Costco Mexico Price: For the 2025 season, the price for the 2-kilogram Kirkland Signature Rosca de Reyes was reported to be maintained, generally ranging between 379 and 489 Mexican Pesos (MXN) in-store, depending on the specific region.
- Costco US Price: While the Kirkland Rosca is a unique item in the US, the price for a comparable, smaller Rosca de Reyes (the BIMBO brand, 37 oz) was last noted at a warehouse price of $14.49 in mid-2025. Based on historical data and the large 2 kg size, the Kirkland Signature Rosca de Reyes is typically priced in the $18.99 to $24.99 USD range when it appears in US stores, offering superior value compared to smaller, independent bakery versions.
It is highly recommended to check your local Costco's bakery section or call ahead at the end of December 2025 for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing and stock information for your specific region.
The Rosca Reseller Scandal: Why the Cake Goes Viral
The massive popularity and limited availability of the Costco Rosca de Reyes have unfortunately led to a recurring phenomenon: the reseller controversy. This issue gained significant traction in the 2025 season, making headlines across social media and news outlets.
The core of the issue is simple: the cake is so high-quality and affordable that it is purchased in bulk by individuals who then resell it at a significant markup. This practice severely limits the availability for regular families who wish to purchase just one cake for their traditional celebration.
Viral 2025 Incident
A specific incident that went viral in early January 2025 involved a woman purchasing an astonishing 800 Rosca de Reyes cakes from a single Costco warehouse, reportedly for the purpose of reselling them in other municipalities. This event sparked widespread debate and frustration among regular shoppers, many of whom arrived to find the shelves completely cleared.
The controversy highlights the extreme lengths some will go to profit from the seasonal demand, and it serves as a crucial reminder for genuine customers to shop early. This phenomenon has been observed with other high-demand Costco items, such as the *Pan de Muerto* (Day of the Dead Bread), but the Rosca de Reyes remains the most contentious seasonal bakery item.
Topical Authority: Three Kings Cake vs. Its Cousins
The term "Three Kings Cake" is a general translation that applies to several distinct pastries eaten around the world to celebrate Epiphany. Understanding the difference is key to appreciating the Kirkland Signature Rosca de Reyes.
Rosca de Reyes (Mexico/Spain)
The Costco offering. It is a brioche-like, yeast-risen, ring-shaped sweet bread, decorated with candied fruits and sweet paste. It is the most common form in Spanish-speaking countries and always contains the hidden Baby Jesus figurine.
Galette des Rois (France/Belgium)
This is a completely different pastry. It consists of two rounds of puff pastry filled with a thick, rich almond cream called frangipane. It is often decorated with a crown and contains a small porcelain or plastic trinket (*la fève*), which is traditionally a bean or a small figure. The finder of the *fève* is crowned king or queen for the day.
New Orleans King Cake (Mardi Gras)
Primarily associated with the Carnival season leading up to Mardi Gras (which follows Epiphany). This cake is a braided, cinnamon-filled brioche dough, typically topped with a thick sugar glaze and colored sugars (purple, green, and gold). It also contains a hidden plastic baby, and the finder is responsible for hosting the next King Cake party.
The Costco Rosca de Reyes is a cultural and culinary experience deeply rooted in the Epiphany tradition. Its massive size, excellent flavor profile, and low price point make it a must-buy for families celebrating *Día de los Reyes Magos*. To avoid disappointment, especially given the intense demand and reseller activity seen in the 2025 season, make your purchase a top priority as soon as the cakes hit the bakery shelves in late December or early January.
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