Celebrations simply aren’t complete without cake. I’ve been baking since I was little, and cakes have been and still are my favorite thing to make from scratch — for birthdays, anniversaries, or just because. That being said, baking mixes have come a long way and are even giving bakeries a run for their money. (Dolly Parton’s Duncan Hines line, I’m looking at you.)
But when an event pops up at the last minute, you’re low on time, or simply don’t feel like baking, what grocery stores can you turn to for a cake that’s as good as homemade (or, at least close to it)? I asked the experts — 6 pastry chefs to be exact — to find out. Here are the three grocery store chains with the best cakes according to pastry chefs.
It comes as no surprise that Whole Foods was chosen by half of the pastry chefs I asked. It’s easily a go-to in my family for last-minute occasions, especially the beloved Berry Chantilly Cake.
Joyce Tang, owner of Bake Sum bakery in California’s Bay Area, said, “If I buy grocery store cakes, they come from Whole Foods because their frostings/fruits are fresh. The cakes are consistent, and you know what you’re going to get. In a pinch, the fruit tarts are very rock solid.” Tang’s also a fan of the Berry Chantilly Cake , elaborating, “It’s not jam; it’s fresh berries in each one, which limits the amount of time that it can sit, and they won’t really freeze well, either. It’s not as light as an Asian bakery cake, but this is about as close as you can get!”
Zac Young, Food Network judge and creator of The PieCaken, also named Whole Foods as his top pick. “They have a great variety of cakes. It’s not just white or chocolate options,” he said. His favorite flavor? Whole Foods’ Carrot Cake. “It is my favorite kind of cake. I even forgive them for putting walnuts in it.”
What can’t the big-box retailer do? I’m also not shocked that Costco got the top mark from two of the pastry chefs. They make some pretty incredible desserts (like this “decadent” Crème Brûlée Bar Cake) that can easily feed a crowd all while staying under budget.
Laurie Ellen Pellicano, owner of the delicious Brooklyn-based shortbread company, chose Costco because “they move the biggest volume, so in my opinion their cakes are the freshest, most affordable, come in the most varied sizes, and offer simple customizations. Not to mention they are listed as a great company to work for,” she adds. “I actually regularly tell folks looking for budget wedding cakes to get a sheet cake from Costco!”
Pellicano also likes to keep it classic when it comes to flavors. “Stay away from fruit. Chocolate or vanilla — they are the best texturally, least likely to have a bunch of additives or food coloring, and in my opinion, please the largest audience!”
The rogue pick of the bunch came from Terrence Gutiérrez, of Terrence Bakes, who swiftly named Kroger as his top pick. They’ve got the classics like chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, and carrot, but don’t sleep on the store’s other offerings. “[When I was] growing up, the bakery pound cake from Kroger had this citrus glaze, and it was so nostalgic and delicious,” Gutiérrez said. You can also get them customized if you wish, or even opt for one of Kroger’s classic cookie cakes.
A Few Tips for Buying Grocery Store Cakes
While you can just pick up whatever the grocery store has on the shelf that day, the pastry chefs shared a few tips for upping your grocery store cake game even further.
Tang suggested, “Try to not buy cakes that are sweaty with condensation, as that means there’s been some temperature shock on it going from freezer to fridge. I buy cakes with minimal decoration because the more decor that’s on it, the less fresh the cake.”
If you do have a specific date, Young suggests ordering ahead “especially if you want any customization, like a message written on it. Just because they can do it, doesn’t mean it’s always doable in your 10-minute shopping time.” And don’t be afraid to branch out! “Keep in mind that any cake can be a birthday cake — choose a favorite flavor and don’t feel like it has to just be the cake. You can get a cheesecake or a pie, or even a coffee cake! Don’t be afraid to get what you love,” he said.
Pellicano seconds preordering, especially if you’ve got a really large group. “If you need to feed a crowd, go big and preorder! Nothing says party like a sheet cake,” she said. And if you’re shopping specifically at Costco, “Hot tip: Avoid the crowds at Costco and aim for closer to closing especially if you are in Brooklyn (which is one of the most trafficked Costco [stores] in the country!)”
