How Many Servings in a Cake Do You Need? Here’s 4 Tips to Choose

Contents

2 Understanding Your Cake Sizes and How Many Servings in a Cake Needs

5 Ann’s Signature Big Cakes for Any Celebration

Planning a special event involves countless details—including choosing the perfect cake. Unfortunately, many still find themselves unsure about selecting the right birthday cake size for their guest count. Some worry about having too little, while others end up with excessive leftovers. This guide will help you decide how many servings in a cake when selecting a cake for a party, from its size to its type, ensuring it perfectly matches your guest count and the celebratory moment. From portion guides to cake recommendations for various occasions, you’ll know exactly what suits your needs.

Why Party Cake Size Matters

Cake size isn’t just about big or small—it’s about ensuring every guest gets a sufficient portion without any waste. Choosing the wrong size can detract from the event’s enjoyment. For instance, a large cake might be excessive for a small family gathering. Conversely, for a large birthday party, a small cake could leave some guests without a taste.

By accurately understanding cake sizes and portions, you can easily match them to your guest count and the type of event you’re hosting. This isn’t just about quantity; it’s about efficiency, guest satisfaction, and the lasting impression you wish to create.

Understanding Your Cake Sizes and How Many Servings in a Cake Needs

Cake sizes can seem like a puzzle, especially with varying standards and cutting methods. Let’s break down the typical measurements and how they translate into servings.

Most bakeries, internationally, refer to round cakes by their diameter in inches or centimeters, and square cakes by their side length. The number of servings then depends heavily on how the cake is cut. There are generally two common approaches to portioning:

Party/Generous Servings: These are larger slices, typical for informal gatherings, family events, or when cake is the primary dessert. They are more generous, often 1.5 to 2 inches wide per slice.
Wedding/Dessert Servings: These are smaller, more elegant portions, usually about 1 inch wide, and are common at formal events like weddings where multiple desserts might be offered, or where a lighter sweet finish is desired.

How Many Portions from Ann’s Cake Sizes?

Determining the right cake size starts with calculating the number of portions needed. At Ann’s Bakehouse & Creamery, we provide various cake sizes in both round and square shapes, each with different estimated portions.

Here’s our guide for common cake sizes and their estimated servings:

Round Cakes (Diameter):

16 cm (approx. 6.3 inches): Yields about 8 portions.
20 cm (approx. 7.9 inches): Yields about 10 portions.
30 cm (approx. 11.8 inches): Yields about 12 portions.

Square Cakes (Side Length):

16×16 cm (approx. 6.3×6.3 inches): Yields 16 portions.
20×20 cm (approx. 7.9×7.9 inches): Yields 25 portions.
30×30 cm (approx. 11.8×11.8 inches): Yields 49 portions.
40×40 cm (approx. 15.7×15.7 inches): Yields 64 portions.
40×60 cm (approx. 15.7×23.6 inches): Yields up to 120 portions.

For small gatherings or family events, our round cakes are a practical and elegant choice. However, for larger party needs, square cakes tend to be more efficient. They are easier to cut evenly and yield more portions within a more compact dimension. Square shapes are also ideal for custom big cake orders, as their neat appearance makes them perfect for stacking or decorating according to your event’s theme. So, if you’re looking for a cake that serves around 20 people, our Square 20×20 cm could be a perfect choice—not too big, and just right for even sharing.

Important General Considerations:

Height/Layers: A taller cake with more layers will yield more servings than a shorter cake of the same diameter. Always clarify the height or number of layers with your baker.
Cutting Method: For optimal servings, especially with larger cakes, learn how to properly cut a round cake. The “grid method” (cutting circles within circles) or the “slice and dice” method (cutting long rows) are far more efficient than radiating wedges from the center. Many bakeries provide cutting guides or even offer videos.
Dessert vs. Main Focus: If cake is the only dessert, opt for party servings. If it’s part of a dessert buffet or a light finish to a heavy meal, wedding servings might suffice.

Matching Cake Size to the Occasion

The type of event you’re hosting is a major factor in determining your cake size.

Intimate Gatherings (2-8 people): For a cozy dinner, a small birthday with close family, or a romantic anniversary, a 6-inch (or Ann’s Round 16cm) cake is usually perfect. It offers enough for everyone to have a good slice, with perhaps a little leftover.
- Ann’s Recommendation: Round 16–20 cm. Cakes like our Carrot Cake or Tres Leches are suitable for their fun appearance and light taste.
Small to Medium Parties (10-25 people): Think small office celebrations, kids’ birthday parties, or a casual get-together with friends. An 8-inch, 10-inch, or Ann’s Round 30cm / Square 20x20cm often hits the sweet spot. If you’re expecting big eaters or want leftovers, size up.
- Ann’s Recommendation: For adult birthday parties, bridal showers, or social gatherings (arisan), an ideal size is Round 30 cm or Square 20×20 cm. Choose cakes with unique flavors like our Honey Cake or Mocca Nougat for a distinct taste experience.
Medium to Large Events (25-60 people): This category includes larger birthday parties, engagement parties, or corporate events.
- Ann’s Recommendation: For office events or medium-scale events, Square 30×30 cm or Square 40×40 cm are recommended. Cakes like our New York Cheesecake or German Black Forest are widely appealing.
Very Large Celebrations (60+ people): For significant milestones, large family reunions, or grand events, you’ll need something substantial.
- Ann’s Recommendation: For big parties or large family celebrations, use a Square 40×60 cm, which can serve up to 120 people. You can also place a custom order with a special design to match your event’s theme.
Weddings: Wedding cakes are a category unto themselves. Guest counts often range from 100 to hundreds. While a stunning multi-tiered cake is traditional, often the top tier is saved for the couple’s anniversary, and lower tiers or additional sheet cakes are used for serving. Always consult with your wedding planner and baker for precise wedding cake sizing, as they are experts in efficient formal portioning.

Flavor and Appearance:

Beyond size, the cake’s flavor and appearance play a crucial role. For formal events, you might choose an elegant cake like our New York Cheesecake. For relaxed and warm gatherings, a comforting, homemade taste like our Honey Cake might be perfect. Meanwhile, for fun and lively events, the bright colors and fresh fruit toppings of our Tres Leches can be a refreshing choice.

Also, it’s wise to select flavors that are generally safe and widely loved—such as mocha, chocolate, or cheese—especially if you’re unsure of your guests’ preferences.

Pro Tip: Always factor in “the extra slice” for people who might want seconds, unexpected guests, or simply for the host to enjoy the next day. Round up rather than down!

When to Go Big (and Why You Should)

Sometimes, going bigger than strictly necessary is not just about having enough cake – it’s about making a statement and maximizing the joy.

The “Wow” Factor: A large, multi-tiered, or intricately decorated cake instantly becomes the centerpiece of any celebration. It’s a visual spectacle that elevates the entire event, creates photo opportunities, and leaves a lasting impression on guests. For landmark birthdays (21st, 50th), grand anniversaries, or special corporate galas, a large cake speaks volumes about the significance of the occasion.
Flavor Variety: When you go big, especially with multi-tiered cakes, you often have the option to choose different flavors for each tier. This caters to diverse palates among your guests, ensuring everyone finds a slice they love. It’s like a dessert buffet built into one magnificent centerpiece.
Handling Unexpected Guests: It’s a common scenario: you estimate 30 guests, and 35 show up. With a slightly larger cake, you avoid the panic of running out and ensure everyone gets to partake in the celebratory treat. Peace of mind is priceless.
Leftovers (The Best Kind): Who doesn’t love leftover cake? A larger cake means you get to extend the celebration, savoring a slice with your morning coffee the next day, sharing it with neighbors, or even freezing portions for a future treat. It’s a gift that keeps on giving.
A Symbol of Abundance and Generosity: A generously sized cake conveys a sense of abundance and hospitality. It signals that you’ve gone above and beyond to ensure your guests feel pampered and that there’s more than enough joy to go around.
For Milestone Moments: Certain milestones simply demand a grand gesture. Graduations, baby showers, significant business anniversaries – these are moments that deserve a cake that matches their importance.

Ann’s Signature Big Cakes for Any Celebration

At Ann’s Bakehouse & Creamery, we understand that every celebration is unique, and sometimes, only a truly grand cake will do. Our philosophy centers on creating memorable experiences through both exquisite taste and impressive presentation. Whether you’re marking a personal milestone or a corporate success, our “big cakes” are designed to be the centerpiece of your joy.

We specialize in crafting larger versions of our most beloved creations, ensuring that the same signature quality, flavor integrity, and heartfelt care you expect from Ann’s scales up beautifully. From towering versions of our classic cheesecakes and rich chocolate indulgences to bespoke, multi-tiered masterpieces for grand affairs, we work closely with you to match the perfect size and style to your guest count and vision.

With Ann’s Bakehouse & Creamery, choosing a big cake isn’t just about the number of servings; it’s about celebrating life’s grand moments with a dessert that truly reflects the scale of your happiness. Are you ready to choose the perfect cake for your event? whether you’re trying to order cake for 20 people or If you’re still unsure about the right size or type of cake for your big occasion, our Customer Service team at Ann’s is ready to assist you with direct consultation. For large custom cake orders, please contact our team via WhatsApp. If you’d like to browse our standard big birthday cake Jakarta options that can be ordered directly, visit our website at annsbakehouse.com or come directly to our offline store.

Make your special moments even more perfect with the right cake—because even the smallest detail can make a big difference.