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Why Baskin-Robbins’ Ice Cream Turkey Cake Costs $27 in One City and $82 in Another

The price of Baskin-Robbins’ Ice Cream Turkey Cake fluctuates dramatically (from $27 to $82) because each store sets its own pricing. As a fully franchised chain, Baskin-Robbins allows local operators to adjust prices based on labor, demand, and regional costs.

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Baskin-Robbins’ iconic Ice Cream Turkey Cake, a Thanksgiving-themed dessert shaped like a roasted turkey, has become a seasonal favorite—and a pricing mystery. In 2025, social media users began posting screenshots showing the same cake priced at $26.99 in Cleveland, Ohio and $74.99 just 6 miles away in North Olmsted. Other examples include $82 in Bell, California, $59.99 in Washington, D.C., and $26.99 in Whiteville, North Carolina.

What’s in the Cake

The Turkey Cake features:

  • A dome of ice cream in the customer’s chosen flavor
  • Sugar cone “drumsticks”
  • Caramel praline glaze and icing for a roasted look
  • Serves 12–15 people

Despite its whimsical appearance, the cake is labor-intensive to make, with former employees calling it a “huge PITA” that requires patience and skill.

Why the Price Fluctuates

According to Baskin-Robbins, the average price is around $45, but “pricing may vary by location” due to its 100% franchised model. This means:

  1. Local franchisees set their own prices
  2. Costs may reflect regional labor rates, ingredient sourcing, and demand
  3. Some stores may discourage orders by pricing the cake higher due to its complexity

A spokesperson confirmed that while there are “a handful at the ends of the price spectrum,” most customers will see prices close to the $45 average. Rewards members can also receive $5 off their local price.

A Sweet Alternative to Turkey

With turkey prices rising in 2025, Baskin-Robbins has positioned the Ice Cream Turkey Cake as a festive, low-prep alternative. Available in 31 flavors, it’s ready to serve and widely available—if you’re willing to pay the price your local shop sets.

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