What did I get myself into? I've got an order for graduation sheet cakes that need to serve 400 people. I'm using 12x18x2 inch pans... how many of these do I need? I've searched various serving charts, and so far it looks like I'll need 8 if you figure 2x2x2 inch pieces. That seems like a lot of cake, but I don't want them to be short. To those with more experience than myself, does that seem about right? Thanks in advance!

You've done the math correctly.

If transporting 8 1/2 sheets is going to be an issue, you can do a regular 4" tall sheet which serves 108 (1 X 2 X 4). You'll bake the same amount, but only have 4 boxes to transport.

Thanks leah_s! Great idea about 4 2-layer cakes, that'll help tremendously.

I'm almost right there with you! I have to do cakes for 300 for our pastor's farewell this Sunday. I had to do something similar in October and found that the 4" tall cakes was the way to go. Good luck to you!!

for double layer cakes of that size, be sure to use 3 or 4 cardboards under them or a masonite board......soemthing really strong.

Also make sure that whoever cuts it is cutting 1x2 piece instead of 2x2 Then you'll get the right amount of servings out of it.

If you need some masonite boards click the link in my signature. If you send them a message they will work with you on what you need. As of right now they only have circles listed.

I am doing the same thing. Double layers for 300. Kitchen cakes for a wedding. Foam core works perfectly for these. I use it all of the time. Cardboard tends to buckle along those lines. It has a weak direction. Never a problem with foamcore. Get it at Walmart or Michael's etc.

Well, my cakes for 300 have been baked and served!!! Not as many people showed up as expected, so we only went thru 1 1/2 of the 3 cakes. We wrapped the rest and stuck it in the church freezer to serve next week. I'm glad it's over.

Pictures! Do you have any pictures to show us????

I don't have any pics of the sheetcakes and, honestly, they weren't worth photographing! They were just huge, 2-layer, frosted white. I didn't even bother to smooth them -- I figured that everyone was going to get a little 1x2" piece and wouldn't notice if it was smooth or not.

However, I do have a photo of the centerpiece cake that was for show, then the guest of honor got to take it home. The theme was sailing.

I am doing sheet cakes for 300 also this Saturday. I was going to do one layer 12x18 or two 11x15 side by side so that I could do several different flavors. The main cake I was going to do two one layer 12x18 cakes. Does anyone know the servings for one layer sheet cakes? Trying to figure out how many I will need

Here's the Wilton cutting guide. That might help you.

http://www.wilton.com/cakes/cake-cutting-guides/party-cake-cutting-guide.cfm