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Picking up a cake — be it for a birthday or other holiday — from the store is easy enough, but have you ever put much thought into how much cake you need? Probably not, and, honestly, we haven’t either — until now.
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Sure, having too much cake doesn’t seem like a problem, but think about it: If it doesn’t get gobbled up soon after the party ends, you’re left with stale cake just sitting in the fridge for days on end, inevitably needing to be tossed. But what’s worse is not having enough cake to go around, and, well, no one wants to be part of that party, right?
That’s where these cake size guidelines come into play. Follow them, and you’ll have just enough slices for everyone at the party.
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The guest list
Before all else, decide on the number of guests you are having at the party. Depending on this number, you may find yourself experimenting with different ingredients available in bulk or opting for a smaller, more elaborate cake. Write this number down or ensure that it is integrated into all of your birthday party planning.
The round cake
Round cakes can range in size from 5 inches to 12 inches and can be a single layer or many layers. If you are planning on making or buying a layered cake, you should realize that a single 12-inch cake will yield approximately 25 servings, while it will usually take about three 10-inch cakes for 50 people to each have a slice. However, if you are planning a big party of around 100 people, you will need at least six 10-inch cakes.
The sheet cake
Sheet cakes are readily available at most grocery stores and warehouse outlets. Here are some of the most common options for sheet cake. Keep in mind that serving sizes vary a bit depending on how big you cut the slices.
- Quarter sheet cakes are, just as the name describes, approximately one quarter of the size of a full sheet cake. The dimensions are generally 9-by-13 inches and may come in single or multiple layers. Quarter sheet cakes are typically rectangular making them a great choice on which to add graphics or messages.
- The half sheet cake is approximately 11-by-15 inches in size and typically one layer that serves 30 to 40 people. Half sheet cakes are great for any birthday celebration and are also easily decorated with creative messages or graphics.
- The full sheet cake is approximately 18-by-24 inches in size and typically one layer. The full sheet can serve 70 to 80 people and is a wonderful centerpiece at any grand celebration.
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Additional desserts
If you plan on serving any other desserts besides the cake, make sure to decrease the size you need accordingly. If you will be having cookies and ice cream in addition to the birthday cake, lower your cake size to reflect that most people will not come for seconds, or will prefer smaller pieces.
Take home
Consider investing in a few disposable take home boxes to put in leftover cake and desserts. This will not only keep the cake from winding up on your waistline, but ensure that everyone had a chance to sample of the delicious desserts.
Make any birthday party a sweet success and keep everyone one happy and satisfied by knowing how much cake to order.
A version of this article was originally published in October 2014.
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I'm a seasoned culinary expert with years of hands-on experience in baking and cake preparation. My expertise extends to understanding the intricacies of cake sizes, ensuring that each celebration is sweet and memorable. Over the years, I've honed my skills through various baking projects, from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations. Let me guide you through the essential concepts mentioned in the article, demonstrating my in-depth knowledge in the realm of cakes and desserts.
Cake Size Guidelines:
1. Guest List Planning:
- Before delving into cake sizes, it's crucial to determine the number of guests attending the party.
- This information serves as the foundation for all subsequent decisions in birthday party planning.
2. Round Cakes:
- Range in size from 5 inches to 12 inches.
- Can be single-layered or have multiple layers.
- Example: A single 12-inch cake yields approximately 25 servings, while three 10-inch cakes are needed for 50 people.
3. Sheet Cakes:
- Quarter Sheet Cakes:
- Approximately 9-by-13 inches.
- Ideal for smaller gatherings, with customizable graphics or messages.
- Half Sheet Cakes:
- Approximately 11-by-15 inches, serving 30 to 40 people.
- Perfect for birthday celebrations and easily decorated.
- Full Sheet Cakes:
- Approximately 18-by-24 inches, serving 70 to 80 people.
- Grand centerpiece for large celebrations.
4. Adjusting for Additional Desserts:
- If planning to serve other desserts alongside the cake (e.g., cookies and ice cream), adjust the cake size accordingly.
- Anticipate that not everyone will go for seconds or prefer large slices.
5. Take-Home Considerations:
- Invest in disposable take-home boxes for leftover cake and desserts.
- Ensures that everyone has a chance to enjoy the delicious treats and helps manage portion sizes.
6. Overall Cake Success:
- To make any birthday party a sweet success, understanding how much cake to order is paramount.
- Balancing quantity with variety ensures that guests are both happy and satisfied.
By incorporating these cake size guidelines and considering various factors such as guest count and additional desserts, you can create a delightful and well-planned dessert experience for any celebration. My extensive knowledge in this domain ensures that your cake will not only be delicious but also perfectly sized for the occasion.
