How many servings are there in a cake? What size should I order?
One of the questions we receive the most at Rosy Cakes Madrid is: "What size cake do I need for X people?". And that's normal: nobody wants to fall short or throw away a lot of cake at the end of the party.
In addition, there is something very confusing: tall cakes like the ones we make at Rosy Cakes in front of the smaller supermarket cakes (such as those from Mercadona). At first glance, a low and wide cake may appear larger, but in reality it's the weight that counts and the amount of cake and filling, not just the diameter.
In this guide we will explain, in a simple way:
- How many grams of cake is calculated per person.
- The real difference between a high pastry tart and a low supermarket cake.
- Our sizes, approximate weights and portions at Rosy Cakes.
- What size to choose depending on the type of celebration.
- How cut a tall cake into strips to remove all the portions (with video).
High cakes vs. low cakes in supermarkets (Mercadona, etc.)
At Rosy Cakes we work with tall cakes: normally 3 layers of sponge cake and 2 layers of filling, with a standard height approx. 10 cm. This means that even if the diameter is not huge, there is a lot of "upwards" cakeMore cake, more filling, more weight and therefore more portions.
Cakes in many supermarkets (e.g. Mercadona's cakes) are usually lowerwith fewer layers of cake and filling and a lower height. Visually they take up more space on the plate because they are wide, but they tend to have:
- Less height.
- Less padding.
- Less total weighteven if the diameter appears similar or larger.
So, when comparing cakes, try to look at the following:
In a nutshell: a tall, well-filled tart may look smaller than a low supermarket tart, but it almost always yields more and is more filling..
How many grams of cake per person should I calculate?
We use the weight as a reference because it is what really determines how much cake there is, beyond the diameter. These are the guideline figures we recommend:
| Situation | Grams per person (approx.) | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Party with other desserts | ≈ 100 g | Standard measurement we use to calculate our portions. |
| Cake as the only dessert | 120-150 g | Perfect if you want more generous portions and the cake to take centre stage. |
| Events with many children | 80-100 g | Kids tend to eat a little less, but it's always better not to under-eat. |
Approximate sizes, weights and prices of our cakes
Below is an indicative table with the standard sizes of Rosy CakesThe approximate weight range and portions are calculated with a standard measurement of 100 g per person. Prices may vary according to flavours and decoration (fondant, figures, natural flowers, etc.).
| Size | Diameter | Weight approx. | Portions (100 g) | Price approx. | Approx. price per portion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini | 12 cm | 0.4-0.6 kg | 2-4 | 31 € | ≈ 7,75 € |
| Small | 14 cm | 0.8-1 kg | 6-8 | 44 € | ≈ 7,30 € |
| Pre-median | 15-16 cm | 1.1-1.4 kg | 10-12 | 65 € | ≈ 6,50 € |
| Medium | 20 cm | 1.8-2.1 kg | 15-20 | 99 € | ≈ 5,50 € |
| Grande | 20-25 cm | 2,5-3 kg | 25-30 | 140 € | ≈ 4,67 € |
*Weights, portions and prices are approximate. For special designs (weddings, multi-tiered tall cakes, elaborate decorations, etc.) these values may change.
Quick table: what size cake should I order depending on the number of guests?
Use this table as a general guide. If there will also be other sweets or dessertsIf the cake is the only dessert, you can choose the lower size; if the cake is the only dessert, the upper size.
| No. of guests | Recommended size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2-4 | Mini (12 cm) | Intimate dinner or special detail. |
| 5-8 | Small (14 cm) | Celeb. with family or friends. |
| 9-12 | Pre-medium (15-16 cm) | Standard birthday. |
| 13-18 | Medium (20 cm) | Slightly larger parties. |
| 19-25 | Medium to Large | Ask us; it depends if you want more generous portions. |
| 25-30 | Large (20-25 cm) | Family events or communions. |
| 30+ guests | Several tiers or several cakes | Ideal for weddings o major events. |
Rosy Cakes mould measurements (10 cm tall cakes)
Our standard cakes are baked in height approx. 10 cmwith several layers of sponge cake and filling. This allows:
- Visually beautiful and high portions.
- More servings from the same diameter, compared to a shortcake.
- Best stability in cakes of wedding or multi-storey.
| Type of mould | Diameter | Name of size | Portions (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round | 12 cm | Mini | 2-4 portions |
| Round | 14 cm | Small | 6-8 portions |
| Round | 15-16 cm | Pre-median | 10-12 portions |
| Round | 20 cm | Medium | 15-20 portions |
| Round | 20-25 cm | Grande | 25-30 portions |
✂️ How to cut a tall cake to make the most of all portions
Another key point in making portions fit is to how to cut the cake. In tall cakes like ours, instead of cutting large triangles (as in a low, tiny cake), it is much more efficient to cut into strips and then on "little fingers".
Video: how to cut a high bolo into strips
You can see the step-by-step in this short video:
👉 Watch video on YouTube: How to cut a high bolo
Summary of the video: Instead of cutting triangles, you cut strips of cake, place them on a board and cut them into thin slices. Then, if you want, you can cut these "little fingers" in half for smaller portions.
Step by step to cut a tall cake into strips
- Forget about triangles. Don't cut from the centre like a pizza, as this will result in huge portions and waste a lot of cake.
- Cut straight strips. Start by cutting the cake into strips about 3-4 cm wide, from one side to the other.
- Transfer the strip to a board. Use a spatula or large knife to bring that slice of cake to a clean cutting board.
- Cut into "little fingers". With the strip on the board, cut into thin slices of about 2 cm. These little fingers are the portions.
- Optional: cut each finger in half. If you want smaller portions (e.g. on sweet tables or when there are a lot of children), you can split each finger in two.
Real-life examples: which size of cake fits best with your event
- Children's birthday party at home (8-10 people): a cake pre-medium (10-12 servings) is usually enough, especially if there are sweets or a sweet table. Take inspiration from our children's cakes.
- Adult birthday with 15-18 guests: a cake median works very well; if there's a lot of food, there's even room for repeats. Check out ideas at Birthday cakes.
- Communion with 25-30 people: the usual is a cake grande or combine cake + sweets. See options in baptism and communion.
- Intimate wedding: for small weddings, a cake of one or two storeys adjusted to the number of servings. Find out more at WEDDING CAKES.
- Express order: if you're on a tight schedule, check the 48-hour cakes or the Fast Cake 24 h.
Frequently asked questions on portions, weights and sizes
How many servings come out of a 1 kg cake?
If we use the standard measurement of 100 g per persona 1 kg cake yields around 10 portions. If you want larger portions, calculate 8-9 portions per kilo.
What is the difference between a high tart and a low tart (supermarket type)?
A tall bakery cake usually has several layers of sponge cake and filling and a height of approximately 10 cm. Supermarket cakes are usually shorter and have less filling. Although a shortcake may appear larger because of its diameter, it is often weighs less and yields fewer servings.
What size do I order for 10 people?
For about 10 people we recommend a cake pre-medium (15-16 cm)which yields approximately 10 to 12 servings.
If there are other desserts, can I order a smaller size?
Yes, if there is a sweet table, restaurant dessert or a lot of children, you can choose a slightly smaller size (e.g. 10-12 portions for 12-14 people).
Are the portions the same for all cakes?
We use a standard height of 10 cm in most cakes, which helps to maintain a homogenous portion size. In special or multi-deck designs, portions are recalculated according to weight and structure.
Can I ask for help in choosing the size?
Of course. Tell us how many people you are, if there will be other desserts and the style of cake you like. You can write to us by WhatsApp or buy directly at the online shop for personalised cakes and we will guide you.
Or, if you're already sure, buy your cake directly from the online shop for personalised cakes.
Ordering your cake with confidence: size, weight, portions and style
This guide was created so that you can order your cake with peace of mindknowing how many portions you need, what size best suits your celebration, and why a high bakery cake cannot be compared to a low supermarket cake just because of the diameter.. At Rosy Cakes Madrid we adjust the weight, diameter, height and design to each event: from birthday y children's cakes to weddings y communions. If you have any questions, we are just a message away.
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