Why are cakes so expensive to buy?

This is the question cakemakers get asked regularly, so I thought I would give you a rundown of what is involved in making a cake. People say they can buy a cake from a supermarket for £10, yes you can but you can also buy a cheap pair of trainers or an expensive pair. It is your choice whether you buy a cake from a supermarket or a bespoke cake from a cake designer. Supermarket cakes are mass-produced in factories so yes they are cheaper but are not personalized for you. If you buy from a cake shop or a home baker this is not your typical supermarket. The bespoke cake is tailored especially for you.

Take it from a cake maker’s point of view, you are asked for a type of cake say a birthday cake, and the potential customer sends a photo of what they want. First, they have to research the cake,  for instance, the person has a few hobbies like swimming and golf. They have to look for ideas of what to put on the cake, how many is it to feed, and how big it should be, and then work out the cost of the cake including all ingredients, cake board, box, electricity, gas, water, and not forgetting washing up. If cake toppers or edible prints are needed then that would be an additional cost to the cake. Prints cost from £3.99 and toppers from £3.50. If a chocolate drip cake is required then the cost of all the chocolates and decorations have to be included.

Why are cakes so expensive, let’s break it down.

The ingredients have to be bought and the cake has to be made. Buttercream or ganache has to be made for filling and crumb coating the cake. I use ganache to cover the sides and top of the cake, especially in the hot weather. A filling has to be added in the middle of the cake e.g. jam/lemon curd as well.

Sugarpaste/fondant is used to cover the cake. At present it costs about £6-£6.50 a kilo.  How much do you need to cover the cake? If the fondant needs to be coloured you could colour it yourself or buy it already coloured, it might save time, look at the cost. How long does the cake take to decorate? It could take from 1 hour to 8 hours depending on the scale of the design.

Are handmade models to be added to the cake if so, they can take from 1 hour plus to make. Is this included in the price? All this needs to be costed out. Finally putting the cake together and adding the finishing touches. Labels, ribbons, allergy stickers, a tall box for a tall cake.

This is why cakes are expensive you get a bespoke cake designed for your occasion

Hope this makes sense

Caroline x

PS Have a look at my creationsAdult Birthday Cakes Newbridge South Wales