The sight of a beautifully decorated cake at a party or gathering can be one of the highlights of the event. But, before you can enjoy that delicious first slice, you’ll need to figure out how much cake to buy to feed everyone. Whether you’re planning a big birthday party, a wedding reception, or a corporate event, figuring out the right amount of cake can be a tricky task. The last thing you want is to run out of cake before everyone gets a slice, or to be left with a mountain of leftovers.
It depends on the number of guests and their appetite, but generally a standard size cake (9×13 inches) can serve around 20-30 people.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the factors you should consider when buying cake for a crowd, as well as provide tips on how to determine the right amount, and how to store and serve your cake.
Factors to Consider when buying cake for a crowd
When it comes to buying cake for a crowd, there are several factors to consider in order to ensure that you have enough to feed everyone.
Size of The Crowd
This is the most obvious factor to consider when buying cake. The number of people attending your event will determine how much cake you need to buy. Be sure to consider any last-minute additions to your guest list, as well as any no-shows, when making your calculations.
You’ll want to make sure you have enough cake for everyone, so it’s best to slightly overestimate the number of people attending to ensure that there is enough cake for everyone.
Age and Gender of The Crowd
The age and gender of your guests can also affect how much cake you need to buy. For example, children and teenagers tend to eat less than adults, so you may need to purchase less cake if your crowd is mostly made up of young people.
Similarly, if your crowd is mostly men, you may need to purchase more cake than if it were mostly women. Age and gender will also determine the serving size for the cake, for example serving for kids are usually smaller than serving for adults.
Occasion for Which The Cake is Being Bought
The occasion for which the cake is being bought is also important to consider. For example, if it’s a wedding cake, you should consider the number of people who will be attending the reception, as well as how many slices per person you want to serve.
Typically, the wedding cake is served as a dessert and the number of servings is smaller than if it was a birthday party. If it’s a birthday party, you can assume that not everyone will want a slice and a half of cake. Depending on the occasion, you may be able to purchase a smaller cake and still have enough for everyone.
Budget for The Cake
Having a budget for the cake is important. It’s always better to plan ahead and purchase the amount of cake that fits in your budget. Buying too much cake can be wasteful and you’ll end up spending more than you intended. Consider your budget for the cake before deciding on the size and flavor, also check for additional costs for decorations or special requests.
Any Dietary Restrictions or Allergies
Finally, it’s important to consider any dietary restrictions or allergies among your guests. If you have guests who are gluten-free, vegan, nut-free or have allergies to certain ingredients, you’ll need to purchase special cakes or cupcakes for them.
Be sure to inform the bakery when you order the cake, and ask if they can accommodate any special requests. This way, you can ensure that everyone can enjoy a slice of cake, regardless of their dietary restrictions or allergies.
By taking these factors into consideration, you’ll be able to estimate the amount of cake you need to buy for your crowd.
How Much Round Wedding Cake to Buy
When it comes to buying a round wedding cake, there are a few things to consider to make sure you purchase the right amount.
Number of guests: The first thing to consider is the number of guests who will be attending your wedding reception. Wedding cakes are usually served as a dessert and the servings are usually smaller than a party cake. Typically, it’s estimated that you’ll need about 1-2 servings per guest, depending on the size of the slice. So, if you’re expecting 100 guests, you’ll need a cake that can provide at least 100-200 servings.
Cake style: The next thing to consider is the style of the cake you want. A multi-tiered round cake will serve more people than a single tier cake, and a taller cake will serve fewer people than a shorter cake. Also, different types of frostings and fillings can also affect the serving size. Ask your baker for the serving size based on the style of cake you are looking for.
Cake cutting fee: Some bakeries or venues charge a cutting fee for the cake, and it may be more cost effective to order an additional sheet cake for the back of the house to be cut for additional servings.
Leftovers: It’s also a good idea to consider any leftovers you may want. Some couple prefer to keep the top tier of the cake for their anniversary, which will also impact the amount of cake you need to order.
With all this in mind, a good rule of thumb is to order a cake that will provide at least 1-2 servings per guest. It’s always better to overestimate the number of servings needed than to underestimate, so you can be sure that everyone at the reception will have a slice of cake.
How Much Square Wedding Cake to Buy
Below is a chart that can assist you in determining the appropriate amount of square wedding cake to serve your guests. The chart includes information on the type of cake, cake size, serving size, number of layers.
How Much Round Birthday Cake to Buy
Below is a chart that can assist you in determining the appropriate amount of Round Birthday Cake to serve your guests. The chart includes information on the type of cake, cake size, serving size, number of layers.
How Much Square Birthday Cake to Buy
Below is a chart that can assist you in determining the appropriate amount of Square Birthday Cake to serve your guests. The chart includes information on the type of cake, cake size, serving size, number of layers.
How Much Sheet Birthday Cake to Buy
Below is a chart that can assist you in determining the appropriate amount of Sheet Birthday Cake to serve your guests. The chart includes information on the type of cake, cake size, serving size, number of layers.
How Much Pound Cake to Buy
Below is a helpful chart to help you determine how much pound cake will be needed to feed your crowd. This chart will determine the type of cake, how many pounds the cake weighs, the number of inches of the cake, and the amount of servings the cake provides.
Tips for Storing and Serving Cake
When it comes to storing and serving cake, there are a few tips you should keep in mind to ensure that your cake stays fresh and delicious.
Storing the cake: If you have any leftover cake, it’s important to store it properly to keep it fresh. Keep it covered in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you are storing a cake with frosting, it’s best to keep it in the refrigerator, as the frosting can get soft if left out at room temperature. It’s also important to note that some cakes, such as cheesecake, should be kept in the refrigerator at all times.
Removing the cake from the refrigerator: If you need to serve the cake after it’s been stored in the refrigerator, be sure to remove it from the refrigerator a few minutes before serving. This will allow the cake to come to room temperature, which can enhance the flavor and texture.
Slicing the cake: When slicing the cake, use a sharp serrated knife to ensure that you get clean, even slices. This will make it easier to serve and will also ensure that each slice is the same size. If you are serving a multi-tiered cake, it’s best to slice the cake right before serving, as the layers can shift during transport.
Serving the cake: When serving the cake, make sure that you have enough plates, forks, and napkins on hand. Also, have a cake cutter or cake server readily available to easily cut and serve the cake to your guests.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your cake stays fresh, is easily sliced and served, and is enjoyed by all of your guests.