How Much Does a Sheet Cake Cost? (And What to Consider) (2024)

Sheet cakes are a staple at most parties. The single-layer cakes are typically less expensive than other kinds of cakes and are easily served to many guests. Typically, you can spend anywhere from $25 to $150 on a sheet cake, depending on size, frosting type, decor, and more.

Hi! My name is Michelle and sheet cake is one of my most favorite things in the world. Not only are they fun and easy to bake, but they always seem to turn out oh-so-delicious. With plenty of sheet cake experience under my belt, I certainly know the costs involved.

Knowing the cost of a sheet cake is important, especially if you’re planning for a big bash. The good news is, sheet cakes tend to be on the cheaper side compared to other, fancier, triple-tiered fondant options. This article will share everything you need to know about costs.

Bust out your wallet, and let’s talk about sheet cake prices!

How Much Does a Sheet Cake Cost?

That’s not really a question you can solve with a “basic” answer. Sheet cakes can cost anywhere from $25 to $150, but that’s a pretty big discrepancy. What gives? What will you actually be paying when buying a sheet cake?

There are quite a few things that will affect the final cost. Let’s take a closer look.

Size of the Cake

The biggest impact on the final cost is going to be the size of the cake. Sheet cakes typically come in: quarter, half, and full. Here’s how many people each cake can feed:

*Keep in mind that the amount of people each size sheet cake can feed depends on the size of the slices. So, if you’re cutting the slices into 1-inch slices, you may be able to fit a few more people. Serving three-inch slices will cut the serving amount in half.

Needless to say, a smaller quarter sheet cake is going to be less expensive than a full sheet cake.

Flavor

A lot of sheet cakes come in two basic flavors: chocolate or vanilla. Some places also offer marble as a “basic” flavor. While these flavors are bound to be delicious, not everyone wants to settle for basic flavors.

Sound like you? Then you will have to step up into the “premium” flavor selections. As you may assume, premium flavors are going to cost more. So, the $25 quarter sheet cake may turn into a $50 quarter sheet cake since you opted for red velvet rather than plain chocolate.

Frostings and Fillings

Almost every sheet cake on planet earth is going to be designed using buttercream or whipped cream. Again, these are “basic” options that are included with the original price. Most people will be fine with these options as there are usually many flavors to choose from.

But what if that’s not the case? What if you’re more of a cream cheese frosting type of consumer? While I’m a huge fan myself, I can tell you that some bakers out there might charge a higher fee for using “specialty” frostings outside of the basic options.

The same is true for fillings.

Decorations

Another (very) pricy element of sheet cakes is decorations. A simple sheet cake with the words “Happy Birthday” on it might be cheap. But adding decorations such as sugar balloons or chocolate flowers will cost you.

Depending on the amount of detailing and decoration you decide on, the cost could bump up anywhere from $50 to $300. (Yes, you read that correctly). You have to think about how time-consuming and intricate the decorating process is for the baker – then it makes sense.

Cake Toppers

Does your cake need a cake topper? Then expect to shell out some more money. Custom cake toppers can easily cost anywhere from $25 to $100. Again, it all comes down to what kind of cake topper you’re seeking.

Layers

Most sheet cakes are going to be a single layer. That’s just the “classic” way of doing things. But that doesn’t mean that some bakers enjoy stepping out of the box and doing something cool with their sheet cakes.

If you find a place that offers layers, and you’re interested in buying a layered sheet cake, it’s going to cost a pretty penny. An extra layer can easily tack on another $40+.

Delivery

Not all bakeries deliver. But if they do, don’t expect to hit the “free delivery” option upon checkout. Cakes can be very picky and require extra-special planning for delivery without mishaps.

That said, bakeries can tack on $20+, depending on the cake and where you are located. The good news is, you know your cake will be delivered perfectly with no bumps, scratches, or blemishes.

Where You Buy It

You also have to consider where you’re buying your sheet cake. A large, big-box store like Walmart or Sam’s Club will charge less for their cake, while a smaller grocery store, local bakery, or home baker will charge a bit more.

It really depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want more customization options? Do you want to support local businesses? Do you want to choose from a store that has hundreds of design options? It comes down to your needs and what suits you and your party!

FAQs

As you can see, it’s not so cut-and-dry when it comes to finding out how much a sheet cake actually costs. If you still have some prying questions about sheet cake cost, join me as we look at these interesting, frequently asked questions.

How much is a full sheet cake at Walmart?

A basic full sheet cake at Walmart will typically be around $43, but it depends on the style and design you choose.

How much should I charge for a sheet cake?

It all depends on your skill level and everything listed above. Consider the size of the cake you’re making, the flavor, frosting, and fillings, as well as any specialty items such as intricate designs or custom cake toppers. Start with $25 for a half sheet and work your way up.

How much does a full sheet cake feed?

A full sheet cake can easily feed up to 96 people, but it really comes down to how big the slices are. Extra-large slices that are three inches or more will cut this number in half!

How large is a full sheet cake?

A full sheet cake is great for big gatherings because it can feed up to 96 people. Full sheet cakes are generally 16×24 or 18×24, depending on where you buy from.

Final Words

Keeping things “simple” in the world of sheet cakes will keep the price low while adding decorations, cake toppers, and fancy fillings will raise the price. When shopping for sheet cakes, you can typically expect to pay anywhere between $25 and $150+.

How much do you typically pay for a sheet cake? Share a picture of your favorite sheet cake and how much it cost below!

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