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Understanding the custom cake cost in Birmingham is the first step towards planning your perfect celebration. As a trusted cake shop Birmingham, we at The Cravery know that while the dream is a stunning, delicious centerpiece, the reality is that budget plays a crucial role. You want a cake that wows your guests without causing financial stress.
Too often, customers hesitate to inquire about a custom cake, fearing hidden charges and a complicated pricing structure. You might see a beautiful cake online but have no idea if it costs £50 or £650. This lack of transparency can be frustrating and can prevent you from getting the cake you truly want for your wedding, birthday, or anniversary.
This guide promises to demystify the entire process. We will break down every factor that influences the cost of a custom cake, from size and design to flavours and delivery. By the end of this post, you will have a clear, confident understanding of how we price our cakes, empowering you to make an informed decision for your special occasion in Birmingham.
To understand the custom cake cost at any cake shop in Birmingham, you first need to understand the core components that build the final price. At The Cravery, we believe in complete transparency, which is why we have defined our pricing structure around five clear pillars. These pillars are the building blocks of your quote and explain why one cake may differ in price from another, even if they look similar at first glance.
| Pillar | What It Means | Low Cost Example | High Cost Example |
| Size & Servings | The physical size of the cake and how many people it feeds. | A 6 inch round cake for 8 – 10 people. | A multi tiered cake for 100+ guests. |
| Design Complexity | The amount of time and skill required to execute the design. | A simple, elegant buttercream swirl finish. | An intricate, hand piped lace pattern. |
| Flavour & Fillings | The ingredients used for the cake sponge and any extra fillings. | Our signature Vanilla, Chocolate, or Red Velvet. | Speciality imported flavours or premium liqueur fillings (which we do not use). |
| Decorative Add Ons | Extra elements added to the cake for decoration. | A simple personalised message. | Handcrafted sugar flowers, edible gold leaf, and custom 3D fondant figures. |
| Labour & Expertise | The time and skill of the professional baker and decorator. | A standard design from our portfolio. | A completely bespoke design created from scratch with multiple consultations. |
These five pillars are the foundation of every quote we provide. By understanding them, you can see exactly where your money is going. If you have a specific budget in mind, you can make informed decisions for example, opting for a simpler design on a larger cake, or choosing a smaller cake to allow for more intricate decorations. This framework empowers you to work with our team to create the perfect cake that meets both your vision and your budget. It is this commitment to clarity that makes us a leading cake shop in Birmingham.
When you see a starting price for a custom cake at our Birmingham cake shop, it is important to know what that baseline cost includes. The base price is the foundation upon which all other customisations are built. It represents a complete, delicious, and beautifully finished cake that is ready to be the centerpiece of a smaller celebration.
At The Cravery, our starting custom cake cost includes:
Your Choice of Signature Flavour: The base price is the same for our Vanilla, Chocolate, and Red Velvet cakes. We do not charge extra for our most popular flavours, ensuring you can choose the one you love without a cost penalty.
Standard Size and Servings: The starting price typically corresponds to our smallest standard size, usually a 6 inch round cake, which comfortably serves 8 10 people. This is perfect for intimate family gatherings, small office parties, or a romantic anniversary dinner.
Signature Buttercream Finish: Every custom cake is finished with our delicious, handcrafted buttercream. The base price includes a simple yet elegant finish, such as a smooth coating or a classic textured swirl. This ensures that even our most budget friendly option looks and tastes premium.
Our Dietary Commitment: Every cake, regardless of price, is made completely free from animal products and alcohol. This is a core value at The Cravery and is included in the base price, not as a costly add on.
The base price is our commitment to providing an accessible entry point for a high quality, handcrafted custom cake. It is a complete product, not an empty shell. For many celebrations, the base cake is all that is needed. For those who want more, it serves as a transparent starting point for a conversation about your vision and budget.
Beyond the base price, the single biggest factor influencing the final custom cake cost is design complexity. This is a measure of the time, skill, and artistry required to bring your vision to life. A cake is not just a dessert; it is a piece of edible art, and the price reflects the labour of the artist.
Design complexity can be broken down into several elements:
Piping Work: A simple shell border is included in most base prices. However, intricate, hand piped lacework, detailed floral patterns, or full coverage henna style designs require many hours of focused work and will increase the cost significantly.
Structural Work: A single tier cake is straightforward. A multi tiered cake requires internal supports (dowels and cake boards), precise stacking, and careful transportation. The engineering involved in ensuring a tiered cake is stable adds to the complexity and cost.
Colour Work: A single colour cake is standard. Advanced colour techniques like ombré (graduating from one shade to another), watercolour effects, or hand painted designs require multiple batches of icing and a high degree of artistic skill, which is reflected in the price.
Fondant Accents: While our cakes are buttercream based, we use fondant for specific decorative elements. A simple name or age is a small add on. A complex, sculpted 3D figure of a character, a logo, or a realistic object can take several hours to create and is a major cost driver.
Ultimately, design complexity translates to time. A baker might be able to finish a simple buttercream cake in an hour, but a highly complex design could take a full day or more. The final custom cake cost in our Birmingham cake shop, like any artisan craft, must account for the decorator’s time and expertise. When you request a quote, we are not just calculating ingredients; we are estimating the hours of skilled labour required to make your cake perfect.
At The Cravery, we believe that the foundation of any great custom cake is a delicious, high quality sponge. We have chosen to master three timeless flavours, ensuring that no matter which you choose, you receive a cake that is moist, flavourful, and consistently excellent. Crucially, your choice of our signature flavours does not affect the base custom cake cost.
Whether you are a fan of classic Vanilla, indulgent Chocolate, or sophisticated Red Velvet, the price remains the same. This is a key part of our commitment to transparency. We do not believe in up charging for our most popular options. This allows you to select your favourite flavour based on taste alone, without worrying about a surprise increase in your quote.
Vanilla: A light, aromatic sponge that is a crowd pleaser for all ages.
Chocolate: A rich, decadent cake for those who want a truly indulgent experience.
Red Velvet: A visually stunning and uniquely flavoured cake for a touch of elegance.
By keeping the cost consistent across our signature flavours, we simplify the decision making process for you. You can confidently choose the flavour that best suits your event and guests’ preferences, knowing that it is already included in the starting price. This is one of the ways we help you manage your custom cake cost without compromising on the quality or taste you expect from a leading cake shop in Birmingham.
While our signature flavours are delicious on their own, adding a layer of jam or spread can elevate your custom cake to a new level of flavour complexity. At The Cravery, we offer this customisation as an affordable add on, allowing you to personalise your cake without significantly increasing the overall cost.
The addition of a jam or spread is considered a minor customisation and typically adds a small, fixed charge to your order. This charge covers the cost of the additional premium ingredients and the extra time required to carefully layer the filling within your cake.
Fruit Jams: A layer of strawberry, raspberry, or other fruit jam can add a bright, tangy contrast to our sweet buttercream and rich sponge.
Rich Spreads: A layer of chocolate ganache or other creamy spread can double down on the indulgence, particularly in our Chocolate cakes.
During your consultation, our team will show you the available options and clearly state the small additional cost per tier. This transparent approach ensures you can decide if the extra burst of flavour is the right choice for your cake and your budget.
In many bakeries, requesting a cake that is vegan or free from specific ingredients can result in a significant surcharge. At The Cravery, our commitment to baking cakes that are 100% free from animal products and alcohol is not a special feature it is our standard. Therefore, it comes at no extra cost to you.
We believe that everyone should be able to enjoy a delicious, beautiful custom cake, regardless of their dietary choices or religious beliefs. We have built our entire bakery and all our recipes around this principle. This means you do not need to request a “special” version of our cakes. Every cake we make, from the simplest cupcake to the most elaborate multi tiered creation, adheres to this standard.
This means the price you are quoted is for a cake that is already suitable for vegetarians and those who avoid alcohol. There are no hidden fees or “vegan up charges.” This commitment to inclusivity and transparency is fundamental to our identity as a leading cake shop in Birmingham. You can order with confidence, knowing that the price reflects the cake’s size, design, and flavour, not your dietary requirements.
Please note: While our cakes are free from animal products and alcohol, we do not operate in an allergen free kitchen and cannot cater to specific, severe allergies.
The size of your cake is one of the most direct factors influencing the final custom cake cost. A larger cake requires more ingredients, more time to bake and decorate, and a more complex internal structure. To help you plan your budget, here is a general guide to how size and servings relate to the starting price at our Birmingham cake shop.
| Cake Size (Round) | Approx. Servings | Starting Price Range* |
| 6 inch | 8 12 | £50 £70 |
| 8 inch | 15 20 | £80 £110 |
| 10 inch | 25 35 | £120 £160 |
| 12 inch | 40 50 | £170 £220 |
*Please note: These are estimated starting prices for a simple buttercream design. The final price will vary based on design complexity and add ons.
For weddings and large celebrations, multi tiered cakes are a popular choice. The cost of a tiered cake is generally the sum of the starting prices of its individual tiers, plus an additional charge for the structural work of stacking, dowelling, and ensuring stability. For example, a two tiered cake made of an 8 inch and a 6 inch tier would start in the range of £150 £200.
When getting a quote, let our team know the number of guests you are expecting. We can then recommend the most cost effective size or combination of tiers to ensure everyone gets a slice without you having to pay for a much larger cake than you need. This practical advice is part of the service you can expect from a top cake shop in Birmingham.
While a simple buttercream cake is beautiful on its own, decorative add ons are what make a custom cake truly personal. These elements are priced based on the cost of materials and, more importantly, the time and skill required to create them. Understanding these costs can help you decide which embellishments give you the most impact for your budget.
| Add On | Description | Estimated Cost Range* | Why It Costs This Much |
| Personalised Message | A simple “Happy Birthday” or name written in buttercream. | £5 £10 | Minimal extra time, but requires a steady hand. |
| Basic Fondant Accents | Simple shapes like stars, hearts, or letters. | £10 £25 | Involves rolling, cutting, and applying fondant pieces. |
| Edible Images | A printed photo or logo on edible sugar paper. | £15 £30 | Cost of the edible paper, ink, and careful application. |
| Intricate Piping | Detailed patterns like lace, henna, or basketweave. | £30 £100+ | Extremely time consuming and requires a high level of skill. |
| Drips and Splatters | Chocolate or caramel drips, or metallic paint splatters. | £15 £35 | Requires extra ingredients and careful, artistic application. |
| Custom Toppers | Non edible acrylic or wooden toppers. | £10 £25 | Cost of the pre made topper. |
| Handcrafted Sugar Flowers | Realistic, handmade flowers like roses, peonies, or lilies. | £15 £50+ per flower | Each flower is a miniature sculpture that can take hours to create. |
| 3D Fondant Figures | Custom sculpted characters, animals, or objects. | £40 £150+ per figure | The most labour intensive add on, requiring hours of sculpting and detail work. |
*Please note: These are estimates. The final cost depends on the exact size and complexity of the element.
If you are on a tight budget, focus on one or two high impact add ons. A single, beautiful sugar flower can elevate a simple cake, as can an elegant drip effect. Conversely, if you want to go all out, our team can combine these elements to create a true showstopper. During your consultation at our Birmingham cake shop, we will provide a transparent, itemised breakdown of any add on costs so you can make an informed choice.
Every occasion has different needs, and every person has a different budget. The key to satisfaction is finding the sweet spot where the cake is appropriate for the event and the price is comfortable for you. As a leading cake shop in Birmingham, we are experts at guiding customers to the perfect choice.
| Budget | Occasion | Recommended Cake | Why It Works |
| £50 £80 | Intimate Birthday, Small Office Party | 6 inch cake with a simple buttercream design and a personalised message. | Affordable, serves a small group, and still feels special and personal. |
| £80 £150 | Anniversary, Baby Shower, Milestone Birthday | 8 inch or 10 inch cake with a moderate design, like an ombré effect or a chocolate drip. | A larger cake with a higher impact design that feels more celebratory without breaking the bank. |
| £150 £300 | Large Birthday Party, Small Wedding, Corporate Event | A small two tiered cake or a large single tier cake with one or two significant add ons. | A true centerpiece cake that makes a statement and serves a larger crowd. |
| £300+ | Wedding, Major Corporate Launch, Lavish Celebration | A large multi tiered cake with complex design work, multiple handcrafted sugar flowers, and intricate piping. | A showstopping work of art designed to be the focal point of a major event. |
When you contact us for a quote, do not hesitate to share your budget. It is not a limitation; it is a starting point for a creative conversation. Our team can suggest the best ways to maximise your budget perhaps by using a single, stunning sugar flower instead of a dozen, or by choosing a design that looks intricate but is less time consuming to create. Our goal is to ensure you are thrilled with both the cake and the custom cake cost.
At The Cravery, customer reviews do more than just tell us we are doing a good job; they are the foundation of our commitment to fair and transparent pricing. In an industry where the custom cake cost can often feel mysterious, the feedback from our Birmingham and Solihull community holds us accountable and pushes us to be as clear and open as possible.
When a customer leaves a review, they are not just rating the cake; they are rating the entire experience. This includes the consultation process, the clarity of the quote, and the feeling that they received good value for their money. We have learned that customers are happy to pay for artistry and quality, but they are unhappy when they feel surprised by hidden fees or an unclear pricing structure. Our detailed quotes and our willingness to explain every line item are a direct result of this feedback.
Positive reviews that mention our pricing as “fair,” “reasonable,” or “worth every penny” are the highest compliment we can receive. They tell us that our pricing aligns with the perceived value of our cakes. When we develop pricing for a new design or add on, we do so with these comments in mind. We ask ourselves: “Would a customer feel that this price is a fair reflection of the work involved?” This customer centric approach prevents us from setting prices in a vacuum and ensures they are grounded in the real world expectations of our clients.
Our reviews have encouraged us to have an open dialogue about cost from the very first conversation. We are not afraid to talk about budget because our customers have taught us that it is one of the most important factors in their decision. By creating a safe and transparent space to discuss money, we build a stronger, more trusting relationship with our clients. This philosophy, shaped by years of customer feedback, is what truly defines us as a leading cake shop in Birmingham.
Once your perfect custom cake has been designed and baked, the final step is getting it to your celebration safely. The Cravery offers two distinct delivery options, each with its own cost structure, to provide maximum flexibility for our customers across Birmingham and Solihull.
| Feature | Predict Van Delivery | Same Day Delivery (Uber Eats / Just Eat / Deliveroo) |
| Cost Structure | Flat fee based on postcode distance from our bakery. | Variable fee set by the platform (based on distance, time of day, and driver availability). |
| How to Order | Through our website: www.thecravery.co.uk | Through the respective platform’s app. |
| Best For | Large cakes, tiered cakes, planned events. | Smaller cakes, cupcakes, last minute orders. |
| Payment | Delivery fee is added to your cake invoice. | Delivery fee is paid directly to the platform during checkout. |
The cost for our Predict van delivery is controlled by us and is designed to simply cover the expense of our driver and vehicle for the time it takes to get to your location. The cost for same day delivery is set by our platform partners and can fluctuate. We will explore each option in more detail in the following sections so you can choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.
Our Predict van delivery service is our recommended option for most custom cake orders, especially for multi tiered or delicate designs. This service uses our own dedicated, temperature controlled van and our own trained delivery staff to ensure your cake arrives in perfect condition.
The cost for Predict delivery is a flat fee based on your postcode. We have a tiered pricing structure that is calculated based on the distance from our central Birmingham bakery. This ensures that you are paying a fair price that directly relates to the mileage and time required for your delivery.
Zone 1 (Central Birmingham): Lowest flat fee.
Zone 2 (Surrounding Suburbs): Mid range flat fee.
Zone 3 (Outer Birmingham & Solihull): Highest flat fee.
When you request a quote, we will ask for your delivery postcode and include the exact delivery cost as a separate line item in your invoice. There are no hidden surcharges. This is the most reliable and cost effective option for planned events, giving you peace of mind and a guaranteed 1 hour delivery window.
For spontaneous celebrations or last minute needs, our partnerships with Uber Eats, Just Eat, and Deliveroo offer incredible convenience. However, it is important to understand that the delivery cost for this service is determined by the platforms, not by The Cravery.
The delivery fee you see on these apps is dynamic and based on several factors:
Distance: The primary factor is the distance from our cake shop in Birmingham to your address.
Time of Day: Fees may be higher during peak hours (like lunchtime or weekends) when demand for drivers is high.
Driver Availability: If there are few drivers in the area, the cost may increase to incentivise a driver to accept the delivery.
Platform Promotions: Sometimes the platforms offer delivery promotions, which can reduce the cost.
The price you see in the app is the final price you will pay for delivery. While we cannot control this fee, we ensure that our cake prices on the platforms are consistent with our direct prices. This option is perfect for smaller, standard cakes and cupcakes that you need delivered within the hour, but for large or delicate custom orders, we always recommend the security and fixed price of our Predict van service.
When comparing the custom cake cost from different cake shops in Birmingham, it is crucial to look beyond the price tag and consider the overall value. A cheaper cake is not better value if it compromises on taste, ingredients, or service.
| Feature | The Cravery | Typical Competitors |
| Ingredient Quality | Premium ingredients, 100% free from animal products/alcohol as standard. | May use lower cost ingredients; vegan/speciality options often cost extra. |
| Pricing Transparency | Detailed quotes, clear pillar based pricing structure. | Often vague pricing, risk of hidden fees. |
| Design Expertise | Focus on high quality buttercream artistry with strategic fondant use. | May rely heavily on cheaper, less flavourful full fondant coverings. |
| Service | Direct consultation with bakers, responsive customer service. | May have a less personal, more transactional ordering process. |
| Delivery Options | Dual system: reliable in house van and flexible platform delivery. | Often limited to collection only or a single, less flexible delivery method. |
Our goal is not to be the cheapest cake shop in Birmingham. Our goal is to offer the best value. This means providing a premium, delicious, and beautiful cake, made with high quality ingredients to meet your dietary needs, all supported by a transparent, customer focused service from the first quote to the final delivery. When you choose The Cravery, you are investing in peace of mind and a guaranteed high quality experience, which we believe is the best value of all.
How much does a basic custom cake cost at your Birmingham cake shop?
Our custom cakes start from a competitive base price, which includes your choice of our three signature flavours (Vanilla, Chocolate, or Red Velvet) and a standard buttercream finish. The final cost depends on size, design complexity, and any decorative add ons.
What are the main factors that increase the cost of a custom cake?
The main factors that increase the cost are the size of the cake (number of servings), the complexity of the design (e.g., intricate piping, multi tiered structures), and the addition of labour intensive decorative elements like handcrafted sugar flowers or detailed fondant models.
Do you offer budget friendly custom cake options?
Yes. We recommend opting for a standard size with a simple but elegant buttercream design. Choosing from our signature flavours and avoiding complex add ons is the best way to get a beautiful and delicious cake at a budget friendly price. Our team is happy to work with you to find a solution that fits your budget.
Is delivery included in the custom cake cost?
Delivery is a separate charge. We offer two options: our own Predict van delivery service for a scheduled time slot, and same day delivery via platforms like Uber Eats, Just Eat, and Deliveroo. The cost varies depending on the service and your location in Birmingham or Solihull.
How can I get an exact quote for my custom cake?
The best way to get an exact quote is to contact us directly through our website, email, or WhatsApp. Share your ideas, the number of guests you need to serve, and any inspiration photos. Our team will provide a detailed, transparent quote with no obligation.
Now that you have a clear understanding of how custom cake costs are calculated, the next step is to get a personalised quote for your unique celebration. At The Cravery, we have made the process simple, transparent, and completely free of obligation.
Our team is ready to listen to your ideas, offer expert advice, and work with you to design a cake that fits your vision and your budget. Whether you have a fully formed design in mind or just a few initial thoughts, we are here to help.
Contact us today to start the conversation:
Via our Website: Fill out the contact form at www.thecravery.co.uk.
Via WhatsApp: Send us a message with your ideas and inspiration photos for an immediate response from our baking team.
Via Email or Phone: Find our details on our website and get in touch.
Let us show you why we are the cake shop Birmingham trusts for fair pricing, exceptional quality, and unforgettable custom cakes. We look forward to creating something special for you.
Mr. Kandanchira is the CEO of The Cravery, a leading cake shop in Birmingham known for its commitment to quality, transparency, and customer satisfaction. By building a pricing model that is clear, fair, and customer centric, Mr. Kandanchira has demystified the custom cake cost for thousands of clients across Birmingham and Solihull, ensuring that every celebration can have a beautiful, delicious, and affordable centerpiece.
Regards,
Mr. Kandanchira
CEO The Cravery
