For a 1/4 sheet cake, do I make 2 layers, or do I make 1 thick layer and torte and fill it? Also, if I use a cake mix, do I use 2 boxes, or will I have enough batter if I use one box and the cake extender recipe? Thanks.

I use a 1 box cake mix with extender for my 9x13, it is perfect. You can always torte and fill too.

It may depend on where you are from but around here you do not fill a sheet cake unless it is requested. My 1/4 sheet is 8x12 and it is one cake mix. I don't use the extender but I did once and it may be too much for a 9x13 I am not sure.

busymom9431, where are you from? I am in Ohio, and this is the first sheet cake I've been asked to do.

What size sheet cake pan and how many layers you bake depends on how many servings you need.

Here's a link to all four Wilton cake preparation and servings charts:
(Gives batter requirements by pan size, as well as recommended baking temps. and times - and more.)

http://www.wilton.com/cake/cakeprep/baking/times/index.cfm
(Sheet cakes are under all categories except 2" wedding.)

If you think you will be using a 13x9x2 pan; you will need 7 cups of batter PER layer.

A 13x9x4 inch layer cake will yield 45 party (1-1/2x2x4) servings; one layer will yield half that amount.

To determine number of 2x2" or 2x3" servings from any size sheet cake:

http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-302303-.html
(indydebi does the math.)

The WASC cake recipe (using DH white cake mixes) yields a tad over 14 cups of batter - the perfect amount for each layer of a 13x9x2 pan. Here's the expanded flavors version:

http://tinyurl.com/2cu8s4

Torting a single layer or using a filling in a two layer cake depends on number of servings need and what's requested by your customer.

How much pastry filling to use by cake size chart:

http://tinyurl.com/2gay6n

Pastry filling available online:

http://www.thebakerskitchen.com/BAKEWARE_SHOPPE/Baking_Ingredients/Pastry_Filling/pastry_fillings.htm

http://www.countrykitchensa.com/catalog/mini.aspx?T=1&ShopId=38&CatId=532&SubCatId=798

Link to Wilton's cake making & decorating help:

http://www.wilton.com/wedding/makecake/index.cfm

HTH

Thank you, JanH, for all the links. That gave me everything I wanted to know.

Seriously......what would we all do without JanH????? This girl ROCKS!!! I've found most of my info thru her posts!! You're AWESOME JanH...thanks so much for always coming thru for all of us "newbies" when we need info!!!!

You're both very welcome; it was my pleasure.

Everyone who joins this site starts out as a newbie..... Post more and you'll soon be forum fanatics!

(Hello, my name is JanH and I'm a CC addict.)

JanH.. Is the best! You ask something and the answer just somehow shows up out of no where !! You have helped me many times and didnt even know it ! Love the avatar to !