Costco, the shopping haven for amazing deals and unbeatable prices, is no stranger to offering incredible bargains. But did you know they also serve colossal sheet cakes that won’t break the bank? Indeed, these sweet marvels are more than just a delightful treat; they’re a cost-effective choice for your special occasions.
While you may be aware of Costco’s cake offerings, placing a Costco cake order can sometimes be perplexing. Here’s the scoop: while some ready-made cakes are available, the larger sheet cakes are often custom orders. To ensure you have a cake in time for your celebration, it’s best to plan.
However, finding all the cake-ordering details on the Costco website can take time and effort. To save you from this problem, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide with everything you need to know. We’ll cover how to place your order, the available sizes, designs, and flavors, and even answer some frequently asked questions.
But it’s not just the price that makes Costco sheet cakes a crowd-pleaser. They also boast the impressive ability to feed a multitude. One of Costco’s half-sheet cakes can generously serve up to 48 guests, costing you just 39 cents per person. Now, that’s what we call a delicious deal.
Here’s where it gets even more fascinating – the sheer weight of a Costco sheet cake. Placing one on a scale would reveal a number that hovers around nine-and-a-half pounds. And here’s a little secret: two of those pounds comprise the cake’s delectable mousse filling.
Ordering a Special Cake at Costco
To order a custom cake at Costco, you’ll need to visit your nearby warehouse and use the dedicated cake order kiosk in the bakery department. If you suddenly crave a Costco cake, you’re in luck. Costco often keeps its bakery section stocked with ready-made sheet cakes, some plain, some adorned with birthday messages, and some sporting festive designs during the holiday season. However, if you have a specific design or message in mind, custom orders are your best bet. Just give the bakers a day or two notice to work their magic and create a cake that’s uniquely yours. Please note that cake orders require a 24–48-hour lead time. Unfortunately, Costco doesn’t provide options for online or phone orders, although select locations may accept fax orders.
The Cake Order Kiosk
You’ll find the cake kiosk at your local Costco bakery department. This convenient station houses the current cake design offerings and blank cake order forms and is where you’ll submit your completed order form.
Completing the Special Order Form
Now, let’s talk about the irresistible aspect that makes Costco sheet cakes a favorite choice – their unbelievably low prices. For less than 20 bucks, you can order a half-sheet cake from Costco. Trust us, you’d be hard-pressed to beat that price even if you attempted to bake one from scratch. To put things into perspective, competing stores like BJ’s and Walmart offer similar-sized cakes at higher prices.
You’ll discover a pen and blank cake order forms at the kiosk. You’ll have two size options: a 10″ round cake priced at USD 12.99 (serving 16 people) or a half-sheet cake for USD 19.99 (serving 48 people).
Flavor Choices
Although the flavor options are somewhat constrained, Costco’s sheet cakes still serve as a beloved canvas for personalization, offering either a white cake with white icing and a luscious vanilla cheesecake mousse filling or a delectable chocolate cake with chocolate icing and a rich chocolate mousse filling.
In the past, there used to be a wider array of flavors, including the delightful carrot cake featuring apricot mousse filling and cream cheese icing adorned with slivered almonds. Internationally, Costco offers even more irresistible combinations, such as mixing raspberry filling with either chocolate or vanilla sponge cake.
Size Options
Full sheet cakes are typically sized 18″ by 24″ and can serve between 48 and 96 people, depending on how they are sliced. Half sheet cakes, measuring 13″ x 18″, are perfect for larger gatherings, providing 48 slices or servings.
Choosing Cake Designs
On the order form, you’ll find a list of design options, including:
- Roses – Colors (please specify rose colors)
- Roses – All white
- Candles
- Costco Bear
- Seasonal Design (please specify the event)
- Scored
- Rainbow
- Flag
- Balloons
- Baby Shower
- Cross
Adding Your Personal Touch
The following section on the form is where you can provide the text you’d like to appear on the cake, along with your preferred text color.
Providing Member Information
The last section is where you’ll enter your member information, including your name, preferred pick-up date, and time. Remember to list your phone number at the top of the order form; it’s essential in case they need to reach you with any questions or concerns.
Submitting Your Order
Once you’ve completed the form, place it in the designated slot on the cake order kiosk.
Not Available on Certain Dates
Please be aware that there are specific dates when cake orders are not available due to the closure of Costco on significant holidays. These dates include New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Ordering Methods
Costco doesn’t offer online or phone cake orders, except for a few stores that accept fax orders. A visit to your local warehouse in person is required to order a cake.
Variety of Cake Designs
- Roses – (Customizable Colors) For the color-designed roses, you can specify the roses you desire on your cake order form.
- Scored – The scored design boasts various colored rose buds, with the cake featuring frosting lines that facilitate quick and easy cake cutting for larger gatherings.
- Candles – Perfect for birthday celebrations, the candle design incorporates multi-colored birthday candles and sprinkles adorning the cake’s outer border.
- Roses – (All White) The all-white rose option is elegant for various occasions, including small weddings and baptisms.
- Balloons – Featuring a delightful array of colorful balloons and sprinkles around the border, the balloon design adds a playful touch to your cake.
- Rainbow – The rainbow design is a visual treat, showcasing a multi-colored rainbow with clouds, and the sheet cake version includes a cheerful sun.
- Baby Shower – Specifically designed for baby showers, the Costco baby shower theme includes a charming rattle and booties.
- Graduation – The graduation design is ideal for celebrating academic milestones, displaying a graduation hat with the year, balloons, and a colorful border with sprinkles. You can also specify school colors on the order form.
- American Flag – The American Flag design proudly features the stars and stripes and includes a blue border on the sheet cake.
- You have the freedom to customize the message to your preference.
- Costco Bear – The Costco Bear design is a sweet addition, featuring a cute light brown bear and sprinkles around the outer edge. It’s a charming choice for baby showers or birthday parties.
- Cross – The cross design showcases a beautifully decorated cross adorned with blue and yellow roses.
Cake Pickup Process
Your specially ordered cake will be prepared for pickup on the date and time you specify on your order form. These cakes are thoughtfully packaged and placed in a designated particular order cooler, with each order form attached to its respective cake. Your cake will be conveniently waiting for you in the cooler, ready for pickup.
Availability of Carrot Cake
While Costco used to offer carrot sheet cakes, they no longer provide carrot cake as an option for special order cakes. However, they sell mini carrot cakes in the weeks leading up to Easter.
In-Stock Cake Options
At times, stores may have pre-made cakes available for immediate purchase. This provides a convenient option if you need a cake on the same day without placing an order. Keep in mind that the selection of pre-made cakes may vary. On other occasions, they may have pre-made half-sheet cakes for sale. While the in-stock option is convenient, if you have specific requirements, ordering in advance is advisable to ensure availability.
Final Thoughts
In the world of sweet delights, the Costco sheet cake stands tall as a symbol of value and flavor. These generous rectangular cakes, often served at grand events like parties and weddings, are adorned with decorative elements like icing, fondant, or luscious fruit. The size of a Costco sheet cake can be tailored to the size of your gathering, typically serving anywhere from 60 to 100 delighted guests. While Costco’s cake selection may offer a limited variety of custom designs, fillings, or licensed characters found at other bakeries, it excels in providing a tasty, budget-friendly option that delights the taste buds of many.
