Are you planning a party and want to bake a sheet cake?
Are you confused about the size needed and afraid it could be too much or too little for the guests? How big is a quarter sheet cake?
A Short Answer
As the name suggests, a quarter (¼) sheet cake is ¼ the size of a full sheet cake. It is 13* 9 inches (about 75 ounces) and perfect for small to medium-sized parties (12 to 20 people).
Read on to learn more about quarter sheet cakes;
Table Of Contents
How Big is a Quarter (¼) Sheet Cake?
The size of a quarter sheet cake is 13-inch by 9-inch and measures about 1-2 inches. However, some are smaller and measure 12-inch by 8-inch.
How Many People Does a Quarter Sheet Cake Feed?
The number of servings usually depends on two factors: the cake size and the size of servings.
Generally, a quarter sheet cake usually serve about 12 to 20 people. It is perfect for small and medium-sized parties such as kids’ birthdays and small office parties.
How Many Servings/Slices Are in a Quarter Sheet Cake?
A 1/4 sheet cake weighs 75 ounces and has around 12 slices.
However, cutting the cake into smaller pieces will serve more people. For example, smaller portions can feed up to 54 people, while larger ones can fit only 12.
Below are some serving sizes to guide you when baking a 13 *9 inches and 2 inches deep cake.
Serving Sizes | Quarter Sheet Cake Servings |
1 * 2 inches | Up to 54 people |
2 * 2 inches | Up to 24 people |
2 * 3 inches | Up to 18 people |
3 * 3 inches | Up to 12 people |
Quarter Sheet Cake: Pan Sizes & Dimensions
A quarter sheet cake pan’s dimensions are 13 * 9 inches and one to two inches deep. A standard commercial oven can fit four quarter size sheet pans.
Measure with a Measuring Stick
An easy way to know the pan’s dimensions is to measure it from the inside edges with a measuring stick.
Place the stick against the pan’s bottom to know its length and width dimensions and measure up to ¼ inch for depth.
Measure with Water
You can also test your pan’s volume.
Fill the pan to the rim with water, and put it into a measuring cup. A quarter sheet cake pan will hold up to 12 cups of water, which will help you know the pan’s volume.
However, do not put that much batter in the pan, as it will overflow.
Half Sheet Vs. Quarter Sheet Cake
A half sheet cake is 13 by 18 inches, while a quarter sheet cake size is 13 by 9 inches. The former serves around 18 to 40 people, while quarter sheet cakes feed around 12-20 people.
Half sheet cakes are great for massive parties as they serve more people and have a larger surface area for decoration and messages. On the other hand, quarter sheet cakes are ideal for small to medium parties.
This is how they compare;
Serving Sizes | Quarter Sheet Cake Servings | Half Sheet Cake Servings |
1 * 2 inches | Up to 54 people | Up to 108 people |
2 * 2 inches | Up to 24 people | Up to 54 people |
2 * 3 inches | Up to 18 people | Up to 36 people |
3 * 3 inches | Up to 12 people | Up to 24 people |
What to Use to Decorate a Quarter Sheet Cake?
There are many ways to decorate a quarter sheet cake. However, most of them are usually decorated with buttercream frosting.
Here are some popular ways for you to decorate your quarter sheet cake;
Buttercream
You only need a few ingredients to make the buttercream: butter, a few drops of milk, icing sugar, and flavored extract.
Buttercream is popular since it can be made into different flavors and colors and presented in various ways, such as swirls and a smooth finish.
Chocolate
Chocolate is one of the easiest ways to decorate your sheet cake. You can use cocoa powder as light dusting or melt chocolate with cream to make a ganache.
Note that white chocolate melts faster than dark chocolate as it contains more sugar. Therefore, keep it on low heat.
Fruit
You can use fresh fruits and berries to decorate your quarter sheet cake. These include blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries.
When using fresh fruit, we recommend you add them at the last minute.
Edible Flowers
Flowers are an interesting way to decorate your quarter sheet cake. They include rose petals and lavender.
However, unless you know they are edible, do not eat them.
Coconut
Desiccated coconut is a healthier alternative to sprinkles. Use light buttercream on your cake and add coconut.
Coconut is light and can be added to several flavors, including carrot, lemon, or chocolate cakes.
Spreads
If you are in a hurry, then spreads are the perfect way to decorate your cake. You can use your daily spreads such as Nutella and marmalade. Or top it with fresh fruit or sprinkles.
Note that the cake has to be slightly warm if you use Nutella or peanut butter as it will melt, making it easy to decorate.
Cream
You can also use whipped cream to decorate your cake. However, ensure that you store the cream in the fridge and add it at the last minute.
Icing Sugar
If you do not want complex techniques, icing sugar is your best choice. Once the cake is cool, dust your cake with icing sugar paste.
Do not do it when the cake is hot, as the icing sugar will melt.
Caramel
Drizzle caramel sauce on the cake or add it to cream cheese for a caramel frosting.
Whether looking for something festive or straightforward, the above ingredients will allow you to decorate your quarter sheet cake efficiently.
FAQs About Quarter Sheet Cake
How much cake do I need for 25 guests?
For 25 guests, a 10-inch cake will be enough. Therefore, a quarter sheet cake is perfect for around 25 guests, each getting a reasonable portion.
However, a half sheet cake will be your best option if you want bigger portions and some leftovers.
How do you cut a quarter sheet cake?
With a sharp knife, start cutting from the outside to the inside. Cut a horizontal line from the edge of the cake to the center.
Next, cut depending on the size you want based on the occasion (number of people). For example, a 1 * 2 cake should give you around 54 servings, while a 2* 2 cake will have 24 servings.
Once done, use a small spatula to lift the pieces off. Clean your knife with a hot napkin after each cut to ensure you get clear lines.
How much does a 2 Layer half sheet cake feed?
A double layer half sheet cake serves about 60 to 70 people, while a single layer can feed 18 to 40 people.
If you have more guests, opting for a double layer instead of a single one is best.
Chocolate Quarter Sheet Cake
This delicious dessert is perfect for lazy Sunday afternoons or simple parties.
It is pretty easy to make and full of flavor.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- ¼ cup cake flour
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Melted chocolate and cocoa powder
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup milk
For the Salted Cream Frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp salt
Instructions
For the chocolate sheet cake:
- Pre-heat the oven to 350F.
- Grease your quarter sheet pan.
- Mix the dry ingredients; cake flour, cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Using a mixer, beat the butter until it is creamy (this usually takes about 1 minute).
- Add granulated and brown sugar to the butter and beat until fluffy and light. Next, add your melted chocolate, egg, and vanilla extract and mix.
- In another bowl, whisk Greek yogurt and milk.
- Add ⅓ of the dry ingredients into the butter-sugar mixture and mix, then add ⅓ of the buttermilk. Do this until all ingredients are combined.
- Put the batter into the pan and let it bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool.
To make the salted caramel frosting:
- Melt butter over medium heat and add heavy cream and brown sugar.
- Stir until the sugar dissolves, then let it bubble for about 3 minutes
- Remove it from the heat and let it cool for 15 minutes.
- Using a mixer, beat caramel sauce and powdered sugar until the frosting is in perfect consistency.
- Frost the cake and add the salted caramel sauce.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 351Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 762mgCarbohydrates: 53gFiber: 0gSugar: 46gProtein: 3g
Conclusion
A quarter sheet cake measures 13 by 9 inches and is one to two inches deep. It is perfect for small parties and can feed up to 20 people with sizeable pieces.
If you have small to medium parties and want a cake just enough and filling for your guests, then the quarter sheet cake is the best option for you.
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