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Sunday, February 16th
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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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