I used to be a supermarket cake decorator. Here are 9 of my best tips for ordering a cake.

I used to be a supermarket cake decorator. Here are 9 of my best tips for ordering a cake. Many supermarkets offer the option to walk in and grab a cake from their bakery case, as well as the option to order a custom cake. Molly Allen Supermarket cakes can be an easy, more affordable way to celebrate any occasion. However, not all of these cakes are served and created equally.Take it from me: I worked in the bakery section of a popular supermarket for two years, prepping treats and decorating cakes, before opening my own bakery. Here are my go-to tips for ordering the best cake from your local supermarket. Place your order long before your partySome supermarkets bake cakes on-site, but many work with prebaked, frozen cakes.In these cases, the bakery will keep a stock of common cake flavors (vanilla, chocolate) on hand, and maybe a more limited selection of additional flavor choices (carrot, red velvet, marble). To make sure you get the flavor you want, order your custom cake with two to three weeks' notice. This can help give the decorator and the bakery time to ensure your desired flavor is in stock.Ask for whipped cream if you think grocery-store cakes are too sweet Ask for whipped cream if the frosting on supermarket cakes is usually too sweet for you. Jasmin Merdan/Getty Images If you've stayed away from grocery-store cakes because the typical buttercream frosting is a bit too sweet for you, check if the bakery has other options. Vanilla buttercream is often a default choice, but it's usually not the only one. Some supermarket bakeries can use fresh whipped cream for topping a cake.Other choices might include cream-cheese frosting, chocolate frosting, coconut-pecan frosting typically used for German chocolate cakes, and even chocolate ganache. Generally, you won't know for sure unless you ask. Check if the bakery can do half-and-half flavorsYou may not have to choose between chocolate or vanilla cake.When ordering, ask about doing half vanilla and half chocolate so everyone at your party can enjoy a slice of their preferred flavor.This is often possible with half-sheet cakes and two-layer round cakes. (And it might also work with other cake flavors, too.) Order with the cake decorator if you want something very specific Cake decorators can sometimes work early hours. gerenme/Getty Images You can generally speak with any bakery employee to order a cake, but if you have a specific or out-of-the-box request for decorations, ask when you can speak with the cake decorator by phone or in person.In my experience, they often work early shifts so they can begin preparing orders and items for the display case. Decorating is their specialty, and they can be the best person to tell you if tackling the specific design you're hoping for is achievable. And, if not, they may be able to help brainstorm an alternative.Consider bringing in your own toys for kids' cakesSupermarket bakeries usually have a look book of designs that cake decorators are trained to make, and children's cakes often include character toys from popular movies and shows.If the bakery doesn't have your child's favorite character, don't be afraid to ask staff what's possible.Depending on the store and decorator, you may be able to bring in small, washed figurines for the decorator to incorporate into the design. Or you can try asking the decorator to leave space for a specific toy when creating the design. Don't be afraid to order a plain cake if you want to dress it up yourself Remember that cake decorators don't have to dress up your cake with a border, sprinkles, and writing if you don't want them to.If you want a semi-customized dessert, just order a plain, frosted cake in your desired size. That way, you can take it home and turn it into anything you want.Add edible flowers to dress it up for a more formal occasion, or top it with candy and sprinkles in your desired shades. You can even try adding your own fun candles, toys, and knickknacks on top. Request a plastic cake container instead of a bakery box Premade birthday cakes can usually be customized. iStock / Getty Images Plus At many bakeries, custom cake orders are packaged in cardboard boxes for pickup.If you anticipate you'll have leftover cake, ask for a plastic cake container instead. This will provide an airtight solution for easily storing leftovers.Keep in mind that this tip may not work for every bakery, and it could depend on the supplies they have on hand. Ask about a free smash cake for kidsIf you're planning to order a birthday cake for a young child, ask if your supermarket bakery also offers free smash cakes.A smash cake is tiny, typically 4 inches in diameter, meant just for a kid to dig into on their birthday. These are usually served alongside a larger sheet cake meant for guests.Some bakeries will give you a free smash cake when you order a larger decorated cake or meet a minimum order size. Check last-minute options if you forgot to order aheadEven if you forgot to order a few weeks in advance, there may still be options the store's cake decorator can pull together for you. If it's a few days before your event, or the morning of, it doesn't hurt to ask.The decorator may be able to put together a simple design while you shop for other items in the store. Or you can grab a premade option from the bakery case and ask for writing on top and extra sprinkles along the edges to spruce it up. Just keep in mind that your options may depend on how busy the bakery is when you visit. This story was originally published on March 25, 2023, and most recently updated on November 2, 2026. Read next Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Molly Allen is a former bakery owner and event planner. Now, a freelance writer and editor covering food and beverage, lifestyle, travel, and parties, she brings her years of experience and industry knowledge to readers across a variety of platforms. Her work has appeared in Taste of Home, Brides, Cidercraft Magazine, among others. Follow her on Instagram @mollyallenmedia.