Cake Boxes

From $1.25 / unit

500 units minimum · 7 days from approved proof

Cake boxes are printed folding boxes sized around a cake on its cake board, with height for frosting and decorations and an optional window. Packaging Dock makes them as tuck cartons with food-contact board on request, and ships them flat across the USA.

Sized to the cake on its board
Height for frosting and toppers
Window option to show the cake
Food-contact board on request
500 units minimum · 7-day standard production

SKU PD-CAKEBOXES

Configure your order Estimated quantity *

Box dimensions (inches)

Board Finish

Print coverage Custom insert

Target deadline Project details Artwork or spec file Optional. PDF, JPG, PNG, WEBP, TIFF, AI, EPS, or PSD. Up to 3 files, 8 MB each.

Contact information

Full name * Email *

Phone Company / brand

Final pricing depends on size, material, finishing, and quantity. Request a quote for exact pricing.

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Cake box tied with twine on a rustic bakery counter

Product Details

Overview & Specifications

What Are Cake Boxes?

Cake boxes are bakery boxes for whole cakes, layer cakes and slices: a printed paperboard box sized to the cake and its board, with the construction confirmed on the dieline. They carry the cake from the counter to the customer and present the bakery's brand.

Cake Boxes sit in the Tuck Boxes range and under Bakery Packaging.

What it has to do

What a Cake Needs from Its Box

A cake needs a box sized to the cake board, height clear of the decorations, a base that stays flat under the cake, a way to show the cake and board suited to direct contact. Each need below is matched to the option that meets it.

01
Sized
Sized to the Cake Board
Cakes sit on a cake board or drum that is usually larger than the cake. The inside size is taken from the board, so the cake board fits securely.
02
Height
Height Clear of the Decorations
Piped borders, toppers and tall layers need headroom. The box height is set from the tallest point of the decorated cake.
03
A
A Base That Stays Flat
The base construction is selected around loading access, cake weight and dimensions; Auto Lock is one option. Base suitability depends on cake weight, board, dimensions and assembly, so it is confirmed on a packed sample.
04
A
A Way to Show the Cake
A die-cut window with a clear PET patch shows the decoration. See Window Packaging Boxes.
05
Food-Contact
Food-Contact Board for Unwrapped Cakes
Unwrapped cakes sit directly on the box or board. Food-contact board is available on request; say the cake goes in unwrapped when quoting. Confirm all food-contact surfaces, including coatings, inserts and any film, for the food type, contact time and temperature.

Cake Boxes vs Pastry Boxes

Choose a cake box for a whole cake on a board and a pastry box for low individual items. The table compares the two.

Attribute	Cake Box	Pastry Box
Contents	Whole cakes, layer cakes, slices	Croissants, Danish, tarts, small pastries
Height	Set by decorations	Low profile
Base	Sized to the cake board	Sized to the pastry layout
Window	Common	Optional

Cake Boxes Specifications

Cake Boxes are specified around the baked goods, the board and coating. Review the specifications below to plan the box.

Specification	Available Configuration
Product Type	Bakery box for whole cakes and slices
Category	Tuck Boxes
Structure	Tuck carton; construction selected around loading access, packed weight and dimensions and confirmed on the dieline (Auto Lock is one option)
Dimensions	Customized around the cake board and decorated height
Board	Paperboard 14–18 pt, 20–24 pt or 26–28 pt; E/F-flute or B-flute corrugated
Food Contact	Food-contact board available on request; all food-contact surfaces (board, coating, inserts, film) confirmed for the food type, contact time and temperature
Coating	Aqueous or grease-resistant coating
Window / Cutout	Optional, with clear PET patch
Inserts	Cake board or insert where specified
Print Coverage	Exterior only, exterior + interior, or full inside and outside; interior print on food-contact surfaces confirmed for the food and conditions
Print / Finishes	CMYK and Pantone spot color; matte or gloss lamination, foil stamping, emboss/deboss and Spot UV, according to the board
Starting Price	From $1.25 / unit; final price depends on size, board, print, finishes and quantity
Minimum Order	500 units
Standard Production	7 days from approved proof
Rush Production	Available on request
Shipping	Ships flat, USA and worldwide

What Size Cake Box Do I Need?

Measure the cake board, not just the cake, then the tallest point of the decorated cake. The inside size follows the board with a small allowance; final allowances are set on the approved dieline.

Measurement	What to Record
Cake board	Length and width, or diameter
Height	Tallest point including toppers
Weight	Decorated cake weight, for the base
Range	Every cake size that needs a box

Pack a Decorated Cake

Box a decorated cake on its board, close the top and carry it as a customer would. Check the base, the closure and clearance above the decorations.

What to Check Before Bulk Production

Review a sample packed with a decorated cake and the final artwork. Record the approved size, height and board on the signed-off sample.

If the sample shows	Review before approval
Decorations touch the lid	Increase height
Cake board slides inside	Tighten inside size to the board
Base flexes under the cake	Review board grade on a packed sample

Seven days covers standard production from approved proof once the specification is confirmed; delivery timing is confirmed separately.

Customization

Customize Your Cake Boxes

Cake boxes are customized around four choices: board size, height, window and food-contact board. Start with the cake board, because it sets the inside size.

Size to the Board

Choose a box size for each cake board you use.

Height

Set height from the tallest decorated cake.

Window

Add a clear PET window to show the decoration.

Food Contact and Coating

Request food-contact board and grease-resistant coating for unwrapped cakes.

Ordering

How to Order Cake Boxes

Ordering cake boxes takes five steps: share the baked goods and requirements, confirm the size and dieline, approve the artwork proof, move into production, and ship flat. Orders start at 500 units, with standard production in 7 days from approved proof after the final specification is confirmed.

01
Request a Quote
Share cake board sizes, decorated heights, window choice, whether cakes go in unwrapped, quantity and print preferences. Packaging Dock typically responds to quote requests within 24 hours.
02
Confirm the Size and Dieline
Inside size, height and board are set around the cake board. Packaging Dock then provides a custom dieline showing the base, headroom and any window.
03
Approve the Artwork and Proof
Artwork is prepared on the dieline with free design support available. The proof is reviewed for branding, window position and finishes before approval.
04
Production
Production begins after the artwork proof and final specification are approved. Standard production is 7 days from approved proof, with rush production available on request.
05
Shipping
Finished boxes ship flat across the USA and worldwide. Transit method, delivery time and shipping cost depend on the destination, order volume and shipment requirements.

Sample note: A pre-production sample can be packed with a decorated cake before the full production run.

Uses

Who Uses Cake Boxes?

Cake boxes are used by bakeries, cake shops, home bakers selling at scale and cafes that sell whole cakes or slices to take away.

01
Bakeries and Cake Shops
Whole cakes for collection. Plan for one box per board size.
02
Celebration and Wedding Cakes
Tall decorated cakes. Plan for headroom and a window.
03
Cafes Selling Slices
Single slices to go. Plan for a small box and food-contact board.
04
Seasonal Cakes
Holiday editions. More under Holiday & Seasonal Packaging.

Structures

Explore Related Bakery Boxes

Bakery boxes come in several formats: Donut Boxes, Pastry Boxes, Bakery Boxes with Window and Kraft Bakery Boxes. All bakery formats sit under Bakery Packaging.

FAQ

Cake Box FAQs

What are cake boxes?

They are printed bakery boxes sized to a cake on its board, for carrying and presenting cakes, with the construction confirmed on the dieline.

How do I size a cake box?

Measure the cake board and the tallest point of the decorated cake. The inside follows the board with a small allowance.

Can cake boxes hold unwrapped cakes?

Yes. Food-contact board is available on request for cakes that go in unwrapped; mention it in the quote.

Can a cake box have a window?

Yes, with a clear PET patch. See Window Packaging Boxes.

Can you make cake slice boxes?

Yes. Slice boxes are sized to the slice and its height.

Do cake boxes need a grease-resistant coating?

For buttercream and oily toppings, a grease-resistant coating is available. It is chosen with the food-contact board.

Will the base hold a heavy cake?

Base suitability depends on cake weight, board, dimensions and assembly; it is confirmed on a packed sample.

Can I get a sample before ordering?

Yes. Complimentary sample kits ship within two business days; the customer covers shipping. A pre-production sample can also be packed with your cake.

What is the minimum order and lead time?

Orders start at 500 units from $1.25 per unit. Standard production is 7 days from approved proof once the final specification is confirmed, with rush production available on request.