Serving Size Guide: Perfect Portions for Every Sweet Treat

Ever cut a cake and end up with slices that are too tiny or way too huge? It happens to the best of us. Knowing the right serving size saves money, keeps guests happy, and stops you from guessing how many pieces you need.

Quick Math for Cakes and Pies

The easiest trick is to think in “standard slices.” An 8‑inch round cake usually yields 12 slices. If you need more, cut each slice in half for 24 mini portions. A 9‑inch cake adds a couple of extra pieces, so aim for 14‑16 slices. Square cakes are even simpler: a 9‑by‑9 pan cut into 3‑by‑3 squares gives you nine servings, while a 12‑by‑12 pan cut into 4‑by‑4 squares serves 16.

If you’re serving a pie, a 9‑inch pie typically makes 8 slices. Want twelve? Cut each slice into a smaller piece. For a 10‑inch pie, you can comfortably get 10 slices without looking cramped.

Cookies, Brownies, and Other Hand‑Held Desserts

Cookies are usually counted one‑to‑one. If a recipe yields 24 cookies, plan for 24 guests or double the batch for a larger crowd. Brownies follow the same logic: an 8‑by‑8 pan cut into 16 squares gives 16 servings. Want larger pieces? Cut a 9‑by‑9 pan into 9 squares for a bigger bite.

Fudge, tiramisu, and similar desserts often come in a dish. A 9‑by‑13 inch pan of fudge broken into 27 squares (3‑by‑9) serves 27 people. For tiramisu, a standard 9‑inch square pan cut into 9 pieces works well, but you can halve each piece for a lighter serving.

When scaling recipes, keep the ratios the same. Double a cake recipe if you need a double‑layer 9‑inch cake, but remember to also double the baking time by about 10‑15 minutes and check with a toothpick.

Dietary needs can change portion size. If you’re serving gluten‑free or vegan guests, they may prefer a smaller piece to sample a range of desserts. In such cases, cut each portion a bit smaller and offer extra bites on the side.

Here’s a cheat sheet to keep handy:

• 8‑inch round cake: 12 slices
• 9‑inch round cake: 14‑16 slices
• 9‑by‑9 square cake: 9 slices (or 16 if cut 4‑by‑4)
• 12‑by‑12 square cake: 16 slices
• Standard cookie batch: 1 cookie per guest
• 8‑by‑8 brownie pan: 16 squares
• 9‑by‑13 fudge pan: 27 squares
• 9‑inch tiramisu pan: 9 servings (halve if needed)

Use these numbers as a starting point, then adjust based on the crowd’s appetite and the number of other desserts you’re serving. A few extra slices never hurt, and a little planning means no one walks away hungry or with a plate full of crumbs.

Bottom line: grab a ruler, measure your pan, and apply the simple slice‑per‑inch rule. You’ll always have the right amount, and your guests will thank you for the perfect portion every time.