Every big day calls for an elaborate cake, whether it’s a wedding, anniversary, baby’s first birthday, or a baby shower. You should expect to pay anywhere from $3 to $5 per serving, whatever the case may be.
Hey, there! My name is Michelle, and I am a professional home baker. I love making cakes most of all. Over the years, I have done my fair share of pricing and buying because sometimes I want to take the day off and enjoy a custom cake – don’t judge me!
Today, we’re talking all about pricing. I know, I know, it’s not the most enjoyable topic. But you need to know how much your custom cake could potentially cost. A lot goes into the final pricing, so stick with me as we take a journey through custom cake pricing.
Who’s ready to discuss finances?
Contents
How Much Are Custom Cakes?
I will start by saying this: there is a lot that goes into cake pricing, and no two bakers will be the same. So, that’s why you should consider getting pricing information from more than one baker when looking for your dream cake.
Every baker is going to have its own pricing. However, the typical price for a custom cake will land you anywhere between $3 and $5. So, if you’re looking for an enormous wedding cake with multiple tiers and flavors, it’s likely going to set you back a few hundred.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the things that will cause the price to go up or down when ordering a custom cake.
Flavors
The first element is flavor. If you choose a traditional flavor, like vanilla or chocolate, you might not be adding to the final price. More exotic flavors, like carrot cake or red velvet, will cause the price to jump.
Another reason for a price increase is multiple flavors and/or fillings. Some people might want to have vanilla on the top, raspberry fillings, and chocolate underneath, for example. All of the added flavors will cost more.
Frosting
With most bakers, you’re going to have two options: buttercream or fondant. Buttercream is the cheaper option, but some cakes simply look better with a fondant finish. While it’s all up to you and what you want your cake to look like, I recommend hearing what the baker suggests.
Design
It’s not just the interior you need to think about; it’s the exterior, too. In fact, the design is likely what will cause the price to go up the most. The more intricate your design is, the more you’re going to have to pay.
The reason for this is pretty simple. A lot of intricate designs and patterns will take the cake baker a lot longer to craft. You’re not only paying for the cake but the cake baker’s time and craftsmanship, too.
Tiers
Are you settling for a single tier, or is that not going to cut it? The allure of a two-tier, three-tier or even four-tier cake is unmistakable. But those extra tiers are going to cost you a pretty penny. And why shouldn’t they?
Extra tiers mean more cake, fillings, decorating, and time. All of that will be factored into the final cake price.
Transportation
Design, decor, and flavor are going to have the biggest impact on the final price. Don’t forget about transportation, too. While you can transport your cake on your own, I wouldn’t recommend it, especially if you have multiple tiers.
Cake bakers are set up to transport cakes safely. So, if you don’t want a cake mishap on the big day, I would also recommend seeing if the baker transports cakes and how much they cost. It shouldn’t be too expensive if it’s close by, and you will have ease of mind. Can’t put a price on that!
FAQs
Now you basically know how much you can expect to pay for a custom cake. If you still have some questions, though, don’t panic! I have come up with a list of the most frequently asked questions about this topic. Let’s dive in!
How much should a piece of cake cost?
It depends on the cake. For example, a “basic” cake from a supermarket might cost anywhere between $0.25 and $2. If you’re buying a specialty custom cake from a bakery, the price jumps from $3 to $5 per slice.
Why Custom cakes are so expensive?
Custom cakes can be expensive, yes, but they’re worth every penny. The price is high because you get exactly what you want for your party, no matter how elaborate the design may be. The more intricate the flavors and designs, the more time and supplies the baker needs ($).
Why is fondant cake so expensive?
Fondant is heavy and more challenging to work with than buttercream. Due to the weight, you have to create a denser cake, to begin with (which costs more money). Then, you have to pay for the time necessary to create and style the fondant onto the cake.
How many people does a 10-inch cake feed?
A 10-inch cake is going to be best suited for parties of around 25. However, the same cake can be cut in “event-style” and served up to 40 people (although the slices will be much smaller).
How much profit should I make on a cake?
You should always be making a profit on cakes you make and sell. Don’t cut yourself short. While 10% is an okay amount, I wouldn’t recommend having any less than a 15% profit. You’re worth it!
Final Words
Custom cakes are going to be more expensive than regular cakes. The price can fluctuate depending on flavor, frosting, design, tiers, and transportation. However, you should expect to pay anywhere between $3 and $5 per slice regardless of the customization.
Have you ever ordered a custom cake? How much did you spend? What did you buy? Let us know about your custom cakes in the comment section!
About Michelle
Rita
I’m a home baker and I’ve been baking for more than 10 years and would learn to know how to price baking items etc cakes, cookies and pies. Any advice or resources would be appreciated. I make everything from scratch and have been told that should factor into pricing.