There’s something truly special about cake. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a backyard cookout, or simply indulging in dessert after dinner, cake has a way of turning any gathering into a memorable celebration. And there’s so much fun to be had when it comes to preparing cake! Like choosing the flavor, baking it up in your kitchen, and adding your personal, decorative touch. However, figuring out how many servings you’ll get from your cake can be a bit more confusing.
So, in order to make your life just a little easier, we’ve broken down the most common cake pan sizes and the number of servings you can expect to get from each. From round layer cakes to classic sheet cakes, this guide will help you decide what to bake for your next celebration.
Round Cakes
When you think of cake, a classic, round layer cake is probably the first thing that comes to mind. Round pans are among the most versatile and popular options, offering multiple layers that look as good as they taste.
If you’re cake is between 3 in. to 6 in. tall, you can expect it to yield…
- 6-inch round pan: 5 to 11 servings
- 8-inch round pan: 12 to 16 servings
- 9-inch round pan: 12 to 16 servings
Expert Tip: An 8-inch, three-layer cake is ideal for birthdays and special occasions. If you’re looking for more decorating space, a two-layer, 9-inch round cake is an excellent choice.
Sheet Cakes
Hosting a large gathering? A classic sheet cake is a crowd-pleaser that yields plenty of servings. Depending on how you slice it, you can expect a 9 x 13-inch pan to yield 15 larger servings or 20 to 40 smaller servings.
Unsure of the total head count for your event? We recommend baking an additional sheet cake, just in case. This way, you have plenty if some unexpected guests drop by or if people want seconds!
Square Cakes
Square pans aren’t just for brownies and blondies, they’re also great for one-layer cakes. An 8-inch or 9-inch square pan will yield about 9 to 16 slices, depending on how you cut it. Its compact size makes it perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight treats.
Which Cake Pans Should You Own?
If you’re looking to streamline your baking arsenal, it’s all about versatility. That’s why we recommend stocking your kitchen with the following pans:
- One 8-inch square pan
- A set of three 8-inch round pans or two 9-inch round pans
- One 9 x 13-inch sheet pan
This basic set will have you covered for almost any baking project, whether you’re whipping up a layer cake or baking a batch of brownies.
Final Thoughts
Cake pan sizes and servings don’t have to be a guessing game. By understanding the capacity and versatility of your pans, you can confidently bake the perfect amount for any occasion without the stress. So, the next time you’re staring at your collection of cake pans, remember this guide to simplify your decision making.
If all else fails, let’s be real, no one’s ever disappointed when there’s extra cake!
