The Walmart Heart Cake Controversy, Explained

What’s the Big Deal About a Heart-Shaped Cake?

What could possibly be controversial about a heart-shaped cake?

A debate has been raging on TikTok over Walmart’s vintage-style heart-shaped cakes, the retailer’s take on the photogenic, Victorian-inspired piped pastries, which have long been popular on social media.

The Backlash from Local Bakers

Some local bakers have voiced concern over this steep price difference.

“guys as an at home baker, the ingredients alone in California cost about $45 for one cake, i use clean ingredients and the process takes me about 6 hours for one cake if all goes well,” commented one person under a video showing a $24.98 Walmart cake, adding that they would charge at least $144 for their version.

And a now-deleted video by TikToker @birdysbakery, in which the baker decries the availability of the low-cost option while decorating a heart-shaped cake, sent TikTok into a total tailspin.

“What is actually grinding my gears here are the people in the comments under videos advertising the cake, complaining about what home bakers are charging for vintage heart cakes,” the TikToker says.

“I just find that highly disrespectful to everybody who put so much time and effort into their cakes, especially when having a birthday cake is a luxury, it is not a need,” they add.

The video also claimed that Walmart’s ingredients are of lesser quality, the cakes were “shipped to them from some warehouse” and its workers won’t provide the same attention to detail that smaller bakeries would.

The baker also claimed that Walmart bakers at the store are “probably underpaying their employees.”

The Backlash to the Backlash

This baker’s opinions really rubbed people the wrong way, and inspired measured responses, fierce debate and satirical recreations of the video.

“A BIRTHDAY CAKE IS A LUXURY?” one person commented on a repost of the deleted video.

“As a baker who charges $2,000 for a tiny cake that feeds one and a half people, those cheap Walmart cakes absolutely disgust me,” creator Sarah Klait says in her satirical video with millions of views.

“The fact that poor people even have the option to purchase a vintage heart cake for less than $30 is beyond mind blowing and disturbing, because if you can’t afford expensive desserts, you definitely don’t deserve to eat them,” she continues.

Walmart’s Cake Decorators are Gaining Popularity on TikTok

And now, perhaps owing to the algorithm, many of Walmart’s cake decorators are getting a lot more attention on TikTok.

One of these videos, in which a decorator makes a custom black heart cake in her Walmart uniform, has garnered over 2 million views.

TikToker Nia Moss has worked in the bakery section of a North Carolina-area Walmart for six years.

Moss has been posting her heart cakes on TikTok since 2020 and has garnered modest views — that is, until this debate popped off on the platform.

Conclusion

The great Walmart heart cake debate has sparked a lot of controversy, with some arguing that the affordable option is a luxury, while others see it as a welcome affordable treat for those who want to indulge in a special dessert.

While some may see the issue as a matter of pride and artistry, others see it as a matter of accessibility and affordability. What do you think? Do you think Walmart’s heart-shaped cakes are a great option for those on a budget, or are they a slap in the face to local, artisanal bakers?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much do Walmart’s heart-shaped cakes cost?

A: According to estimates, prices range from $7 to $25.

Q: Are Walmart’s ingredients of lower quality?

A: The debate is ongoing, with some claiming that Walmart’s ingredients are of lesser quality, while others argue that they are comparable to those used by local, artisanal bakers.

Q: Do Walmart’s cake decorators get paid unfairly?

A: According to Walmart’s career page, the hourly rate for a cake decorator is between $17 to $24, but “will equal or exceed the required minimum wage applicable to the job location.”

Q: Can I order a custom cake from Walmart?

A: Yes, Walmart offers custom cake options for special occasions, with prices varying depending on the design and complexity of the cake.