AITA for being upset with my friend over cakes?

A 20-year-old woman who bakes stunning custom cakes for friends and family got excited when one of her pals asked her to create two big cakes plus cupcakes for a double christening. She quoted a fair price covering ingredients—around £100 initially, later £115 for all the extras—and everyone seemed on board months in advance.

Three weeks before the event, things unraveled fast. The friend suddenly canceled, claiming it was too expensive, shot down every compromise idea, and got rude on the phone. To top it off, the baker discovered the group was hanging out without her that same night—after being told the host was “too tired” for visitors. Hurt feelings boiled over into a snappy comment and a hung-up call, sparking a blowup. Now she’s worried the whole friend group might ice her out.

‘AITA for being upset with my friend over cakes?’

The baking gig started off sweetly back in February when Olivia mentioned the upcoming christening for her 1-year-old and her mom’s child:

By August, details firmed up, but the price talk turned sour:

The final straw hit when she tried to discuss it in person but got shut down:

The exclusion stung even more when the “tired” excuse fell apart:

Custom baking as a favor is generous, but it often leads to misunderstandings about value. Charging only for ingredients (no labor) is already a massive discount—professional cakes like these easily run hundreds. The friend’s reaction suggests entitlement, expecting near-free luxury work from a “friend.”

The exclusion adds another layer: lying about being tired, then criticizing visit frequency, feels manipulative. Healthy friendships communicate openly, not dodge and deflect. Suggesting compromises showed maturity; getting talked over and dismissed didn’t.

Snapping with the hang-up wasn’t ideal, but raw hurt is human. Apologizing quickly was the right move. If the group sides against her, it reveals more about their dynamics than her actions.

Moving forward, treat baking like a business: deposits upfront, clear quotes, no exceptions for “friends.” Real ones respect your time and skill.

Here’s what people had to say to OP:

The vast majority backed the baker, spotting red flags in the group’s behavior:

Many urged ditching the location sharing and the group altogether:

A fellow baker shared pro tips on handling similar situations:

This dodged bullet saved time, money, and stress. The exclusion and rudeness reveal users, not friends. Better connections await with people who value talent without taking advantage.

Getting “free” luxury from friends often breeds resentment when reality hits. Would you keep baking for this group, or take it as a sign to upgrade your circle? Spill your similar stories below!