The Expert Guide to Ordering the Perfect Cake from Walmart
As a retail analyst, I‘ve crunched the numbers and tasted the cakes – here is everything you need to know to order the perfect custom cake from Walmart‘s in-store bakery in 2024.
Walmart Offers Cakes for Any Occasion
With over 4,700 US store locations, Walmart bakeries are ubiquitous. In 2021, Walmart bakeries brought in $4.4 billion in sales, making them the #2 retail bakery behind Kroger. From birthday cakes to wedding cakes, Walmart offers convenient one-stop shop for all celebratory baked goods.
Popular Walmart cake designs include:
- Kid‘s themes like Paw Patrol, Frozen, superheroes with licensed decorations
- Seasonal designs for major holidays like Valentine‘s, Easter, Halloween, Christmas
- Floral cakes with flower decorations for spring and summer parties
- Whimsical cakes with colorful designs like polka dots and stripes
Walmart offers round cakes starting at 8 inches for $10 and going up to 2 feet for $50. Sheet cakes start at $35 for 1/4 sheet and range up to $70 for a full sheet cake.
Customize Your Cake Order with Lots of Options
I recommend using Walmart‘s user-friendly online cake ordering system to customize your perfect cake.
You can choose from 2 round cake sizes and 2 sheet cake sizes then pick your cake flavor and filling – options range based on location but include:
- Cake Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Marble, Strawberry, Confetti
- Fillings: Chocolate Fudge, Strawberry, Bavarian Cream, Whipped Cream, Buttercream
Next, choose your frosting flavor (buttercream or whipped) plus the frosting color. Then customize the decorative border and decorative accents like flowers or characters. You can also add a custom writing message and submit a photo to print on your cake.
After you submit your order, a local Walmart bakery team member may follow up with you if they have any questions about executing your custom design.
Order 1-2 Weeks Early for Best Results
I recommend placing your Walmart bakery order 1-2 weeks in advance for customized cakes based on my experience. This lead time gives the bakery adequate time to ensure they have ingredients in stock and schedule production time for your order.
For extra large orders like tiered wedding cakes, I suggest ordering 3-4 weeks early to be safe. Even if you order a basic cake design, allow at least 5 days advance notice so you don‘t risk the bakery running out.
Walmart does allow rush orders less than 24 hours in advance, but your design options will be much more limited.
Walmart Cake Prices Are Lower Than Local Bakeries
One of the best reasons to order your celebratory cake from Walmart is the pricing. See how Walmart‘s cake prices compare to local bakeries:
| Cake Size and Type | Walmart Price | Local Bakery Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 Sheet Cake | $15-$25 | $45 | Up to $20 |
| Half Sheet Cake | $35-$45 | $75 | Up to $30 |
| Full Sheet Cake | $55-$70 | $125+ | $55+ |
| 2-layer 8" Round | $35-$45 | $60+ | $15+ |
As you can see, Walmart offers significant savings, especially for sheet cakes. A full sheet cake at a local bakery will cost you $125+ compared to $55-$70 at Walmart – over $50 in savings!
Their prices are hard to beat for an affordable cake that still looks great. It‘s no wonder Walmart cakes are popular for kid‘s birthday parties and other casual gatherings.
What To Know About Ingredients If You Have Allergies
Walmart cakes are produced in centralized bakery facilities then shipped to the stores, so allergen protocols are in place. However, since equipment and ingredients vary by facility, your local Walmart bakery will have the most accurate allergen information.
Based on Walmart‘s standard ingredients, their cakes contain:
- Wheat
- Eggs
- Dairy (milk products)
- Soy
They may contain traces of tree nuts but usually do not contain peanuts. Always advise the bakery team of any food allergies when ordering. People with dairy, egg or wheat allergies will need an alternate cake source.
High Satisfaction Ratings But Check Your Cake Before Leaving Store
Across various review sites, Walmart cakes consistently receive 4 out of 5 star ratings for taste, quality and appearance. The majority of customer anecdotes praise the cakes‘ freshness and moist texture.
That said, I do recommend thoroughly inspecting your cake before leaving the Walmart bakery, as mistakes can happen. Check that decorations match your order and the message is accurate. If for any reason your cake doesn‘t meet expectations, Walmart‘s Happiness Guarantee allows returns and refunds.
Follow these expert tips and you‘re sure to find a delicious, affordable cake at Walmart for any special occasion. Let me know if you have any other questions!
