Costco Cake Prices: What You Really Pay for Bakery Cakes

When you think of Costco cake prices, the affordable, bulk-sized desserts sold at warehouse clubs like Costco. Also known as warehouse club cakes, they're a go-to for birthdays, office parties, and big family gatherings because they offer huge portions at low cost. But here’s the thing—Costco doesn’t list prices online, and what you pay can change by region, season, or even which aisle you walk into. Some locations charge $18 for a simple sheet cake. Others hit $25 for decorated ones with fondant or custom writing. And if you want something special—like a themed birthday cake or a holiday design—you might need to order ahead, which can add time, not just cost.

It’s not just about the cake itself. The Costco bakery cake, the pre-made desserts made in-store by bakery staff. Also known as in-store bakery treats, they’re made fresh daily, usually without preservatives, which is why they taste better than most store-bought options. But you can’t always walk in and grab one. Many stores keep a few plain cakes on display—vanilla, chocolate, or red velvet—but the fancy ones? Those are made to order. That means if you show up on a Saturday afternoon needing a cake for a 7 p.m. party, you might be out of luck. The Costco cake without order, a cake you can pick up immediately without advance notice. Also known as walk-in cake, it’s rare but possible if you catch them early or during off-hours. Most people don’t realize this: Costco’s bakery team often runs out of decorated cakes by midday on weekends. The best time to go? Right when they open. That’s when the selection is fullest and the prices are still the same.

And don’t assume all Costco cakes are the same. A basic 10-inch round chocolate cake might cost $18, but a 12-inch sheet cake with buttercream and writing can be $22. Tiers? Those aren’t even on the regular menu. If you want a multi-layer cake, you’re looking at custom orders—and those can run $40 or more. Some people think Costco is always cheap, but the real value is in size, not price per slice. One cake feeds 20–30 people. That’s less than $1 per serving, even at $25. Compare that to a local bakery charging $50 for a cake that serves 12. The math doesn’t lie.

What you won’t find at Costco? Gluten-free, vegan, or sugar-free options. Their cakes are made with standard ingredients: flour, sugar, butter, eggs. If you need dietary accommodations, you’ll have to look elsewhere. But if you just want a big, tasty cake that doesn’t break the bank, and you’re okay with classic flavors and simple designs, Costco delivers. The Costco birthday cake, a standard cake sold for celebrations, often with customizable writing and simple decorations. Also known as party cake, it’s one of the most popular items in the bakery section year-round. You’ll see them at baby showers, graduations, retirements—you name it. They’re not fancy, but they’re reliable. And that’s why people keep coming back.

Below, you’ll find real answers about what cakes Costco actually sells, whether you can buy one without ordering, how prices vary across states, and what to do if you show up and they’re sold out. No guesses. No marketing fluff. Just what people are actually paying—and how to get the best deal.