June 16

Remember those giant, rectangle sheet cakes from Costco—the ones everyone grabbed for birthdays, graduations, or even just Friday night dessert cravings? You’re not alone if you’re wondering if you can still get one in 2025. There was a time during the pandemic when they vanished, leaving party planners everywhere a little stressed. The big question now: did Costco bring sheet cakes back, or are they still off the menu?

You’re probably not interested in driving to Costco with your fingers crossed, so here’s what’s really happening right now. Some stores are definitely selling sheet cakes again, but not all. And the thing is, each Costco bakery makes their own decisions based on local demand and staffing. To avoid a wasted trip, it's smart to call your location and ask a real person. I do this every year for Sylvie’s birthday, just in case things have changed.

Are Costco Sheet Cakes Still a Thing?

Here’s the deal: as of June 2025, Costco sheet cakes are absolutely still around, but not everywhere and not all the time. After pausing production during the pandemic, Costco stores started bringing sheet cakes back, but it really depends on your local warehouse. Some locations never skipped a beat, while others took a much longer break—and in a few spots, sheet cakes never made a full comeback. That’s why you hear mixed stories online and from friends.

Right now, most Costcos carry the classic half-sheet cake. This is the one that serves about 48 people and comes in two options: white cake with vanilla cheesecake mousse, or chocolate cake with chocolate mousse. The bakery displays usually keep a handful ready to grab in the fridge, with basic decorations like balloons, roses, or confetti.

The unspoken rule at Costco is that offerings change depending on customer habits and staff capacity. If enough people buy sheet cakes, the bakery is more likely to keep them in stock. If sales slow, they might cut back. So seasons and local demand play a big role. For example, stores are more likely to have sheet cakes in June for graduation and birthday season, but fewer in slower months.

Best way to know? Just call your store (seriously, ask for the bakery). They’ll tell you what’s actually available, if you can order ahead, or if you need to show up and grab what’s there. Some stores also take custom orders, but that varies too. So don’t trust what you read online without checking with your own Costco—they all play by their own rules.

How to Order a Costco Sheet Cake in 2025

Ready to snag a sheet cake for your next party? Here’s what you need to know about ordering in 2025. The process is still old-school, but it works if you know what to expect. Keep in mind, some locations may run things a little differently, so always check with your local bakery.

You cannot order Costco sheet cakes online or by phone. Yep, you’ve got to go there in person. Here’s the simple breakdown:

  • Walk inside your Costco (no membership, no cake).
  • Head straight to the bakery and look for the sheet cake order form, usually near the bakery counter or posted on a corkboard.
  • Choose your preferred cake flavor (chocolate with mousse or white cake with vanilla mousse—those are usually the only choices).
  • Pick a design from the selection on the form. There are dozens, from balloons and rainbows to sports themes and holiday decorations. You can ask about writing a custom message up to 50 letters.
  • Drop your order form into the box (or hand it to a bakery worker, if they’re there).
  • Plan ahead: Costco needs at least 24–48 hours’ notice—sometimes more for busy weekends or big holidays. Don’t leave it to the last minute.

Cake sizes are huge compared to most regular grocery store cakes. These sheets serve about 48 hungry people, so you don’t need to buy two unless your party is massive. Prices in 2025 are usually between $24 and $27, which is still a bargain considering the size.

If you have any dietary needs—like nut allergies or needing ingredient lists—ask right away. Most stores have printed info sheets. Don’t forget to double check pick-up times when you place the order. Once that’s squared away, you’re basically set for the big day!

Tips for Customizing Your Cake

Tips for Customizing Your Cake

You want your birthday cake to actually fit the party, right? The cool thing about Costco sheet cakes is that you don’t have to settle for a boring design. At most locations, the bakery will give you a short list of decoration options to pick from: balloons, roses, rainbows, sports themes, and sometimes even seasonal scenery. So, start by asking for the design sheet at the bakery counter. If you’re planning ahead, you can usually view the design catalog right at the order station.

As for flavor, Costco sticks to the classics: there’s chocolate cake with chocolate mousse or vanilla cake filled with vanilla cheesecake mousse. No wild flavors or fancy fillings, but let’s be honest—these are always crowd-pleasers at any kid or adult birthday.

  • You can add a custom message. Just make sure to write it clearly on the order form. Short and sweet works best.
  • If you want specific colors for the icing, ask. They’ll usually swap balloon or rose colors—red, blue, yellow, and a couple of others are standard.
  • Ordering is super simple: fill out the paper order form at the bakery counter. Pick the cake flavor, design, and inscription. Most stores need about 48 hours to get it ready.
  • If you don’t see a design you love, you can always just go with a blank cake and add your own decorations at home—think edible glitter, toy toppers, or custom-made signs.

One quick tip: these cakes are huge, so if your party is on the smaller side, you can ask the bakery if they’ll use fewer decorations so you have extra space for a larger message or even your own add-ons.

Alternatives If Sheet Cakes Aren't in Stock

If you hit up your local Costco and the bakery tells you they’re not making sheet cakes right now, don’t stress out—there are still solid ways to get a big, crowd-pleasing treat. Costco’s bakery never goes empty. You just need to know your backup options and what works for parties.

The most popular swap is grabbing one of Costco’s half-sheet cakes from the refrigerated bakery case (if they have them premade). When those aren’t on hand, here are solid alternatives:

  • Costco sheet cakes alternatives: Check the round cakes and cheesecakes. They’re bigger than grocery store versions and can feed a small crowd. The All-American Chocolate Cake has fans for a reason.
  • Pick up a big tray of assorted pastries or cookies. Costco’s bakery cookie boxes can feed 30 people without breaking the bank—plus, zero plates and forks to wash later.
  • Get a multi-pack of cupcakes. These are easier to serve at kids’ gatherings and let people grab and go.
  • If you don’t mind DIY, pick up a cake mix bundle, frosting, and some bakery sprinkles from the aisles. It’s not just cheaper—the kids might actually enjoy decorating them.

Ever curious how many people these alternatives actually feed? Here’s a cheat sheet:

ItemApprox. Servings
Costco Sheet Cake (when in stock)48
Costco Round Cake16-20
Cheesecake12-16
Bakery Cookie Tray24-36
Cupcake Pack20-24

If you’re in a rush, don’t forget that some nearby grocery stores or bakeries might let you order a sheet cake last-minute. It’s usually a bit pricier, but sometimes worth it for sanity’s sake. Bottom line: Costco always has something sweet and big enough for a crowd, even if the iconic sheet cakes are having a day off.

Estella Waverley

I am a culinary expert specializing in the art of cooking. My passion lies in creating unique dessert recipes and sharing them through my writing. I enjoy blending traditional methods with innovative flavors to delight taste buds. When I'm not in the kitchen, I love to explore the outdoors and find inspiration for my sweet creations. Writing about sweets brings me joy and allows me to reach a wider audience of dessert enthusiasts.

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