How much do custom cakes cost?
How much do custom cakes cost?
$70 – $400 average total cost
$5 – $10 cost per slice
Average custom cake prices
A custom cake costs $70 to $400 on average, depending on the design, flavor, and size you choose. Larger, more complex cakes with 3+ tiers cost $200 to $800 or more. Custom cakes are a great way to make special memories during a birthday, anniversary, or other celebration.
| Fee structure | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Whole cake | $70 – $400 |
| Per slice | $5 – $10 |
Most slices are about 2 inches wide on the edge. Traditional cake tiers are 5 to 6 inches tall and 6 to 12 inches in diameter each.
Price of custom cakes by height
Your final cost will depend on the size of the cake and how many tiers it has. Adding a second or third tier on top of a base layer takes skill and precision but will serve more people.
| Number of tiers | Total average cost | Number of servings |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $70 – $300 | 10 – 30 |
| 2 | $140 – $400 | 20 – 40 |
| 3 | $200 – $800 | 40 – 100 |
Custom cake cost factors
The following factors influence the cost of hiring a bakery to make a custom cake:
Design: If your cake design is complex and requires complex fondant sculpting, florals, images, or non-edible props, it'll likely cost $300 to $1,200 or more. Naked or semi-naked cakes are the least expensive option.
Mini cakes: You can often find mini smash cakes for birthday parties for $30 to $50. These are especially popular for a child's first birthday party.
Flavor / filling: Bakeries usually have a wide variety of flavors. If you want a flavor, filling, or frosting they don't usually serve, they may charge more. Some bakers add a small fee for fresh fruit compotes or lemon curd.
Sheet cakes: A single-tier, rectangular sheet cake costs $25 to $300 with a custom design, depending on the size. Sheet cakes usually have 2 layers with filling in between and buttercream writing or a sugar image on top.
Grocery stores: Stores like Sam's Club, Costco, and Walmart have bakeries that charge about $15 to $75 for custom cakes, depending on the size and number of tiers. However, their designs and capabilities are limited.
Time of year: Bakeries may be busier or charge higher rates around holidays and peak wedding season, which is May to October.
Related services
Check out the following list to see prices for related services:
Wedding cakes cost $3 to $15 per slice or $300 to $800+.
Catering costs $10 to $35 per person for a basic party or food drop-off.
Balloon arches cost $10 to $30 per linear foot or $150 to $1,200 on average.
Photo booth rentals cost $400 to $1,000.
Bounce house rentals cost $140 to $280 or $30 to $50 per hour.
Custom cake FAQs
Does Costco do custom cakes?
Yes, you can order a custom cake from Costco, but the design choices are extremely limited. Depending on your location, they may only be able to write a few words in buttercream or put a simple image like balloons or a cactus.
The following locations have more options for custom designs:
Publix
HEB
Baskin Robbins
Walmart
Sam's Club
Whole foods
Safeway
Albertson's
Tour Les Jours
How far in advance should I order a custom cake?
Many bakeries ask that you order a custom cake at least 1 to 4 weeks in advance. Your timeline for ordering a custom cake will depend on how popular the bakery is and how much staff they have on hand.
Can I return a custom cake?
Some bakeries offer a partial or full refund if there's something wrong with your cake. However, for food safety reasons, you typically cannot return a cake once they deliver it.
Getting estimates from bakeries
Before you hire a cake maker near you, follow these important steps:
Compare prices from at least three local bakeries.
Read reviews for custom cake makers on Fash and Google.
Look at photos of their cakes from other customers.
Make sure their availability matches your timeline.
Get a detailed estimate in writing.
Questions to ask cake decorators
Asking the following questions can help you find a great cake maker:
How long have you been making and decorating cakes?
Can you make this cake by this date?
Is this rate for naked cakes or frosted cakes?
How large of a cake do you recommend?
What type of frosting and fillings do you use?
Can you do edible pictures?
Do you have a minimum fee?
Can you give me an estimate in writing?
Can I see pictures of similar designs you've done?
Do you make smash cakes or sheet cakes?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.