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Magnolia Bakery Review

Sunday, February 16th

2025 Dessert Delivery Reviews

Magnolia Bakery Review 2.5 Star Rating

Magnolia Bakery

2.5 Star Rating
  • About 36 desserts available for delivery
  • More options when you choose in-store pickup
  • Desserts available for shipping include banana pudding, cookies, cupcakes, cakes, brownies, bark, and more
  • $35 for priority overnight shipping
  • No gluten- or dairy-free options
  • Some personalization options available on cakes
  • In business since 1996

Magnolia Bakery first opened its doors in 1996 in NYC's West Village, quickly earning a reputation for its decadent cakes, irresistible cookies, velvety pies, and signature banana pudding. From its humble beginnings as a neighborhood favorite with people lining up down the block, it has expanded to locations across New York, LA, Chicago, and even internationally to places like Qatar and India. Not near a store? No worries - Magnolia Bakery ships a tempting selection of their treats nationwide, letting you enjoy their desserts wherever you are.

Tempting variety of treats

What kinds of desserts can you expect when you dive into Magnolia Bakery's lineup? Their banana pudding has reached cult status, with fans swearing by its perfect balance of creamy pudding, ripe bananas, and soft vanilla wafers. Other desserts like brownies and cookies can also be shipped, making it easy to create a full dessert spread. You can even order whole cakes here. Just be aware while you're browsing that not every treat can be shipped: if you want a flourless chocolate cake or any of Magnolia Bakery's cheesecakes, you'll need to live close enough to one of their brick-and-mortar locations to order online and pick it up in person. And, just FYI, this sweet shop doesn't currently offer anything that's gluten- or dairy-free.

Best Dessert Delivery

Many options offered for delivery

Let's jump in a little more and look specifically at some shippable desserts you might want to try here:

  • Sampler Packs: a fantastic way to see what the hype is all about. Depending on the time of year that you're shopping, you might see a Holiday "Best of Magnolia Bakery” sampler pack with cupcakes and banana pudding, the Ultimate Cookie assortment, or the Chocolate Decadence sampler with brownies/blondies cookies. Prices range from $46 (2 banana puddings, 2 cupcakes) to $139 (5 dozen cookies plus peppermint bark).
  • Banana Pudding: available in single-serve or multi-packs, prices range from $5.75 to $84. You'll find the traditional banana pudding flavor, as well as options like red velvet and peanut butter/chocolate.
  • Cookies: Magnolia Bakery's year-round selection includes chocolate chunk, oatmeal raisin, and banana pudding cookies. Holiday offerings expand to include seasonal favorites like spritz cookies, cutout sugar cookies, gingersnaps, and jammy thumbprints. Prices range from $18 to $77.
  • Cupcakes: while most of the varieties are pick-up only, you'll still be able to order birthday cupcakes, mini cupcakes, and seasonal flavors for delivery. Expect to pay anywhere from $22 to $55.
  • Cake: we've reviewed Magnolia Bakery's cake offerings separately here at Top Consumer Reviews , you can usually choose from four different flavors (chocolate, confetti, red velvet, carrot) and prices are from $54 to $60 for the 6” size (and a 9” size may be available, depending on the selected flavor).
  • Brownies & Bars: the only option offered for shipping is the Brownie & Blondie Combo with 4 of each at $31. At the holidays, we also spotted Peppermint Bark ($17) and Chocolate Toffee Bark ($15) in this category.

Fast, but pricey, delivery

When placing an order, you can expect efficient shipping: we were able to order on a Friday for a Tuesday arrival. However, delivery fees add up quickly: $35 for priority overnight shipping, plus optional $3.15 Route shipping protection. While we understand the costs of delivering desserts in peak condition, it's a big chunk of change: imagine ordering a brownie sampler for $31 and then paying $38.15 for the delivery.

Mixed reviews on delivery

Magnolia Bakery has glowing reviews for its in-store experiences, but shipping feedback is more of a mixed bag. While some customers rave about their delivered treats, others report issues like freezer-burnt cakes or missed delivery dates on important occasions. With a Better Business Bureau rating of "C-” due to a few unresolved complaints, it's clear that this bakery has some work to do on the shipping front (especially since you're paying an arm and a leg for delivery). And, without a clear satisfaction guarantee - issues are handled on a case-by-case basis - you can't be assured that you'll get a refund if that costly delivery doesn't actually happen on time.

Best Dessert Delivery

The verdict on Magnolia Bakery

If you're ordering online for local pickup at one of their stores, Magnolia Bakery is a must-try. Their desserts, particularly the banana pudding, are legendary. For delivery, however, it's a mixed experience. The desserts are a little limited in variety, shipping costs are sky-high, and the lack of a firm guarantee is a downside we can't ignore. We give Magnolia Bakery a below average rating overall: it might be worth it for the die-hard dessert lover (especially banana pudding), but not the most reliable option for delivery, especially when time is of the essence for special occasions.

Where Can You Get the Best Desserts Online?

The rise of online bakeries and dessert shops has made it easier than ever to access gourmet sweets from the comfort of your home. Craving macarons from a Parisian-style patisserie or a slice of authentic New York cheesecake? Ordering online means you can enjoy these treats without booking a flight.

This kind of dessert shopping takes the guesswork out of finding the perfect sweets for any occasion - whether it's a surprise birthday treat, a holiday celebration, or just an excuse to satisfy your sweet tooth. And let's not overlook the gift-giving convenience - these desserts usually arrive beautifully packaged, making them ideal gifts that show you care.

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

Dessert Delivery FAQ

Desserts are typically packed with dry ice or gel packs in insulated containers to maintain freshness and make sure they arrive in perfect condition. You can usually get more information on the website detailing how the sweet shop you're considering will package your treats - sometimes they even have unboxing videos.
Shipping fees vary by company and location, but they usually range from $10 to $30. Some bakeries may offer free shipping promotions for larger orders or during special events.
Delivery times depend on the bakery and shipping method. Many offer next-day or even same-day delivery for certain locations, but it's always good to order in advance for special occasions.
Yes, most online dessert shops let you include a personalized gift note. Some even offer elegant gift boxes to jazz up the presentation. And, don't forget upgrades - some sweet shops will give you the option to include birthday candles, a teddy bear, flowers, or other extras once you get to the checkout process.
Upon arrival, check the packaging for specific storage instructions. Many desserts should be refrigerated immediately or kept at room temperature in an airtight container, depending on the type. Some can go into the freezer for longer-term storage if needed.
Yes! Some bakeries offer gluten-free, vegan, or sugar-free desserts. Be sure to read the product descriptions or use site filters to find the right options.
A few online bakeries offer customization options, such as personalized messages, specific designs, or flavors. But, most dessert deliveries fall under the "what you see is what you get” category, so you might have to look a little harder if you need something tailored to your event or special occasion.
Fortunately, most online bakeries guarantee their deliveries and will refund or replace your order if it arrives damaged or late. Be sure to contact their customer service team as soon as possible, though, and be sure to take photos before you throw anything away - they may require those images before you can get a refund or replacement dessert.
Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

Desserts are the sweet exclamation point to any meal. From decadent cakes and flaky pastries to rich puddings and creamy gelato, desserts have been delighting palates across cultures for centuries. Fast forward to today, and the world of desserts has expanded in ways our ancestors could never have imagined.

Their origins are as varied as their flavors, with ancient civilizations crafting sweets from honey, fruits, and nuts, while later innovations brought us sugar-based confections and baked goods. Whether served at grand feasts or enjoyed quietly at home at the end of a long day, desserts are often synonymous with celebration, comfort, and creativity. In many cultures, sweets are intertwined with traditions, marking holidays, family gatherings, and even daily rituals with a touch of delicious indulgence.

If you're imagining something delicious coming right to your doorstep, where should you order that dreamy dessert? There are a lot of online shops to consider, and they're not all the same. Here are a few things to keep in mind that might influence which online dessert shop you choose:

  • Small business vs. well-known retailer. Do you really enjoy supporting up-and-coming entrepreneurs, or do you prefer to shop with a tried-and-true big-name company? You'll find both in the online dessert world.
  • Variety. How many desserts are there to choose from? It's okay to order dessert from a business with a smaller selection if they specialize in what you want to send, but having a broad range of options is better if you're just browsing for ideas.
  • Value. How many servings do you get for what you pay? Is shipping included? Look at the customer reviews too: they're a good guide to whether or not a dessert tastes as good as it looks.
  • Reliability. Desserts are often perishable and easily damaged. How dependable is the retailer when it comes to getting the treats to their destination in presentable, fresh condition? When customers have issues, does the company take the appropriate steps to make it right (like with a refund or redelivery)?

There are so many great options out there for ordering dessert online, and the treat-loving experts at Top Consumer Reviews have reviewed and ranked some of today's most popular sweet shops. Use our research to choose the right dessert company, whether you're buying something special for yourself or ordering something to "wow” everyone at the company's holiday potluck (we won't tell anyone that you didn't make it, we promise). Just don't forget to save us a piece!

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