But, like everything else, the cost of cakes is getting higher and it seems the quality is getting lower. Is there anywhere you can get a delicious cake at a low cost? Short of making the cake ourselves, which fewer and fewer people know how to do, where can you go to get a decent deal on a cake?
Costco could be the answer.
If you have purchased store-made cakes before, you know that many are dry and loaded down with heavy overly sweet frosting. They often go bad within a day or two of you buying them. Because of this it’s best to get them the day they are made and most stores are charging far too much for custom-made cakes from the bakery. However, Costco cakes can easily feed 48 people and costs only $18.99.
A Review of Costco Cakes
Costco cakes taste just as good as they look. The cake itself has a very light taste. Even after taking several bites there was still little taste to it.
The frosting more than makes up for the lack of taste though. Instead of being a rich chocolate frosting Costco uses a mousse, which is significantly lighter than a traditional frosting. It also adds a level of flavor that isn’t seen on many other cakes I’ve had. It is very light and not too sweet so you won’t feel sick after eating a piece (or two). After trying it my wife and I both agreed it has the best frosting that we have ever had.
After you’ve tasted the delicious frosting you realize that there is even more to Costco cakes. Each has a filling that adds to the taste. It isn’t overwhelming though. There is just enough filling there to enjoy it.
How Many People Do Costco Cakes Feed?
Costco cakes taste great but how many people does each cake feed? According to Costco, you can get 48 pieces from one standard cake and I think that’s doable. The Costco bakery even sets it up for you to easily cut into 48 slices.
If you are having a large party, however, there may be some individuals that will want a larger piece or more than one. If that’s the case I wouldn’t count on it feeding 48 people. You can get 48 decent sized slices from the cake but make sure a “decent” slice of cake is big enough for you.
How Do You Order Costco Cakes?
Ordering Costco cakes is a simple process. Go into your local Costco and find the “Cake Order Selection.” There will be a form there for you to fill out. Make sure to include the day you want to pick it up on the form.
There are currently two options for Costco cakes in the United States: white and chocolate. The white cakes have a vanilla mousse filling with white buttercream frosting. The chocolate cake has a chocolate mousse filling and a buttercream chocolate frosting. In the UK, Japan and Australia frosting and filling types may be different but the cake type (white or chocolate) remains the same.
Costco also has several designs for its cakes as well, which you will be able to choose on your order form. In the United States Costco locations have 27 year-round designs. In the United Kingdom they offer 20 different designs. Australia and Japan locations have about 19 different designs.
Turnaround time for Costco cakes (in the US) isn’t that long. Most stores ask for a minimum of 24 hours notice for each cake. If you don’t have time to wait or need a last-minute cake, don’t worry. Costco has plenty of ready made cakes and it seems like most stores have some that are ready made for birthdays at all times. Around graduation time they will have cakes for that ready too, though I still think if you need a cake make sure you put in a request for one to guarantee that you get it.
How Much Do Costco Cakes Cost?
Costco does not yet offer cake ordering online, however, ordering a Costco cake is fairly easy and really cheap! Below is a list of Costco cake prices from around the world, linked to the ordering form for printing:
- Costco US: 48 pieces for $18.99, order 24 hours in advance
- Costco UK: 48 pieces for £13.99 or £12.99 undecorated, order 72 hours in advance
- Costco Australia: 48 pieces $25.99, order 24 hours in advance
- Costco Japan: 48 pieces for ¥2380, order 48 hours in advance
Costco Cakes Price Comparison
Costco cakes prices seem good but how do they stack up to the competition? Here are some of Costco’s lead competitors and their individual cake prices:
- Walmart cake prices: $24.98
- Sam’s Club cake prices: $21.48
- Cake prices at BJ’s: $23.99
It should also be noted that most Costco cakes can be frozen and they maintain their great taste. So, you get a great tasting cake for pretty cheap and you can store your leftovers too!
If you don’t have time to wait the 24 to 72 hours it takes Costco to get your cake ready, don’t worry! The Costco bakery has pre-made cakes available for its customers. Although they aren’t customized, you’ll be able to pick up a cake at any time and, if you’re handy with decorative frosting, you can write your own message on the cake.
Things To Keep In Mind About Costco Cakes
In order to try Costco cakes you’ll have to have a membership (currently $55 a year) or know someone who is a member who can accompany you to get the cake. Another thing to keep in mind is that Costco only accepts Visa credit cards. The discount retailer will accept any debit payment, however, if you want to use your American Express, Discover, or even Mastercard to get points you won’t be able to. Make sure that you plan accordingly.
It seems that the huge discount retailer is able to dominate many competitors on price AND quality. Where Costco cakes are concerned this is no different.
Give the gift of savings! Learn more
For more info on Costco check out these articles.
Is the Costco Membership Fee Worth it?
Is a Costco Executive Membership Worth the Price?
Costco Gas Calculator: Will I Save Money Buying a Membership if All I Buy is Fuel?
Costco Holiday Schedule
Have you tried a Costco cake? What did you think?
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