From Business Insider · Molly Allen · · 2m
A cake decorator's guide to ordering supermarket cakes
A former supermarket bakery worker shares nine tips for getting the best custom cake from your local grocery store.
In brief
A former supermarket bakery worker shares nine tips for getting the best custom cake from your local grocery store. Molly Allen, who decorated cakes at a supermarket for two years, offers nine strategies for ordering better custom cakes from grocery store bakeries. Originally reported by Business Insider.
Who's giving the advice
Molly Allen worked in the bakery section of a popular supermarket for two years, prepping treats and decorating cakes, before opening her own bakery.
Order two to three weeks ahead
Many supermarkets work with prebaked, frozen cakes. To get your desired flavor, order your custom cake with two to three weeks' notice.
Ask about frosting alternatives
If supermarket buttercream frosting is too sweet, ask about other options. Bakeries may offer whipped cream, cream-cheese frosting, chocolate frosting, or chocolate ganache.
Request half-and-half flavors
Ask about doing half vanilla and half chocolate cake so everyone at your party can enjoy their preferred flavor. This often works with half-sheet cakes and two-layer round cakes.
Speak directly with the decorator
For specific or out-of-the-box decoration requests, ask when you can speak with the cake decorator by phone or in person. They often work early shifts and can advise on feasibility.
Bring your own toys for kids' cakes
If the bakery doesn't have your child's favorite character, ask if you can bring in small, washed figurines for the decorator to incorporate into the design.
Order a plain cake to customize yourself
Order a plain, frosted cake in your desired size and dress it up yourself at home. Add edible flowers, candy, sprinkles, candles, or toys in your preferred shades.
Request a plastic container for storage
If you anticipate leftover cake, ask for a plastic cake container instead of a cardboard box. This provides an airtight solution for easily storing leftovers.
Ask about free smash cakes
If ordering a birthday cake for a young child, ask if the bakery offers free smash cakes. A smash cake is tiny, typically four inches in diameter, meant for the child to dig into.
Last-minute options still exist
Even if you forgot to order weeks ahead, ask the decorator what they can pull together. They may create a simple design or add writing and sprinkles to a premade cake.
The key point
Molly Allen, who decorated cakes at a supermarket for two years, offers nine strategies for ordering better custom cakes from grocery store bakeries.
