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Harry & David Review

Sunday, February 16th

2025 Cake Delivery Reviews

Harry & David Review 3.5 Star Rating

Harry & David

3.5 Star Rating
  • About 50 cakes to choose from
  • Wide range of options, including traditional layer cakes, ice cream cake, cake pops, and much more
  • May not have gluten-free options
  • Prices range from $24.99 to $105+
  • Delivery fees around $19.99
  • Some cakes have numerous 5-star reviews
  • "A+” rated by the BBB
  • In business for over 100 years

Harry & David offers a variety of gourmet foods, from their signature Royal Riviera Pears to chocolates and baked goods. Founded nearly 100 years ago, they've built a reputation for high-quality treats that are often given as gifts or enjoyed during special occasions. With a broad selection of items available for delivery across the country, they make it simple to send something tasty to someone you care about. Whether you're looking for a thoughtful gift or just want to enjoy something special, Harry & David has been a popular choice for many. They're also part of the 1 800 Flowers family of brands, so you'll spot options from many of their "sister” sites in the inventory, like Wolferman's and Shari's Berries.

Partners with many bakeries

What's really interesting to us is how many of Harry & David's cakes are sourced from other bakeries we evaluated. Not only will you see the brands in their own family, but also ones like Send A Cake and Bake Me a Wish. Just keep in mind that you might be adding a layer of customer service if you order cakes from those vendors through the Harry & David site.

Best Cakes

Pay attention to availability

Finding the right cake here is really easy: we love that Harry & David has options that no one else does - like ice cream cakes by Carvel - and that you can use the filters to indicate your price range and occasion that you're celebrating. And, as you browse, it'll be easy to see which cakes are available to ship now and which ones have a wait. We were a little surprised to see some classic options, like a carrot cake and a confetti cake, not available for shipping until two months in the future - but with about 50 cakes to choose from on the Harry & David site, there were plenty of alternatives. As a side note, we didn't spot any offhand that were gluten-free, so you might need to buy your cake elsewhere if that's a necessity.

Check out each cake's reviews

One of Harry & David's best-selling cakes is the Ultimate Chocolate Cake. Priced at $69.99, it lands right in the middle of the cost spectrum here ($24.99 to $105+). It's a layer of brownie fudge cake and another of New York-style cheesecake, separated by a decadent fudge filling. Across 220 reviews, it averaged a fantastic 4.6 stars. Reviewers said it was a practically sinful sweet treat, and a few people mentioned that they were repeat buyers. We also like seeing that Harry & David reps take the time to respond to any less-than-favorable comments with an apology and an offer to make things right.

Watch the shipping

Pay attention to the shipping details, once you've finally chosen the right cake to send. On that Ultimate Chocolate Cake, for example, the details said that express two-day shipping was included, so only the regular shipping and processing charges would apply. That cake was fulfilled by Harry & David directly, but you may encounter differences when choosing a dessert that's coming from one of their partners. We were charged $19.99 for shipping on the chocolate cake, and it wasn't clear if it was eligible for the Celebrations Passport program: when you pay $19.99 for the first year (and $29.99 in subsequent years), you get free standard shipping across all of the brands in the 1 800 Flowers portfolio... on eligible products. Keep an eye out for that too.

Use the gift-giving tools

As you'd expect from a company that specializes in gift-giving, there are a lot of tools in the checkout process that can make your life easier - and your recipient's more joyful. You can opt for a reminder for this occasion next year, add a free gift message, or include a personalized and printed greeting card (for $4.99). We didn't spot any add-ons or upgrades when we ordered this cake, which is unusual for Harry & David: when making previous purchases, we were usually tempted with extras like Moose Munch or balloons.

Best Cakes

Feedback is usually positive, but not always

How does Harry & David do in consumer opinion? To start, the company has an "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau - which is what you'd hope to see from a retailer that's been around for over a century. Feedback is a little more mixed elsewhere, ranging from a 1.2-star average across 950 ratings on Trustpilot, up to the 4.2-star average on Google ratings that came from over 16,000 reviews. Some of the reviews left within the week leading up to this evaluation were deeply unhappy, referencing sympathy orders that not only didn't arrive in time for the memorial service, they arrived over a week later. Time and again, recent reviews expressed big-time frustration with orders that had no updated delivery info and then came well after when they were needed. In other words, you can order that birthday cake... but will it come in time for the party? That's not a given with Harry & David.

Good enough but with some room to improve

We're willing to give Harry & David an above-average rating, largely because those ratings on the individual cakes they sell are really positive. That means that at least some of the time, the cakes are arriving and they're delicious. And, this company is big enough and well-connected enough that you can expect that, sooner or later, they'll apologize and make things right in some way. On the other hand, there are several bakeries on our list who take care of all of the baking and fulfillment in-house, and they're doing a much more consistent job of getting their cakes where they need to be - on time. We'd suggest keeping Harry & David as a backup choice, but look at its higher-ranking rivals first.

Where Can You Get the Best Cakes Online?

Do you have a milestone birthday coming up and you just can't bear the thought of another supermarket cake? Or you want to surprise your college student with a finals week celebration treat? Believe it or not, you can get some of the most amazing cakes shipped right to your doorstep (or theirs).

Ordering cakes online can revolutionize how you enjoy this timeless dessert. Who says you need to scour local recommendations on Facebook to get a treat crafted by an expert? Whether you're eyeing a decadent chocolate layer cake or a vegan carrot cake topped with silky cream cheese frosting, the internet makes it easier than ever to indulge.

The Best Cake Delivery Compare Cake Delivery Compare Cake Delivery Reviews What are the best Cake Delivery Best Cake Delivery Reviews

Cake Delivery FAQ

Buying a cake online gives you access to a wide variety of flavors, designs, and specialty options that may not be available locally. Whether you're sending a cake across the country or need a custom design for an event at home, online bakeries offer convenience, flexibility, and nationwide delivery.
Yes, most online bakeries use specialized packaging to keep cakes fresh during transit. This can include insulated boxes, ice packs, or even dry ice for more delicate cakes like cheesecakes. They also package the cake with enough padding to make sure that your lovely treat doesn't arrive squished!
Some online bakeries offer same-day or next-day delivery, especially in major metro areas. However, most cakes you'll see online will require more lead time, so it's best to plan ahead when possible.
A few online cake vendors allow you to personalize your order with custom messages, but don't expect anything overly fancy or bespoke. And, be aware that customizations may require extra processing time.
Many online bakeries cater to dietary needs, offering options like gluten-free or vegan cakes. Be sure to read product descriptions carefully and contact customer service if you have specific allergy concerns or ingredient questions.
Reputable cake shops have solid satisfaction guarantees, including refunds or replacements if the cake arrives damaged. Be sure to take photos immediately upon receiving the order and contact the bakery's support team to resolve any issues quickly.
Delivery costs vary based on factors like location, shipping speed, and whether special handling (refrigeration) is required. Expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $60 in shipping fees.
Absolutely! Online cake delivery is a fantastic way to celebrate from afar. Most bakeries let you include a personalized message with your order, and some let you tack on extras like balloons or chocolate-covered strawberries - making it a thoughtful and delicious present for any occasion.
Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

Cakes are one of life's sweetest traditions, symbolizing celebration and indulgence in cultures worldwide. Going as far back as history can tell, cakes started out as simple honey-sweetened breads in ancient Egypt. In medieval Europe, cakes were dense and spiced, evolving over time with the addition of refined sugar and leavening agents to become lighter, fluffier treats.

From cutesy Pinterest-worthy birthday cakes covered in fondant to the multi-tiered masterpieces of modern weddings, cakes have come a long way since then. Today, they're not just desserts but edible works of art, reflecting trends like naked cakes, drip designs, and inventive flavors such as matcha, churro, and ube. Cakes are synonymous with special occasions, but they've also found their way into everyday moments - because sometimes, you don't need a reason to treat yourself.

Which online cake shop should you trust to deliver on its promises? That's a great question, because the last thing you want is to get your hopes up and have your treat fall flat (or not arrive at all). Here are some criteria we'd recommend as you decide where to order your cake:

  • Price and value. A cake is a worthwhile investment in joy, but it shouldn't break the bank. Compare prices to see if the bakery balances cost with quality and service.
  • Variety. Look for a bakery with options that suit your needs - classic flavors, trendy designs, dietary-friendly options like gluten-free or vegan, and even seasonal specialties.
  • Customization. Some occasions call for a personal touch. Check if the vendor allows custom messages, designs, or add-ons like candles or decorations.
  • Delivery options. Not all shipping methods are equal. Compare timelines and costs to make sure the cake arrives fresh and on time, especially for deliveries to warmer destinations.
  • Customer reviews. Feedback from other customers can reveal how well a cake shop handles quality, taste, packaging, and delivery reliability. Has the BBB given the vendor a positive rating? Is there a satisfaction guarantee, and does the company honor it?

To help you find the right bakery to order a delicious cake for delivery, the sweet-toothed experts at Top Consumer Reviews have researched and ranked some of today's most popular options. With so many creative bakeries offering nationwide delivery, it's easier than ever to make any day a little sweeter. Just remember to order in advance when possible - good cake is worth the wait!

Compare Cake Delivery

Select any 2 Cake Delivery to compare them head to head

best-cake-delivery
  • Bake Me a Wish!
  • David's Cookies
  • Caroline's Cakes
  • Harry & David
  • We Take the Cake
  • Edible Arrangements
  • Send a Cake
  • Magnolia Bakery
  • Milk Bar
  • Williams Sonoma
Bake Me a Wish! vs David's Cookies Bake Me a Wish! vs Caroline's Cakes Bake Me a Wish! vs Harry & David Bake Me a Wish! vs We Take the Cake Bake Me a Wish! vs Edible Arrangements Bake Me a Wish! vs Send a Cake Bake Me a Wish! vs Magnolia Bakery Bake Me a Wish! vs Milk Bar Bake Me a Wish! vs Williams Sonoma David's Cookies vs Caroline's Cakes David's Cookies vs Harry & David David's Cookies vs We Take the Cake David's Cookies vs Edible Arrangements David's Cookies vs Send a Cake David's Cookies vs Magnolia Bakery David's Cookies vs Milk Bar David's Cookies vs Williams Sonoma Caroline's Cakes vs Harry & David Caroline's Cakes vs We Take the Cake Caroline's Cakes vs Edible Arrangements Caroline's Cakes vs Send a Cake Caroline's Cakes vs Magnolia Bakery Caroline's Cakes vs Milk Bar Caroline's Cakes vs Williams Sonoma Harry & David vs We Take the Cake Harry & David vs Edible Arrangements Harry & David vs Send a Cake Harry & David vs Magnolia Bakery Harry & David vs Milk Bar Harry & David vs Williams Sonoma We Take the Cake vs Edible Arrangements We Take the Cake vs Send a Cake We Take the Cake vs Magnolia Bakery We Take the Cake vs Milk Bar We Take the Cake vs Williams Sonoma Edible Arrangements vs Send a Cake Edible Arrangements vs Magnolia Bakery Edible Arrangements vs Milk Bar Edible Arrangements vs Williams Sonoma Send a Cake vs Magnolia Bakery Send a Cake vs Milk Bar Send a Cake vs Williams Sonoma Magnolia Bakery vs Milk Bar Magnolia Bakery vs Williams Sonoma Milk Bar vs Williams Sonoma
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