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Eli's Cheesecake vs Magnolia Bakery

Thursday, November 7th

2024 Dessert Club Reviews

Eli's Cheesecake Review 3.5 Star Rating

Eli's Cheesecake

3.5 Star Rating
  • Two styles of dessert club: just Chicago-style cheesecake (3, 6, or 12 months) and mixed desserts (12 months)
  • Prices range from $165 to $639, depending on the club and subscription length
  • Shipping costs extra
  • All desserts arrive frozen or slightly thawed
  • 15-day satisfaction policy
  • In business since 1948

Eli's Cheesecake made its debut in the 1970s at Eli Schulman's Chicago steakhouse, and it's known for its rich, creamy texture and all-butter shortbread crust. Eli's offers two dessert clubs: a Cheesecake Club and a Dessert of the Month Club. The Cheesecake Club offers 3, 6, or 12-month subscriptions, while the Dessert Club runs for 12 months, featuring a mix of desserts. Prices range from $165 to $639, with shipping costs extra. Each delivery includes 14-16 servings, arriving frozen or slightly thawed, and there's a 15-day satisfaction policy. Despite an "F" rating from the Better Business Bureau, likely due to a small oversight, Eli's promises great customer service, and you can get a refund or replacement if you're unhappy with your order. While not ideal for non-cheesecake lovers, Eli's dessert clubs offer generous servings and decent customer service, earning a solid rating.

Magnolia Bakery Review 2.5 Star Rating

Magnolia Bakery

2.5 Star Rating
  • Each month comes with 3 classic banana (bread) pudding cups, 3 limited-time flavors, and a special surprise that changes monthly
  • Subscribe for 3 ($195), 6 ($375), or 12 ($720) months, paid upfront
  • Free shipping in the continental US
  • Choose if you want delivery on the 2nd or 3rd Thursday of the month
  • Easy to send as a gift
  • In business since 1996

Magnolia Bakery, famous for its red velvet cupcakes and banana pudding, started in NYC's West Village in 1996 and has since expanded to several locations throughout the region. To satisfy fans across the continental US, they launched a monthly dessert club that ships three classic banana pudding cups, three limited-time flavors, and a special monthly surprise. You can subscribe for 3, 6, or 12 months, paid upfront, with free shipping and delivery options on the 2nd or 3rd Thursday each month. While it's a fun gift idea, the club has some drawbacks: there's no month-to-month billing, you can't pause your subscription, and there's no satisfaction guarantee. And, the Better Business Bureau gives Magnolia Bakery a "B-" due to unresolved complaints. Although their in-store treats are beloved, the limited variety of treats and the customer-unfriendly policies negatively impacted their rating.

Where Can You Find the Most Delectable Dessert Clubs?

Imagine a world where delicious desserts are just a few clicks away. This is the magic of online dessert clubs, where sweet treats from around the globe arrive at your doorstep on a regular basis. Joining one of these clubs can be a delightful adventure, bringing joy and indulgence into your life, one dessert at a time.

How do these subscriptions work? Each month (or sometimes less frequently if you prefer), you receive a box filled with goodies. These treats can range from cookies and cakes to chocolates and pastries, which makes opening each box an exciting experience. But, if you've got some taste preferences (or even allergies), don't stress: most of the dessert clubs out there today will let you know in advance what's coming in your monthly box of sweets, so that you can hit "skip” if there's something on the schedule that you wouldn't enjoy.

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Dessert Club FAQ

You can expect a mouth-watering selection of cookies, cakes, cheesecakes, pies and more from a typical dessert club. These plans usually go out of their way to source their treats from small bakeries and chefs from around the nation. Of course, if you prefer a dessert club with a narrower range of sweets - like just cookies and brownies, for example - you can get that too.
The most popular plans offer monthly dessert deliveries for terms ranging from three months to a full year. Many providers also let you choose a bi-monthly or quarterly delivery schedule, spreading out the sweet treats over a longer period of time.
Most dessert clubs are priced from $20 to $45 per delivery, depending on the plan you select. Keep in mind that some memberships include two desserts per shipment, giving you much more for your money.
That varies by club provider. Some include delivery costs within the monthly price, while others tack on fees of up to $7 per shipment. That doesn't sound like much, but over a 12-year dessert club membership, you're looking at nearly $85 more than what you're paying for the treats.
Most of the time, yes. Dessert clubs stay in business because they keep their customers happy with gourmet-quality treats delivered in good condition and on time. You should be able to get a refund or replacement if something isn't right with one of your dessert club shipments.
Unfortunately for your waistline, yes! Some dessert clubs have been in business for decades and have a long list of satisfied customers - many of whom subscribe year after year. It's always a good idea to check client reviews and even look for a rating from the Better Business Bureau, if you have any concerns about a dessert club provider you're considering.
Dessert clubs typically include a fun newsletter with each package. You might get pairing suggestions for wine or other beverages, tips for serving the dessert, and the backstory of the baker of your desserts. A few clubs let you add on to your membership if you're giving it as a gift: stuffed animals, flowers and balloons are just some of the options you might find.
Dessert clubs make one of the best gifts available today. From personalized greeting cards to delivery schedules that let you "share the love” all year long, these membership plans are guaranteed to make your lucky recipient smile. (And don't forget: you deserve nice things too. Treat yourself!)
Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

Some dessert clubs offer a variety of payment options. You might find clubs that require an upfront payment for a certain number of months. This can be great if you want to commit to a long-term sweet experience without worrying about monthly bills, or if you're giving the dessert club as a gift that keeps giving. On the other hand, some clubs offer a pay-as-you-go plan, which allows you to enjoy the flexibility of deciding each month whether you want to continue. This can be perfect if you like the idea of trying a club without a long-term commitment, or your wallet can't quite accommodate paying in full.

Subscription plans can also vary in terms of delivery frequency. Some clubs send out dessert boxes every month, giving you a regular dose of sweetness to look forward to. Other clubs offer more spaced-out options, such as bi-monthly or quarterly deliveries. This can be ideal if you want to savor each dessert for longer or if you're watching your sugar intake but still want to indulge occasionally.

Choosing the right dessert club for you can depend on several factors. Here are some key criteria to consider:

  • Variety of desserts. Think about what types of desserts you enjoy the most. Some clubs specialize in certain treats, like cookies or chocolates, while others offer a mix. If you have a sweet tooth for all kinds of desserts or you're a dedicated foodie craving new taste experiences, a club with a wide variety might be the best choice.
  • Subscription flexibility. Consider how often you want to receive your dessert boxes. Monthly deliveries can be great if you love frequent treats, but bi-monthly or quarterly subscriptions might suit you better if you prefer to pace yourself. Also double-check how easy it is to pause your desserts if you're going to be out of town.
  • Payment options and overall value. Decide if you prefer to pay upfront for a set period or if you like the flexibility of paying month-to-month. Upfront payments can sometimes offer a discount, but pay-as-you-go plans provide more freedom to cancel anytime. Is shipping included in your subscription fees? Do you get a lot of desserts for the money? Some dessert clubs give you nice extras like a fun newsletter, too.
  • Customer reviews. Look at what other subscribers are saying about the treats and the service as a whole. Reviews can give you an idea of the quality and reliability of the club. Positive feedback about the taste and presentation of the desserts can help ensure you're choosing a reputable service. Is there a satisfaction guarantee?

Subscribing to a dessert club can be a fun and rewarding way to discover new flavors and indulge in high-quality sweets. With so many choices available, there's a perfect club out there for every dessert lover, and the experts at Top Consumer Reviews have done the oh-so-arduous work of evaluating some of today's sweetest options. Whether you're treating yourself or looking for a unique gift, the right dessert club is sure to bring a smile to your face with each delicious delivery.

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