I am using a 2 lb. 2.5 oz. coffee can to make a vase cake. I need to know how much cake batter to put into the can in order for it not to overflow. I will carve the hourglass shaped vase after the cake has chilled overnight.

i never made a cake in a coffee can before so can't give you any help on that. however, when i made a vase cake, i just baked up 4, 5, and 6 inch layers and carved. if you don't have small pans, you could always cut them out of a sheetcake.