Determining how many people a cake will feed can be tricky. A lot depends on the size of the cake, how hungry the guests are, and how the cake is portioned out. In this article, we’ll break down how to estimate portions for a 1/8 sheet cake so you can be sure to have enough for your event.
What is a 1/8 Sheet Cake?
Sheet cakes are rectangular cakes that come in a variety of sizes. A 1/8 sheet cake is the smallest of the standard sizes. It measures around 9 x 13 inches (or about 23 x 33 cm). This gives it an area of around 117 square inches (755 square cm).
1/8 sheet cakes are convenient because they provide more cake than a typical round layer cake, but not so much that it’s overwhelming. They’re a great option for smaller gatherings like birthdays, showers, and office parties.
How Many Slices are in a 1/8 Sheet Cake?
To determine how many people a 1/8 sheet cake will serve, you first need to know about how many slices you can get from it. There are a few factors that affect slice size and number of slices:
- Cake thickness – Standard sheet cakes are around 2 inches (5cm) tall. Thinner cakes will yield smaller slices, while thicker cakes will have larger slices.
- Frosting – Heavy frosting layers take up cake space, meaning thinner cake slices.
- Cut size – Smaller cut sizes (like 2×2 inches) will result in more slices than larger cuts.
On average, a 1/8 sheet cake that is 2 inches tall with moderate frosting will yield around 24-30 slices if cut into 2×2 inch squares. If cut into larger 3×3 inch slices, you’ll get closer to 18-20 slices.
Slice Estimates
| Slice Size | Estimated Slices |
|---|---|
| 2×2 inches | 24-30 |
| 3×3 inches | 18-20 |
How Many People Does a 1/8 Sheet Cake Feed?
Now that you know about how many slices come from a 1/8 sheet cake, we can estimate portions. The number of people fed will depend on:
- Event type – At a sit-down event like a wedding, people may eat fuller meals. At a casual office party, smaller portions are more likely.
- Other foods – If cake is the only dessert, people may opt for larger portions. If there are other dessert options, slice sizes may be smaller.
- Appetites – Teens and men often consume larger portions than women and children.
On average, plan on each guest eating 1-2 slices of a 1/8 sheet cake. Here are some estimates:
Guest Estimates
| Slice Size | 1 Slice Per Person | 2 Slices Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| 2×2 inches (24 slices) | 24 guests | 12 guests |
| 3×3 inches (18 slices) | 18 guests | 9 guests |
So if cut into smaller squares, a 1/8 sheet cake could feed around 24 people taking 1 slice each. For heartier appetites allowing 2 slices per guest, you could serve around 12 people.
Tips for Feeding Guests
Here are some tips to ensure you have enough cake for your event when ordering a 1/8 sheet cake:
- Order extra sheet cakes or cupcakes if you’ll have more than 20 guests
- Plan to cut small slices (around 2×2 inches)
- Offer other desserts like cookies or fruit
- Order a thicker cake to allow larger portions
- Have leftovers to send home with guests
Icing Flavor Variations
One of the best parts about sheet cakes is that you can get creative with the cake and icing flavors. Here are some delicious flavor combinations to consider for a 1/8 sheet cake:
Chocolate Lovers
- Chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream or ganache
- Chocolate cake with mocha buttercream
- Chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting
- Chocolate cake with mint chocolate chip frosting
Fruit Flavors
- Vanilla cake with strawberry buttercream
- Lemon cake with lemon curd and raspberry buttercream
- Vanilla cake with passionfruit Swiss meringue buttercream
- Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting
S’mores
- Chocolate cake with toasted marshmallow frosting
- Chocolate cake with chocolate ganache and graham cracker crumbs
Classic Combinations
- Yellow cake with chocolate buttercream
- Funfetti cake with vanilla buttercream
- Red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting
The options are endless when it comes to cake and buttercream pairings! Choose your guest’s favorite flavors or a combination that matches your event theme.
Decorating a 1/8 Sheet Cake
The relatively small size of a 1/8 sheet cake makes it easy to decorate. Here are some simple yet eye-catching ways to decorate your cake:
- Use sprinkles or candy to outline the bottom border
- Top with fruit like berries for a pop of color
- Pipe swirls, roses or other buttercream designs
- Add message writing like “Happy Birthday” or “Congratulations”
- Press on edible sequins or confetti for shimmer
- Arrange fresh flowers like daisies or lilacs (non-toxic)
You can also choose fun coloring, like an ombre fade effect, or different colors on each layer of the cake.
Themes
For themed events, match your 1/8 sheet cake decor to the motif:
- Birthday – Use number candles, balloons, or themed sprinkles
- Wedding – Top with fresh flowers or pipe on some lace or ribbon detailing
- Baby Shower – Decorate with rattles, pacifiers, carriages or animal shapes
- Graduation – Use school colors and top with diploma, cap, and scroll designs
Get creative and have fun with your cake decorating! The small size makes it less intimidating than larger tiers.
Ordering Tips
Here are some tips when ordering your special event 1/8 sheet cake:
- Call your local bakery or grocery store’s bakery section
- Order at least 2-3 days in advance
- Confirm cake dimensions – around 9 x 13 inches
- Choose cake and icing flavors
- Request decorations like writing, flowers, theme shapes
- Specify delivery time if needed
Most bakeries offer simple custom decorating for sheet cakes at no extra charge. You may just need to provide some advance notice.
Pickup or Delivery?
Bakeries generally offer a couple options for getting your 1/8 sheet cake:
- Pick up – You can pick your cake up directly from the bakery yourself. This prevents delivery fees and damage during transport.
- Delivery – Many bakeries will deliver sheet cakes for an added fee. This is convenient but runs the risk of imperfections during the drive.
If you need delivery, ask about their process. Some bakeries transport cakes in specialized vans to prevent sliding or jostling during drives. Added stabilizing items like cake boards or dowels can also help cakes hold up on the ride.
Pickup or Delivery: Pros and Cons
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup |
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| Delivery |
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Storing a 1/8 Sheet Cake
Leftover sheet cake should be stored properly to maintain fresh taste and texture for a few days. Here are some storage tips:
- Cover tightly in plastic wrap or a cake box.
- Refrigerate if icing is dairy-based like buttercream.
- Freeze for longer storage of 1-2 months.
- Let come to room temperature before serving chilled cake.
- Enjoy leftovers within 3-5 days.
Be sure to discard any sheet cake that shows signs of mold or dryness. The small size makes it easy to polish off 1/8 sheet cake leftovers!
Cost of a 1/8 Sheet Cake
On average, a 1/8 sheet cake costs around $15-30 before any custom decorating fees. Here are some factors that affect the price:
- Bakery type – Gourmet bakeries will charge more than grocery store in-house bakeries
- Ingredients – More expensive ingredients like premium chocolate raise the price
- Designs – Custom writing, flowers or decor increase costs
- Delivery – Having the cake delivered adds a delivery fee
You can save money by choosing a grocery store or wholesale club bakery, simple decor, and picking up the cake yourself. Opt for gourmet to splurge on a special occasion.
Average Cost Ranges
| Bakery Type | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Grocery Store Bakery | $15-20 |
| Wholesale Club Bakery | $18-25 |
| Specialty/Gourmet Bakery | $25-35+ |
No matter where you get it, a 1/8 sheet cake can serve up deliciousness at a crowd-pleasing price!
Conclusion
Planning for a 1/8 sheet cake? With around 24-30 slices, it can serve anywhere from 12-24 people depending on appetites and number of servings. Opt for smaller cut sizes and supplementary desserts if serving a larger crowd. Add visual appeal with decorations like piping, fruit, or theme shapes. Pickup saves money, but delivery brings convenience. Store any leftovers properly to enjoy later. With smart planning, a 1/8 sheet cake can perfectly suit any gathering without breaking the budget.