By Makai Cake Decorating Supplies

 

 

Pricing your cakes correctly can make the difference between a thriving business and burnout.
Whether you're baking from home or running a small cake business, this guide will help you understand the real cost of each cake and how to price for profit – not just for popularity.

 

 

 Why Smart Pricing Matters 

 

Many beginner bakers underestimate the true cost of their cakes. They charge only for ingredients, forgetting about time, utilities, packaging, or decorations.

The result? A lot of hard work for very little reward.

 

Fair, profitable pricing ensures:

• You’re paid for your time and skill
  
  
• You can reinvest in your tools and growth
  
  
• You attract the right kind of customer

 

 

 What to Include in Your Price 

 

Here’s what to consider when pricing each order:

• Ingredients: Include everything – flour, eggs, butter, flavourings, fillings, extras
  
  
• Packaging: Boxes, boards, ribbon, stickers – it all adds up
  
  
• Time: Don’t work for free! Factor in all hours spent prepping, baking and decorating
  
  
• Utilities: Electricity, gas, water – even if small, they matter
  
  
• Decorations: Toppers, sprinkles, handmade details
  
  
• Delivery or Setup Costs: Include mileage, parking, time
  
  
• Profit: After all costs are covered, you deserve to earn too

 

 

Tip: Create a consistent pricing system with a spreadsheet or calculator.

 

 Common Cake Pricing Mistakes 

 

• Only charging for ingredients
  
  
• Forgetting to include your time
  
  
• Not tracking small extras
  
  
• Setting prices based on competitors – without knowing their costs
  
  
• Undercharging because of fear or imposter syndrome
  

 

 

 Average UK Prices (2025 Estimate) 

 

To help you benchmark, here are current UK price ranges:

• 6" buttercream celebration cake: £45–60
  
  
• 8" fondant-covered cake: £70–100
  
  
• Character/custom design cakes: £120–180+
  
  
• Box of 6 cupcakes: £12–20
  
  
• Traybake brownies: £10–20

 

These are just guidelines. Always use your own costs as the foundation.

 

Not sure what styles justify higher prices?
👉 Check out our cake decoration tips for added value ideas.

 

 Download Our Cake Pricing Calculator (Free Template) 

 

We’ve created a clear, printable pricing table to help you track costs and profits:

✅ Ingredient + packaging + time breakdown
✅ Extra rows for custom items
✅ Final “TOTAL” row included
✅ Designed for UK home bakers

 

👉 Download Cake Pricing Calculator (PDF)

 

Use it as your go-to reference for every order.

 

Thinking of turning your hobby into a business?
👉 Read our guide on how to start a home baking business in the UK.

 

 

 Final Thoughts 

 

You deserve to be paid fairly for your skill, time and effort.
Don’t be afraid to charge properly – professional customers respect professional pricing.

With the right tools and mindset, you can build a cake business that’s sustainable, satisfying and profitable.

 

Want to avoid unhappy customers?
👉 Here’s how to handle complaints professionally as a cake maker.