Tips from a Professional Cake Designer in Johannesburg, South Africa
As a cake designer with over 20 years of experience creating custom cakes for birthdays across Johannesburg and beyond, one dilemma I have observed with clients is: not knowing the right size of cake to order.
It’s a small detail that makes a big difference. The right cake size ensures every guest gets a well-portioned delicious slice; while helping you avoid unnecessary waste—or worse, running out too soon. Let’s walk through how to choose the perfect cake size for your celebration.
The Right Cake Size Matters!
Whether you’re hosting a small family gathering or a big birthday bash, the cake is often a highlight of the event. Choosing the right size ensures:
- Everyone gets a portion
- There’s little to no waste, and;
- You get a cake that complements the day beautifully
What determines the size of your cake?
The number of guests is the most important factor. How many people the cake will serve is the number one factor that determines the size of your cake.
A few other factors that matter:
A few other factors such as the shape or design of your cake, also play a role in the number of servings a cake can give. For instance, rectangular or square shaped cakes can generally serve more than round shaped cakes.
Shaped cakes like cars, animals, or numbers may yield fewer servings depending on the design. Always ask your cake artist for a serving estimate.
Some others are:
- Will there be other desserts? If you’re offering cupcakes, cookies, or sweets, a smaller cake may be enough.
- Do you want leftovers? Some clients love enjoying cake the next day—others prefer just enough for the party.
Here’s a quick cake sizes guide based on round cakes for us here at Inspired Cakes:
|
Cake Size |
Servings (Party Portions – at about 17cm high) |
|
15cm |
8–15 |
|
18cm |
20–25 |
|
20cm |
25-35 |
|
25cm |
34-45 |
Tip: If you’re inviting kids, you may consider cutting smaller portions.
Final Advice from a Johannesburg Cake Pro:
When in doubt, talk to your cake designer (that’s me!). Share your guest count, theme, preferences and together, we can design a cake that’s beautiful and just the right size.
At Inspired Cakes, we’re here to help make your birthday celebration as sweet and stress-free as possible. Contact us today