Round Cake Sizes Explained
Here's a straightforward breakdown of standard round cake sizes and how many coffee-style portions (slim slices, roughly 2.5 cm wide) each one yields.
| Diameter | Coffee Portions | Visual Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| 12 cm | 1–4 | A bento cake, fits in a lunch box |
| 17 cm | 4–8 | About the size of a dessert plate |
| 20 cm | 8–15 | Roughly a large dinner plate |
| 20 cm (taller) | 15–20 | Same width as the 20 cm, but a noticeably deeper cake |
| 23 cm | 25+ | About the size of a small pizza |
The 20 cm cake is our best seller, ideal for birthday parties and family get-togethers. Need 15 portions or more? Take that same 20 cm in our taller version — same width, deeper cake. From 20 guests up, go with the 23 cm or a tiered cake.
These are coffee portions. If you're serving cake as dessert after dinner, expect 30–40% fewer portions per cake since dessert slices are wider.
Tiered Cakes: Combining Sizes
Tiered cakes let you serve a large group while making a visual statement. Each tier is its own cake, so you add up the portions.
2-Tier Cakes
| Combination | Coffee Portions | Dessert Portions |
|---|---|---|
| 12 cm + 17 cm | 5–12 | 3–8 |
| 17 cm + 20 cm | 12–23 | 8–15 |
| 20 cm + 23 cm | 33+ | 22+ |
3-Tier Cakes
| Combination | Coffee Portions | Dessert Portions |
|---|---|---|
| 12 cm + 17 cm + 20 cm | 13–27 | 8–18 |
| 12 cm + 17 cm + 23 cm | 30+ | 20+ |
| 17 cm + 20 cm + 23 cm | 37+ | 24+ |
4-Tier Cakes
| Combination | Coffee Portions | Dessert Portions |
|---|---|---|
| 12 cm + 17 cm + 20 cm + 23 cm | 38+ | 25+ |
You can offer different flavours per tier, and it's a practical way to handle dietary needs (e.g. one gluten-free tier). Each tier is at least 3 cm wider than the tier above it, and that stagger is what keeps the stack stable: our tiers step down 23, 20, 17 and 12 cm.
Round vs Heart-Shaped
We offer round and heart-shaped cakes. Round is the versatile default for birthdays, corporate events, and tiered designs. Heart-shaped cakes suit romantic occasions: Valentine's Day, anniversaries, and engagements.
Transport tip: round cakes are slightly easier to box and carry. Heart-shaped cakes have a pointed end that needs extra care. If picking up yourself, take a steady hand on the drive home.
How Many People Actually Eat Cake?
Your guest count is not the number of portions you need. Here's the realistic breakdown:
| Occasion | Realistic Eating % | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Birthday (adults) | 85–95% | Cake is the star; most people eat a slice |
| Children's party | 60–70% | Kids grab, nibble, and run off to play |
| Wedding with dessert table | 60–75% | Many guests fill up on other desserts first |
| Wedding (cake only dessert) | 80–90% | Higher when there's no competing sweet option |
| Borrel / drinks reception | 50–70% | Cake competes with savoury snacks |
| Corporate event | 75–85% | Depends on time of day and other catering |
The Formula
Total guests x eating percentage = portions needed
Example: 40 adults at a birthday (90%) = 36 coffee portions. Add a 10% buffer for safety.
Common Ordering Mistakes
After years of baking for events across Rotterdam and Vlaardingen, we see the same mistakes. Here's how to avoid them:
- Ordering for guest count, not eaters. Use the eating percentages above. A wedding with 50 guests and a dessert buffet needs 35–40 portions, not 50.
- Forgetting the occasion type. A koffietafel cake and a dessert course cake are different orders. Tell us when and how cake will be served.
- Not accounting for other sweets. A candy bar or dessert table reduces cake consumption. Mention everything you're serving.
- Last-minute changes. Changing sizes two days before isn't possible; we need at least one week's notice.
The golden rule: communicate openly with your baker. Start your order here and tell us your guest count.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big should a cake be for 30 people?
What is the difference between dessert and coffee portions?
How much cake do I need for a wedding with 80 guests?
Do you offer different cake shapes?
Can I order cupcakes instead of a large cake?
How far in advance should I order a cake?
Ready to Order Your Cake?
Whether you are planning a birthday, wedding, corporate event, or any celebration, LittleCakesNL creates custom cakes that make every occasion unforgettable.
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