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Magnolia Bakery Review

Sunday, February 16th

2025 Cake Delivery Reviews

Magnolia Bakery Review 2.5 Star Rating

Magnolia Bakery

2.5 Star Rating
  • 4 cakes to choose from: confetti, chocolate, carrot, red velvet
  • Prices start at $54 to $60
  • $35 for priority overnight shipping
  • No gluten-free options
  • Some personalization options available
  • In business since 1996

Magnolia Bakery began in 1996 in NYC's West Village, featuring cakes, cookies, pies, and pudding that got everyone's attention in the neighborhood. This bakery now has locations throughout New York, one each in LA and Chicago, and even in some more far-flung locales like Qatar and India. To share their love even further, Magnolia Bakery has a tasty selection of treats that can be shipped wherever you'd like them to go.

Just 4 flavors of cake

At first glance, the selection of cakes at Magnolia Bakery seems pretty scant, especially when you set the filter to just show the options available for nationwide delivery. There are only four flavors to consider: confetti, chocolate, carrot, and red velvet. But, as you start clicking on those cakes, you'll see that the possibilities expand a bit.

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2 different cake sizes

To start, the cakes come in different sizes. A 3-layer, 6” cake can serve 6 to 8 people, while the 9” version serves 25-28 (!). Amazingly, there's not a huge price difference between those sizes: using the red velvet cake as an example, the smaller version is priced at $60 and the bigger one is $85. However, not every cake size is available for nationwide delivery, so keep that in mind.

Some cakes can be customized

The next perk that Magnolia Bakery offers on its cakes that you won't find everywhere else? Customization. The options vary by cake - for example, the red velvet cake lets you add a custom inscription of up to 22 characters in the color of your choice, while the chocolate layer cake only offers "Happy Birthday” in green. Some cakes show options that aren't available for delivered cakes, though, so don't get your taste buds in a tizzy thinking you can get the cream cheese icing version of that red velvet cake; delivered versions only come with whipped vanilla icing.

Fast delivery

But, once you figure out which cake you can order and all of the customizations you'd prefer, add it to your cart so you can select a delivery date. We were impressed that we could order a cake on a Friday and have it arrive at our recipient's location by Tuesday. That's also the part of the process where you can add a gift message or skip that part.

Shipping fees are expensive

Buckle up when it comes to shipping fees: on a 6” cake, we were charged $35 for priority overnight shipping (even though it wouldn't arrive until Tuesday; we figure that means it would be baked and sent on Monday, which makes sense). That also doesn't include the $3.15 in Route shipping protection that was included by default; you can uncheck that box if you prefer, but like many small businesses, Magnolia Bakery won't cover issues with their shipping carrier without that extra insurance.

Best Cakes

Lackluster feedback on cake delivery

How about this bakery's reputation? The company earned a "C-” from the Better Business Bureau, but it was for failing to respond to the three complaints filed with the BBB in the last three years. (Hardly a track record of abject failure...) We found plenty of love for Magnolia Bakery in other places, with lots of mentions of the store's beloved banana pudding. But cake delivery? Those comments were harder to find, and unfortunately, when we did find them, they were from disappointed customers. One person said that the cake arrived on time and in good condition, but it tasted freezer burnt. Another said that her son's birthday cake, ordered a week in advance and with special overnight shipping, never made it; as she put it, "There are no redos on birthdays. Candles can't be added to an apology.”

Doesn't spell out a guarantee

That leaves us wishing that Magnolia Bakery were a little more specific with their satisfaction policy. As it stands, it says that if you have an issue with your online order (your cake arrives in bad shape), you should reach out by email as soon as possible, and issues are handled on a case-by-case basis. That's not exactly a promise to make it right, and we're not thrilled with the email-only customer service approach either.

Not our favorite option for cake delivery

If you were ordering your cake online for local pickup, we could recommend that you give Magnolia Bakery a try. Most people who try their treats at one of their in-store locations have nothing but good things to say. However, for cake delivery, this shop only comes in with a below average score here. The flavors and sizes are more limited when shipping cakes, the delivery fees are really high, and there's not enough reassurance from Magnolia Bakery that they'll make it right if you've spent in the neighborhood of $100 to get a cake delivered and something goes wrong.

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.

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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.
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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!

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  • Bake Me a Wish!
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  • Magnolia Bakery
  • Milk Bar
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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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