One of my favorite Costco Bakery secrets is ordering their Costco sheet cakes for parties. Their standard 2-layer half-sheet cakes are massive — with enough slices to feed 48 people. In February 2025, we noticed that Costco raised their cake prices to $26.99 for a half-sheet. But that's still a total bargain when you consider the cost per slice (around $0.56).
Much like the small-but-mighty Costco Food Court menu, your flavor options for Costco sheet cakes are a bit limited (just two options to choose from). And the ordering process works a bit differently than you might expect, as you'll still need to fill out a paper form, similar to how you order from Costco Catering.
If you're wondering about all things Costco sheet cake, let me cover all the basics — including your flavor options, cost per slice, and freezing tips. I'll even teach you a trick for ordering a Costco cake without a membership.
For more smart shopping tips and savings hacks, download the KCL app or text HACKS to 57299.
Costco sheet cakes cost $26.99 per half-sheet as of February 2025.
Up until mid-February, Costco sheet cakes cost $24.99 for the half-sheet size. But on Feb. 21, 2025, we noticed that the price went up by $2. Now, you'll pay $26.99 for a custom half-sheet cake at Costco.
But for that price, you'll get a half-sheet cake filled with two layers of cake, cheesecake mousse filling, and icing. It's kinda like getting the value of a Costco hot dog, but in cake form, as you'd pay more like $48 - $56 for a similar-sized cake at Walmart or Publix.
KCL TIP: Costco sheet cakes are 44% - 52% cheaper than cakes from grocery stores like Walmart and Publix. We found that Walmart Bakery sells a half-sheet cake with filling for $48.16, and Publix has a half-sheet cake with cheesecake filling for $56.24.
Costco has the best value when you compare cost per slice and what's included.
We compared prices on half-sheet cakes at a handful of bakeries and found that Costco still has the second-lowest price per slice at just $0.56. Even though this is higher than the Sam's Club cake price per slice, we consider Costco's the best value overall.
Why? That's because you get two layers of cake with the Costco sheet cake, plus the included filling. Even though the Sam’s Club half-sheet cake is cheaper ($20.98), you don't get any filling with that one, and it's just a single layer of cake.
How to Order a Costco Sheet Cake
If you've ever looked into Costco Catering, the process for ordering a sheet cake from the bakery is quite similar. You'll have to order in person. Here's what you do:
Pick up a Costco cake order form from the bakery.
Fill it out (you'll include the requested pickup date and time).
Drop the form off in the submission box.
Return at the designated time to pick up your cake.
Once you pick up your cake, you'll pay for it in the regular Costco checkout lines. Be prepared to grab a cart when you pick up you cake. Why? Because this sweet treat weighs in at 9.5 pounds — two of those pounds being filling.
KCL TIP: We created a printable copy of the Costco Cake Order Form (PDF) in case you want to fill it out ahead of time.
You're limited to just two flavors with Costco sheet cakes, but you can choose from a few different designs.
When it comes to a wide variety of flavors and designs, Costco does lack in that area.
Half-sheet Costco cakes only come in two flavors:
Option 1: White vanilla cake with vanilla cheesecake mousse and white buttercream icing
Option 2: Chocolate cake with chocolate mousse filling and chocolate buttercream icing
The order form includes a section where you can specify what you want written on the cake, and in what color of icing. You can also pick a design, but those options are limited to generic things like baby shower, balloons, a rainbow, roses, or some seasonal designs (Christmas, Valentine's Day, etc.).
Save as much as $20 by ordering a sheet cake from Costco.
Going with a Costco cake means you're saving as much as $20 compared to ordering from other bakeries like Walmart or Publix. And you're keeping your cost per slice under $1, which lets you stretch your party budget a little further.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people does a Costco sheet cake serve?
A Costco sheet cake has a suggested serving size of 48 people. It measures 18 x 13 inches — making each slice about 2 x 2 inches (and $0.56 per slice). If you order the scored design, it makes slicing really easy, and the size of each piece is just right for both kids and adults. (Naturally, there are always a few guests who wouldn't mind a bigger slice.)
How far in advance do I need to place an order?
You'll need to submit the Costco Special Order Cake Form at least one day in advance. And remember, you have to fill it out in person the old-fashioned way. Unfortunately, you can't call in your order over the phone.
Can I order my cake online or by phone?
Unfortunately, no. Costco's a bit old-fashioned when it comes to ordering. You'll still need to go into the store to fill out and hand in your cake order form. Here's to hoping they'll add a phone ordering option in the future.
Can I customize a Costco sheet cake?
Yes, you can customize a Costco sheet cake if you want something different than the generic designs Costco offers. I like to order my sheet cakes with just a simple white border and then add on my own decorations from the dollar store or Target's Dollar Spot. I even saw one TikTok creator buying Costco cakes, adding their own decorations, and reselling them.
Can I freeze a Costco sheet cake to make it last longer?
Definitely. These cakes remain fresh for three to four days in the fridge. But if you want to save it for longer, freezing is the best way to go.
To maximize convenience, slice the cake before freezing — especially since the box you get the cake in is pretty big. I have a standard side-by-side refrigerator, and the box definitely won’t fit in my freezer section.
KCL TIP: Slice your Costco cake first. Then grab a piece of parchment paper, fold it, and slip it around your knife to slide the paper into each cut you've made. This little step makes a big difference — it separates the slices so you can easily pick out just one piece to thaw and enjoy later. Your cake can last in the freezer for up to three or four months and still maintain its flavor.
Can I return a Costco sheet cake?
Costco's return policy guarantees 100% satisfaction, so practically anything you buy from Costco can be returned for a refund, including their sheet cakes. If you're not thrilled with how the cake tastes, just take it to the Returns desk at the store and get your money back.
Do I need to be a Costco member to get a cake?
Technically, yes. If you're not a member, you can use a Costco Shop Card to get in the door, order your cake, and then pay for your cake.
A Costco Shop Card is just another name for a Costco gift card. You’ll need a member to buy a Costco Shop Card for you, but they can easily do that on Costco.com. This is just one of the ways you can shop at Costco without a membership (and a possible work-around for the Costco food court membership rules).
Related Reading:
Tell us what you think