Does Costco Do 2-Tier Cakes? What You Need to Know Before Ordering

If you're planning a wedding and looking for an affordable, no-fuss cake option, you've probably wondered: Does Costco do 2-tier cakes? The short answer is yes-but there’s a lot more to know before you show up at the bakery counter with your dream design in mind.

Costco’s Cake Options Are Simple, Not Custom

Costco doesn’t offer the kind of personalized, hand-decorated wedding cakes you’d find at a boutique bakery. Their cakes are made in bulk, designed for efficiency, and priced to move. But that doesn’t mean they’re bad. In fact, for many couples, Costco’s cakes are a smart, budget-friendly choice.

Most Costco locations carry pre-made two-tier cakes in their bakery section. These are usually 8-inch bottom tier and 6-inch top tier, stacked with a center dowel. The standard height is around 6 to 7 inches total. You won’t find fondant sculptures, intricate piping, or edible flowers-but you will get a solid, delicious cake that feeds 50 to 75 people.

What You Can Actually Order

Costco’s two-tier cakes come in a few standard flavors and finishes:

• White cake with buttercream frosting - the most common option
• Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting - popular for darker themes
• Red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting - a crowd favorite

The frosting is smooth and even, with minimal decoration: usually a border of piped swirls or a simple ribbon design. You can request a message on the top tier, like "Congratulations [Names]" or "Happy Anniversary," but no images or complex lettering.

Costco doesn’t do custom shapes (hearts, numbers, arches), themed decorations (bridesmaids, flowers, logos), or color-dyed frosting beyond white, chocolate, or red velvet. If you want a pastel pink or gold leaf finish, you’ll need to go elsewhere.

How to Order a Two-Tier Cake at Costco

Ordering isn’t as simple as walking in and grabbing one. Here’s how it actually works:

1. Call your local Costco bakery at least 48 hours in advance. Some locations require 72 hours during peak season (May-October).
2. Ask if they carry two-tier cakes - not all do. Rural or smaller clubs may only offer single-tier options.
3. Choose your flavor and delivery date. You can’t pick the design, only the flavor.
4. Confirm the price. Two-tier cakes typically cost between $40 and $55, depending on your region.
5. Pay in advance. Most locations require full payment when you order.
6. Arrange pickup. No delivery. You need to bring your own cake carrier.

Pro tip: Call early in the morning. Bakery staff are less busy, and you’re more likely to get a clear answer.

Why Couples Love Costco Cakes

Costco cakes aren’t fancy, but they deliver on value. Here’s why so many couples choose them:

• Price - A two-tier Costco cake costs less than a single-tier cake from most local bakeries.
• Consistency - The cake is moist, the frosting is sweet but not overwhelming, and it holds up well in heat.
• Volume - One two-tier cake serves up to 75 people. That’s enough for most small to mid-sized weddings.
• Reliability - No last-minute cancellations. Costco doesn’t run out of cake.

One couple in Melbourne ordered a red velvet two-tier cake for their 60-person wedding. They paid $48. Their guests raved about how good it tasted. They spent the $200 they saved on a live acoustic band instead.

When Costco Cakes Don’t Work

There are times when skipping the bakery and going with a custom cake is the better choice:

• You want a themed cake - princess, sports, vintage, cultural motifs
• You need special dietary options - gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, keto
• You’re hosting a large wedding (100+ guests) and need multiple tiers or a 4-tier cake
• You want photo-worthy presentation - think cascading flowers, metallic accents, or sculpted figures

Costco doesn’t do allergy-friendly cakes. If you have guests with severe allergies, you’ll need to source a separate cake or skip Costco entirely.

How to Make a Costco Cake Look More Elegant

Even if your cake is basic, you can elevate it with simple, low-cost touches:

• Add fresh flowers - Buy a small bouquet from a local florist and place it on top. Avoid artificial flowers-they look cheap.
• Use a cake topper - A wooden monogram, acrylic initials, or even a small figurine adds personality.
• Place it on a decorative stand - A clear acrylic or wooden cake stand makes it look intentional, not like a grocery store afterthought.
• Light it up - A string of fairy lights around the cake table creates a magical glow.

One bride in Sydney added white roses from her centerpieces to the top of her Costco cake. Her wedding photos looked like she spent $800 on a custom cake. She spent $45.

Costco vs. Local Bakeries: The Real Cost Comparison

Here’s how a Costco cake stacks up against a local wedding cake maker:

Comparison of Costco vs. Local Wedding Cake Options

Feature	Costco	Local Bakery
Price (2-tier)	$40-$55	$200-$600+
Custom design	No	Yes
Flavor options	3-4 standard	10+ including fillings
Delivery	No	Usually yes
Special diets	No	Often available
Order lead time	2-3 days	2-8 weeks
Guest satisfaction	High (taste-focused)	Varies (design-focused)

Most couples who choose Costco say taste matters more than looks. And honestly? Most guests won’t remember the cake design-they’ll remember how it tasted.

What to Do If Your Costco Doesn’t Offer Two-Tier Cakes

Not every Costco location carries two-tier cakes. Some only do single-tier, sheet cakes, or cupcakes. If yours doesn’t:

• Try a different branch - Larger Costco warehouses in urban areas are more likely to have them.
• Order two single-tier cakes - Stack them yourself with a cake stand or sturdy cardboard base. Use hidden dowels for stability.
• Go with cupcakes - Costco sells 100-count boxes for $25. Arrange them in a tiered display with cake stands.

One couple in Adelaide used two 8-inch Costco cakes stacked with wooden dowels and a decorative topper. It looked like a real two-tier cake. They saved $300.

Final Verdict: Is Costco Worth It for Your Wedding Cake?

If you’re looking for a cake that tastes great, feeds a crowd, and doesn’t break the bank-yes, Costco does 2-tier cakes, and they’re a smart pick.

If you want a showstopper, a custom design, or something that matches your wedding theme perfectly-you’ll need to hire a local cake maker.

There’s no right or wrong here. It’s about what matters most to you. For many, it’s not about the cake being beautiful. It’s about the cake being delicious, stress-free, and leaving enough in the budget for the honeymoon.