How to Order a Costco Sheet Cake (And Pay $0.52 a Slice!)

One of my favorite Costco Bakery secrets is ordering their Costco sheet cakes for parties. Their standard two-layer sheet cakes are massive — with enough slices to feed around 48 people — and priced at just $24.99, which is a total bargain when you consider the cost per slice.

But much like the small-but-mighty Costco Food Court menu, your flavor options for Costco sheet cakes are a bit limited. And the ordering process works a bit differently, too (you'll 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!

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How much is a Costco sheet cake?

Costco sheet cakes come in a half-sheet size for $24.99.

For that price, you get a half-sheet cake filled with two layers of cake, cheesecake mousse filling, and icing. It's like getting the value of a Costco hot dog, but in cake form!

Stretch your budget: Costco sheet cakes are 48% - 56% 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.

Comparing the Cost Per Slice

We compared prices on half-sheet cakes at a handful of bakeries and found that Costco had the second-lowest price per slice at just $0.52 — but they have the best value overall.

Why? That's because you get two layers of cake with the Costco sheet cake, plus the filling. Even though the Sam’s Club half-sheet cake is cheaper ($19.98), you don't get any filling and it's just one 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:

1. Pick up a Costco cake order form from the bakery.

2. Fill it out (you'll included the requested pick up date and time).

3. Drop the form off in the submission box.

4. 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 the filling!

TIP: We made a copy of the Costco Cake Order Form (PDF) in case you want to see what it looks like or fill it out ahead of time.

Costco Sheet Cake Flavors and Design Options

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 things like baby shower, balloons, a rainbow, roses, or some seasonal designs (Christmas, Valentine's Day, etc.).

The Bottom Line About Costco Sheet Cakes

Going with a Costco cake means you're pocketing as much as $20 compared to other bakeries. 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 $0.52 per slice). If you order the "scored" design, it makes slicing a breeze, 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?

Costco keeps it a bit old-school when it comes to ordering. You'll 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 yourself if you're wanting 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 really love using these Fancy Sprinkles from Amazon to give it an elevated look. I even saw one TikTok creator buying Costco cakes, adding their own decorations, and re-selling them!

Can I freeze a Costco sheet cake to make it last longer?

Definitely! In the refrigerator, these cakes remain fresh for three to four days. But if you want to savor 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!

Tip for freezing your cake: Slice the 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. This includes their sheet cakes. If you're not thrilled with how the cake tasted, 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 at 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).