Walmart, the largest retail outfit in the entire world, makes everything accessible – clothes, tools, motor oil, clocks – you name it.
These stores might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to freshly baked goods, but Walmart’s bakeries have been impressing patrons for years.
Walmart’s in-store bakeries create ready-made and custom cakes for all kinds of occasions, and they make them affordable for everyone, too.
Here is everything you need to know about Walmart’s in-store bakery cakes!
Key Takeaways
Buying & Ordering Cakes From Walmart In 2022
Who Makes Walmart Cakes?
Walmart doesn’t actually bake their own cakes in the store bakery; instead, according to The Grocery Store Guy, they come pre-baked and frozen.
The sheet cakes are by the recognizable brand Pillsbury (think: dinner rolls).
And the round cakes, according to a Walmart employee, came from Best Brands, Inc., a bakery in Minnesota.
Since 2011, Best Brands has been acquired by a Netherlandish company, then was acquired from that company in 2017 by BakeMark.
How To Order a Cake From Walmart?
Ordering a Walmart bakery cake has never been easier!
Traditionalists (or people who like to talk to someone face-to-face) are always welcome to come into the bakery to speak with a representative about what kind of cake they’d like.
If you’re someone who needs a little advice or guidance before making a decision, this is the best choice for you.
The associate will guide you through your choices. Whatever type of cake you’re ordering, the process is roughly the same:
- What size and shape (size is determined by number of servings)
- What flavor (Chocolate, White, Yellow or marble)
- What filling (Strawberry or Bavarian crème)
- What icing (Buttercreme or whipped; choose from 15 colors)
- Top border
- Bottom border
- Types of decoration (Flower, balloons, toppings)
- Message on the cake in icing
If you’re busy or don’t need to talk to an associate, Walmart now offers online cake ordering.
Visit their custom cake page and start by choosing what type of cake you want: sheet, round, cupcakes, even chocolate chip cookie cakes.
You can also choose from their selection of pre-made cakes, which include licensed characters like The Child from The Mandalorian, Elsa and Anna from Frozen and Super Mario.
From there, the site will guide you through the same steps listed above – flavors, fillings, icing, etc.
As you add your customizations, the price will update, so you always know where you are in terms of cost.
One thing I like about the online ordering is that the last step always allows you to add a message to the bakery, so if you need to let them know something, you can.
Finally, a word about how far in advance you should be ordering your cake from the Walmart bakery.
If you have an event like a birthday or graduation party coming up, you should place your order at least 24 ahead of time (I personally think 48-73 hours is best).
Not only does this give them ample time to create the customizations you requested, it also leaves them room to give you a call if they have a question.
However, if you’re having Walmart create your wedding cake, and it’s larger or will have multiple tiers, give the bakery at least a week’s notice, if not much longer.
Does Walmart Make Birthday Cakes?
You can turn pretty much any of Walmart’s customizable or ready-made cakes into affordable and attractive birthday cakes.
All you need is the right message, and all of Walmart’s customizable cakes allow you add up to 50 characters.
Any of their sheet, round or cookie cakes can be customized for a birthday treat, and the largest one, a full sheet, can feed up to 96 people.
If you check out Walmart’s custom cakes page, too, you can see that they have many ready-made cakes that would be perfect for a child’s birthday.
Walmart also gives free smash cakes for toddler birthdays.
These are very little cakes that are intended for little ones to be able to “smash” with their hands and enjoy on their birthdays, without compromising the integrity of the actual cake.
You just have to spend at least $15 on the birthday cake or cupcakes. Ask for the accompanying smash cake when you order.
Does Walmart Have Gluten-Free, Vegan Or Low Sugar Cakes?
Unfortunately, Walmart’s in-store bakery does not accommodate any special diets, like gluten-free individuals, vegans or those who need less sugar.
However, Walmart does sell vegan and gluten-free cake mixes, so while you can’t order one from their bakery, you can make them at home.
Does Walmart Make Tiered Cakes?
Walmart does make custom tiered cakes, suitable for weddings and other special events.
However, I am not seeing the option to create/customize these cakes online, so your best bet is going to be to head into your local Walmart bakery or give them a call and talk to someone.
(For a complete guide on wedding cakes from Walmart, see this article.)
Tiered cakes are more involved and require more labor, so plan to order at least a week, if not many more weeks, in advance.
Walmart’s in-store bakeries also have ready-made tiered cakes in a variety of styles and with tons of different characters.
The ready-made tiered cakes feature everything from The Mandalorian, to unicorns, to mermaids, to Pokémon.
Do Walmart Cakes Taste Good?
“Tastiness” is in the taste buds of the beholder, but I can say personally that I have had numerous Walmart cakes in my life, and they were pretty good.
Obviously when you’re getting a mass-produced, previously frozen cake, it’s not going to taste like a custom cake from a specialized bakery.
However, for what you pay (and how much you get for that price), I think Walmart’s bakery cakes are a great value and will please a crowd.
One Reddit thread on r/Walmart asked whether or not Walmart’s cakes are good.
The majority of the people who responded actually thought they were good, though a few pointed out that they have to have the buttercream frosting.
Additionally, there have been reports that the frosting is too sweet (frosting is clearly very personal and individual) but the cake itself is moist. Customers also agree they’re quite affordable, too, for what you get.
How Much Are Walmart Cakes?
Prices on Walmart’s bakery cakes run the gamut.
Your cheapest option is going to be six cupcakes for $4.48. Twelve cupcakes costs $6.92 and an order of 24 runs you $13.28.
The most expensive thing you can order online is the full sheet cake, which starts at $42.98.
From there you can also purchase:
- ½ sheet starting at $29.98
- ¼ sheet starting at $18.98
- 1/8 sheet starting at $9.98
These are all starting prices, because some customizations will add additional charges.
Your round cakes are priced:
- 10” starting at $38.00
- 8” starting at $12.48
- 6” starting at $9.98
And Walmart’s cookie cakes all start at $9.98.
Their ready-made cakes come in a wide variety of prices, starting in the $20-range and heading upwards of $70.
Can You Buy Walmart Cake With EBT?
You can pay for your Walmart bakery cakes with EBT.
EBT or SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) covers “any food or food product that is made for humans.”
Cakes fall under this category, even customized ones, so SNAP beneficiaries can indeed use their funds to purchase a nice cake for their next event.
If you want to know more about shopping at Walmart, you can also see our related posts on ordering donuts from Walmart, if you can return food to Walmart, and if Walmart blow up balloons.
Conclusion
Walmart’s reputation for low-price goods and services extends to their in-store bakeries and customizable cakes.
Shoppers can mark an occasion with a sweet treat for as little as $5, but those desiring a more detailed dessert, like a wedding or special birthday, may spend as much as $70+.
Walmart’s online ordering is convenient and free, but if you need advice or have questions, it’s always best to call the store or go into your location and speak to a bakery associate.