How to Price Your Cakes

At first glance, you might see a pretty heart Lambeth cake, which is very much on trend and can be found in a simpler form in many bakeries. These cakes, with less intricate details, can often be mass-produced, making them widely available and relatively inexpensive. However, if you are a custom cake artist, the story is quite different. 

Every cake you create is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, custom-designed to meet the specific desires of your client. Nothing in your kitchen is mass-produced, and each cake reflects the care, skill, and artistry that go into its creation. So what do you need to take into account when deciding on how to price your cakes?

BAKING YOUR CAKE

Baking the cake itself is an art, requiring the right ingredients, perfect timing, and a controlled environment. Then, you must make both the ganache and buttercream from scratch, each requiring specific techniques and quality ingredients. These are not steps that can be rushed or overlooked; they are fundamental to ensuring that the cake not only looks stunning but also tastes delicious.

CAKE PREPARATION

The journey to creating a custom cake begins long before the actual decorating process. First, you need to prepare your cake, a process that is far from simple. It starts with hand carving the cake to achieve the perfect shape, ensuring that every layer is smooth and even. Once the carving is complete, the cake must be layered with ganache, which acts as both a filling and a structural support. Covering the cake with ganache is a meticulous task that requires patience and precision. Only after the ganache layer is flawless can you move on to applying the buttercream, which must be smooth and uniform.

DECORATING PROCESS

The decorating process is where your creativity truly shines, but it also involves careful planning and execution. For instance, coloring the buttercream into three perfect shades of ombre pink is no small feat. You need to ensure you mix just the right amount of each color—too little, and you might run out; too much, and you risk wastage, which can be costly. Preparing the piping bags and selecting the appropriate tips is another step that requires attention to detail. The tools you use are critical to achieving the desired effect, and acquiring these tools costs money, adding to the overall cost of the cake.

SOURCING ADDITIONAL ELEMENTS

Sourcing additional elements like a gold acrylic topper, boards, and boxes also takes time and resources. These details, while small, contribute significantly to the overall presentation of the cake and cannot be overlooked. They are essential to delivering a finished product that meets the high standards expected of a custom cake.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Moreover, the actual decorating is just one part of the process. There is also the time spent on preparation and cleanup, which, although behind the scenes, is crucial to maintaining an efficient and professional workspace. Administrative tasks related to the order—such as client consultations, invoicing, and communication—add to the time investment. Then there are the overheads, including the cost of running your kitchen, utilities, and other expenses that keep your business operational.

DON’T FORGET YOUR PROFIT MARGIN

Profit margins must also be considered. As a custom cake artist, your pricing needs to reflect not just the cost of ingredients and materials but also the value of your time, expertise, and artistic skill. Social media and photography are other aspects that, while not directly related to the cake itself, are vital to promoting your business and attracting future clients. Maintaining a strong online presence takes effort, as does staying current with trends and techniques through professional development.

So much more than just cake!

When all of these factors are combined, the price of a custom cake is much more than just the sum of its parts. It is a reflection of the time, skill, and dedication that go into creating something truly special. So, when you consider the cost of a custom cake, remember that it encompasses far more than just the ingredients and decoration—it represents the artistry and passion of a true professional. It's always so much more than just cake!