This ultimate cake serving guide tells you everything you need to know how many servings your cake will yield or how much batter or icing you need to fill your pan, this cake sizes and cake serving chart will help you figure it out!
Baking for a large or small group can be tough, particularly when you need a very specific size cake, or have an off cake pan size. Wilton is here to help make sure your cake is the right size for any party with this cake serving chart. Based on recommendations from our own test kitchen, we are to help you determine how many servings you’ll get from your cake, as well as how much batter and icing you’ll need to get the job done!
Cake Serving Size
Cake serving size can vary depending on the shape of your cake and who’s in charge of cutting! For the purposes of this chart, party serving amounts are based on cake slices that measure about 1½ x 2 inches in size. Wedding servings are based on slices that measure about 1 x 2 inches in size.
Remember that number of servings are intended as a guide only. Actual results may vary.
Bake Time and Temperature for Cake Sizes
When baking your cake, always follow the rules on your recipe for oven temperature and bake time. The numbers provided here are a general guide but may not be suitable for all recipes.
Times and temperatures may also vary depending on your oven performance or the altitude in your area. For best results, always check for doneness at the shortest bake time listed.
Serving Taller or Shorter Cakes
Cakes that measure 3 to 6 inches high, baked in the same size pan, would yield the same number of servings because they follow the same pattern of cutting. For example, a 6 in. round cake that measured 6 inches high would yield the same amount as a 6 in. round cake that measured 3 inches high, since they’re both cut the same way.
Cakes that are shorter than 3 inches would yield half the number of servings indicated for that pan.
Buttercream Amounts for Cake Servings
Buttercream amounts are very general and will vary with consistency, thickness applied and the decorating tips used. The amounts listed in this chart account for a buttercream coat and a simple bottom and top border. If you plan on adding more detail, you may need more buttercream than what’s listed here.
And don’t forget to check out our posts on How to Cut a Round Cake and How to Cut a Square Cake for helpful tips on cutting and serving!
Please Note: For any pans 3 in. deep and 12 in. diameter or larger, we recommend using a heating core to ensure even baking. Use two cores for 18 in. pans.
*Two half rounds
**For each half round pan.
