Planning a birthday party or family gathering just became much easier for Costco members.
For the first time, shoppers can order Costco’s popular custom cakes and party platters online and have them delivered. The new service is available through Costco Same-Day and the Instacart from Costco warehouse locations nationwide.
That means you no longer have to make a separate warehouse trip to order a cake, return several days later to pick it up and carefully transport it home—along with all the other party food you need.
Which Costco Cakes Can Be Delivered?
The delivery selection includes Costco’s custom half-sheet cakes and 10-inch round cakes.
When ordering online, customers can choose:
- Cake size
- Vanilla or chocolate flavor
- Cake design
- A personalized message of up to 30 characters
- Writing color
Available designs include balloons, candles, roses, rainbows, baby showers, graduations, American flag and other holiday-themed options. Selection may vary depending on the warehouse and time of year.
Unlike a ready-made cake from the Costco bakery, a customized cake cannot be ordered for immediate delivery. Costco requires custom cake orders to be submitted at least 72 hours in advance. Only eligible delivery windows at least 72 hours away will appear during checkout.
It’s a good idea to place your order as early as possible, especially before busy occasions such as graduation season, Mother’s Day and major holidays.
Costco Party Platters Are Available for Delivery Too
The new service isn’t limited to cakes. Shoppers can also order Costco party platters for delivery:
- Artisan Bread Sandwich platter
- Shrimp cocktail platters
- Croissant Chicken Salad Platter
- Fruit, Meat and cheese platters
- Cookie Platters
- Other prepared deli selections available locally
Costco’s platter selection can differ by warehouse, so customers will need to enter their delivery address to see what is available nearby.
For example, Costco’s artisan bread sandwich platter features roasted chicken, salami and Swiss sandwiches, plus roast beef and cheddar sandwiches. It is listed as serving approximately 18 to 20 people, although availability and pricing can vary.
The Costco fruit, meat and cheese platter is listed as serving approximately 18 to 24 people and includes Italian salami, soppressata, grapes, aged cheddar and aged Gouda.
These large-format options could make Costco delivery especially useful for birthday parties, team events, office lunches, school gatherings and other celebrations.
How to Order a Costco Custom Cake for Delivery
Costco members can place an order through Costco Same-Day by following these steps:
- Go to sameday.costco.com and sign in with your Costco.com account.
- Enter your delivery address to connect with a participating warehouse.
- Open the “Cakes” department and select a cake marked “Custom.”
- Choose the cake size, flavor and design.
- Enter your personalized message and select the writing color.
- Add any party platters, groceries, beverages or other Costco items you need.
- Select an eligible delivery window and complete checkout.
Customers can also look for Costco custom cakes and platters directly through the Instacart website or app.
The cake is prepared by Costco’s bakery employees. When it is ready, the Instacart shopper retrieves the completed cake from the bakery counter and delivers it with the rest of the order.
Your Groceries Can Arrive With the Cake
One of the most convenient parts of the new service is the ability to combine a custom cake with a regular Costco grocery order.
You could add paper plates, drinks, snacks, prepared foods and party supplies to the same cart. However, the cake’s required 72-hour preparation period applies to the entire order. If you need groceries sooner, it may be better to place them in a separate order.
Costco currently allows customers to schedule Same-Day delivery up to five days in advance.
Pay Attention Before Submitting Your Cake Order
Double-check the spelling, cake design, flavor, message and delivery time before completing the purchase.
Custom cake orders cannot be changed or canceled after midnight on the day the order is placed. Custom cake deliveries also cannot be rescheduled.
That is stricter than Costco’s rules for many regular Same-Day items, so make sure someone will be available to receive and refrigerate the cake if necessary.
Will Delivery Cost More Than Buying at the Warehouse?
Yes. The convenience will generally cost more than purchasing the same items inside Costco.
Costco states that Same-Day item prices are marked higher than prices at the local warehouse. The markup helps cover the delivery service. Same-Day orders also have a $35 minimum, and additional delivery or service fees may apply.
Prices can vary by location, delivery platform and membership status. Shoppers should review the complete order total—including fees and tip—before checking out.
Costco members can use Costco Same-Day, while non-members may be able to order Costco products directly through Instacart at higher prices. Eligible Costco Same-Day purchases continue to count toward the Executive Membership 2% Reward based on the original warehouse selling price before the delivery markup.
Is Costco Cake and Platter Delivery Available Everywhere?
Instacart described the launch as nationwide, but actual availability depends on the participating Costco warehouse connected to the customer’s address.
If a custom cake or specific platter does not appear after entering your address, it may not currently be offered by that location—or it could be temporarily unavailable.