When you do a sheet cake for a casual gathering - how big are your portions for adults vs. kids? When a bunch of big hungry guys are over I use 2.5x3" pieces (from a one layer 2" deep sheet cake, no filling), 2x2" or 2.5x2.5" for adults, 1.5x2" or so for kids. I find it hard to estimate sizes for people I don't know very well though. (Sometimes no one will take the last piece! ) What do you like to do?

Another question - for cakes that go with the kids to school, what should the serving size be? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I don't measure...have the Debbie Meyers cake cutters for sheet and round and just cut for adults and cut half of that for children.

stephanie214.....where did you get the cutters??

Ok, I just did a search on the cutters. How big of a slice do they cut?? and does the V-shaped work for larger round cakes??

1" x 2" x height = wedding size [cake and coffee]
2" x 2" x height = party size
2" x 3" x height = dessert size [served instead of dessert]

Once you start differentiating between adults and children, the cutting process becomes very difficult. Most people serve their own children and might cut a piece in half, if that is appropriate. If it is your social occasion, cut it how you see fit.

If the cake is for a client, there are no hard and fast rules. If you make a model of the portion size for your client, then they know which cut they want.

If the cake is going to school, 2x2xheight[one layer 2" deep sheet cake, no filling] is the easiest to handle - cupcake size - BUT cupcake or ice-cream cone cakes are the best. Unless it is pre-cut, there is no guarantee that a long knife is available.

Cupcakes = no cutting.

pinkbunny,

The first set I got at Michael's for $5.99 (special mark-down) and the second set I found at a yard sale brand new and negotiated the price down to $.75...love to negotiate prices.

Are you talking about the 16" round?

Thanks everyone - I just was trying to do an informal poll since I read through so many threads dealing with servings sizes and sheet pan portions. Auzzi - cupcakes or a cupcake cake will probably be what I will end up doing for school - since it will make life easier for the teachers...
I was thinking about doing a cake for the next neighborhood gathering (not at my house-yippee!) for about 50 - 75 people out of roughly 150 (since not all of them would eat cake & other desserts might be available - hardly anyone else bakes much though). The total number of guests depends somewhat on the weather since friends & relatives of the neighbors come too. The party usually starts around 4-5pm and lasts until 10-11pm with people nibbling throughout.
Anyway I found some interesting sites with other serving charts (not Wilton's or Earlene's) while surfing that I will try to link here. Enjoy!

Foster's Creations Party Cake Serving Chart
http://www.fosterscreations.us/Servings-Prices-Flavors.html

Wuollet Bakery - Sheet Cakes - lists dessert servings at 2x4", receiving line portions at 2x3", buffet portions at 2x2" etc
http://www.wuollet.com/cakes_sheet.asp?sPL=

Montillo's Baking Company - round & sheet cake #of servings only & nice cake gallery
http://www.montilios.com/RetailCakeChart.html

Gerhard Michler Fine European Desserts
http://www.gerhardmichler.com/servings.html

pinkbunny,

It works fine on the 10-12", haven't tried it on the larger yet.