5 Tips to Save Money on a Birthday Cake

Birthday cakes can be quite costly. Honestly, sometimes I understand why they are so expensive since I have made my share of cakes. A lot of detail and hard work and hours standing in the kitchen can go into them. A few years ago, my mother paid for she and I to take a cake class at JoAnn’s. It was a 4 week class (once a week) and I honestly feel that with the internet what it is today, I could have just purchased the book, and watched YouTube and learned just as much. Don’t believe me? YouTube has hundreds, probably thousands of videos for different techniques in cake making. I chose not to take the more advanced class, because I figured it all out on YouTube. Nothing against the instructor, she was great… but I just feel you may be able to save money and use the internet.

The pros of the class was it was fun, and you do have the instructor there in front of you to ask and have her help you move your hand a particular way…. you wont get hand holding on YouTube.

After taking this class I vowed to never pay high dollar for a cake again. I could make the cake myself and it only cost a fraction of the price. My kids actually enjoy the fact that I make their cake.

That is, until this week.

We have a birthday party in 1 day. I have such a to do list this week, family coming in, and I just got back from my conference, I had decided to bite the bullet and order a cake. This morning while in the shower it hit me…. I never ordered a cake. *Oops* I ran to the Commissary on base, and they only cake they had within the theme was blah. Really blah. I am not paying high dollar for blah. And as in blah, I mean borderline CakeWrecks quality. Looks like I will be whipping up a cake tonight really fast.

**By the way – have you ever seen cakewrecks? If not, you are missing out. I have been a loyal reader for sometime, and so jealous my sister has a friend by association, and met her at Dragoncon!**

Dr. Seuss Cake - Cat's Hat!

Here are some ways to save on a Birthday Cake:

1. Don’t purchase the themed decorated cakes.
Ask your baker the price difference in the generic decorated or plain sheet cake vs the Character/Themed ones. Often times you are paying high dollar for the themed kit which can commonly be a small Happy meal sized plastic toy. You could put your own toys on it (if size appropriate) or purchase a good toy that would fit and have that be part of your child’s gift as well.

2. Have cupcakes instead:
Cupcakes are so easy to make, and all the rage right now. You could even decorate the cupcakes very plain, and set up a cupcake bar using this as an activity during the party!

3. Make your own cake.
Yep. I am stating the obvious. Take a walk down a craft store cake aisle. They have so many easy options, and you can always use google and YouTube to give yourself enough knowledge on how to use the items.

4. Make a Cookie Cake
Press a batch of dough into a pan and bake until done. Pipe some icing on top, and you got yourself a Cookie Cake. – If you do this, can you please share with me? MMMkay, thanks!

5. Get the first year cake for Free.
If it is a first birthday, most Grocery store bakeries offer a FREE small cake for the child to smash into.

So now I have shared my tips, I would love to hear yours in the comment section,

Do you make the cake yourself? How did you learn? What are your tips for saving on birthday cake?

*Disclaimer – all of the above pictures are mine. These cakes were for personal use. I do not claim to be a professional cake maker. These were homemade with love for my kids.  But, if you like, please feel free to pin, tweet, and share on facebook*

Linked to: I Should be Mopping the Floor!

I disclose: There may be affiliate links in this post.