How Much to Charge for a Homemade Pound Cake?

A pound cake is perhaps the simplest variety of cakes there are. But do not let its simplicity fool you. These cakes are always in demand, particularly during the holidays. Now, the question is, how much should you charge for your homemade pound cakes?

Depending on your ingredients cost, shipping fee, decorations, and service charge, you can charge between $30 to $35 for one plain pound cake. If you make a more exotic pound cake like chocolate or strawberry, then you can charge between $35 to $40 for one loaf of cake.

In this article, we will look at different varieties of pound cakes, from the classic plain cake to its more decadent versions, such as chocolate and strawberry. We will explore the cost of making each and the price range you can put on them before the sale.

How Much Should You Charge for a Homemade Pound Cake?

Before we start, take a look at a cheat sheet.

When calculating the price of any baked products, you have to consider several factors. First, there is the cost of the ingredients. Then the cost of labor, which for most home cooks are between $10-$15 per hour. Additionally, you have to account for the cost of packaging, delivery, equipment, utility bill, etc.

So, say you are charging $10 an hour for your services, and it takes you about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours to make the cake. It takes you $10 to make a classic pound cake. Then you add $3 to $4 worth of packaging and decorations. So, ideally, you should place the price tag between $25 to $30 for one pound of cake. This is before you add in the shipping cost.

Likewise, if the cost of the ingredients for a chocolate pound cake comes out to $12 to $13, then the price should be $28 to $35. The price for a strawberry pound cake is similar to a chocolate version. Depending on where you need to ship the cake, you have to charge the cake accordingly.

How Much Does It Cost to Make a Pound Cake?

The classic pound cake calls for just four simple ingredients – eggs, flour, butter, and sugar. But since its invention, the cake has seen numerous variations. So, let’s go over some of the most popular ones and see how much each of them costs to make:

Classic Pound Cake

Here is the cost of the ingredients for making one classic pound cake:

• 3 ¼ cups of granulated white sugar – $0.64
• 1 pound or 3 sticks of unsalted butter – $3.98
• 9 large eggs – $3.40
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract – $0.78
• 3 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour – $0.87
• 2 tsp of baking powder – $0.03
• 1 cup of milk – $1.12

So, the total cost of making a classic pound cake comes from $10 to $11.

Chocolate Pound Cake

The following recipe for a chocolate pound cake comes courtesy of the Food Network. 

• 2 sticks of butter (unsalted) – $1.99
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – $0.85
• ½ tsp of baking powder – $0.03
• ½ cup cocoa – $2.33
• ½ cup vegetable shortening – $0.85
• 3 cups sugar – $0.60
• 4 large eggs – $1.90
• 1 cup of milk – $1.12
• 2 tsp of vanilla extract – $1.56

So, the total cost for one pound of chocolate cake accumulates to about $11 to $12. 

Strawberry Pound Cake

This delicious recipe for a summertime strawberry pound cake comes courtesy of immaculate bites:

• 1 and ½ cups of strawberry (finely chopped) – $3.48
• 12 oz of unsalted butter – $2.98
• 1 and ¾ cups of granulated sugar – $0.40
• 5 large eggs – $1.90
• 3 cups of all-purpose flour – $0.85
• 1 tsp of baking powder – $0.03
• 1 tsp of baking soda – $0.01
• 1 tsp of salt – $0.007
• ¾ cups of sour cream – $0.89
• 2 tsp of vanilla extract – $0.78

The total cost of the ingredients for making this strawberry pound cake rises to $11-$12.

How to Decorate Pound Cake?

There are a few different ways you can spruce up any pound cake into a fancy item fit for special celebrations. Here are some of them:

Fresh Strawberries and Whipped Cream

Perhaps the most obvious pairing, a classic pound cake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, is truly a divine combination. 

Lemon Curd and Whipped Cream

If you like whipped cream but want even more acidity to balance out the sweetness of the cake, then drizzle lemon curd on top of the cake.

Chocolate Syrup

You can add chocolate syrup to any pound cake for a more chocolatey taste. And if you want to pack even more chocolate flavor into a chocolate pound cake, this is the way to do it.

Sprinkles

The best way to make any cake, plain or fancy, fit for any kid’s party is to add sprinkles. Alternatively, you can decorate the pound cake like a gingerbread house and make it a special cake for Christmas. 

How to Package a Pound Cake?

The best way to package a pound cake would be inside a long, rectangular cake box. First, allow the cake to cool down completely. Then gently wrap the cake with plastic wrap. Then place the cake inside the cake box. Ideally, the box will have a window on top to make the cake visible from the outside, enhancing its appeal.