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The Kitchn

Everything to Know About Ordering a Cake at Costco

Ali Domrongchai
4 min read
overhead shot of three costco bakery cakes on a marble surface
Credit: Alex Lepe Credit: Alex Lepe
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As an avid baker, there’s a certain unspoken understanding (albeit, exception) for especially great store-bought baked goods — treats that are so remarkable, it’s not only acceptable but encouraged to pick them up on a grocery run or even go out of your way to snag some.  And folks, Costco cakes are just one of them.

I’ve been eating Costco cakes for as long as I’ve had consciousness. My earliest memory of what a sheet cake should be. To this day I compare every other sheet cake to Costco’s (and they’re never as good!).

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As longtime members and fellow cake fans are well aware, you can’t just walk into the store and grab one as you please. You’ll need to plan ahead — just a little bit. Here’s everything to know about ordering a Costco sheet cake, including the full menu and prices.

Cake order selection counter with forms
Credit: Ali Domrongchai Credit: Ali Domrongchai

How to Order a Cake from Costco

While Costco’s bakery has a great selection of ready-made cakes and desserts, they are first-come, first-serve. Some, like the one I go to in North Carolina, have pre-decorated birthday cakes, but your options will be limited. If you need a custom cake, you’ve got to order it the old-fashioned way.

Ordering a custom cake from Costco is surprisingly easy. First head toward the bakery department and look for the cake ordering station. It’s white with large images of cakes and red text that says “CAKE ORDER SELECTION.” At the kiosk, you’ll find a cake form. Fill in the details of what you’d like to order and your personal information — name, phone number, and when you’re picking up the cake — and drop it back into the designated slot.

While it may seem obvious, it’s also absolutely worth mentioning: Make sure to double-check all the details before submitting it (up-to-date contact information and clearly printed writing. It’s the No. 1 piece of advice the baker at Costco shared when I asked about tips on ordering a cake.

Costco requires at least 24 hours notice for cake orders, so be sure to plan ahead if you’re ordering one for an event. And just a heads-up, the chain is closed on New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

overhead shot of a large vanilla icing sheet cake
Credit: Alex Lepe Credit: Alex Lepe

Can You Order a Costco Cake Online?

Although the retailer has largely moved a majority of its offerings online, custom Costco cakes are unavailable for purchase and ordering online. The bakery itself doesn’t have a designated phone number, either. If you want one, you’ve gotta go in and fill out the form yourself in person.

overhead shot of a round teddy bear cake on a marble surface
Credit: Alex Lepe Credit: Alex Lepe

What Types of Cakes Does Costco Have?

When you special-order a cake at Costco, you can choose from two sizes — 10-inch round cake and a half-sheet cake — and two flavors: white cake with vanilla cheesecake mousse filling or chocolate cake with chocolate mousse filling. Cake flavors can’t be interchangeably applied (i.e. you can’t order a vanilla cake with chocolate frosting and vice versa).

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Once you’ve chosen your base, the fun part begins: customizing your cake! You can add decorations like balloons, roses, or candles, and even personalize it with custom text and color. My favorite Costco cake design is the bear (it’s so cute!), but they’re all really well done. 

And because Costco thinks of everything, you can make a note for your cake to be scored with lines for hassle-free serving.

Cake order form from costco
Credit: Ali Domrongchai Credit: Ali Domrongchai

How Much Do Costco Cakes Cost?

Prices may vary slightly depending on Costco location, but customers can expect to get a 10-inch round cake (serves 16; ideal for smaller gatherings) for $15.99 and a half-sheet cake (serves 48; perfect for larger parties) for $24.99. Cakes do not scale in price based on flavor or design — be sure to check in with your local Costco for exact costs before ordering.

overhead shot of a large happy birthday sheet cake
Credit: Alex Lepe Credit: Alex Lepe

Are Costco Cakes Good?

At The Kitchn, we’ve long raved about how great Costco cakes are. In fact, one of our contributors reminisced after ordering one that it was “just as delicious as [they] remembered and was beautifully done.”

I’ve had a Costco cake at nearly every important moment in my life — birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, etc. — and have never, ever been let down. I go back and forth between the chocolate and vanilla flavors, and I can’t decide which I prefer better. The vanilla cake is light, despite its (dreamy) cheesecake mousse that adds a tasty tang to the classic dessert. And the chocolate is ultra-decadent and tastes like something that should cost far, far more than it actually does. 

TLDR; yes.

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