How Many Cake Mixes For A Half-Sheet Cake – Easy Formulas

Last Updated on July 14, 2022

Do you know how many cake mixes for a half-sheet cake you need? We will explore everything you need to know about half-sheet cakes and more!

To answer this question, we had to do a bunch of tests to first measure how much cake mix we need for a full sheet cake. This allowed us to make accurate calculations that ultimately helps us answer the questions. So, let’s dive right in!

What Is A Sheet Cake?

Sheet cakes are one of the oldest types of cakes there is. These cakes are often considered to be budget, however, we completely disagree. In fact, without sheet cakes, many professional bakers won’t be able to create their elaborate cake designs!

So today, we will be looking at exactly how many cake mixes for a half-sheet cake are needed? This will allow you to make smaller rectangular sheet cakes to prevent excessive wastage. And, it will also allow you to make smaller batches for sculpting cakes. So, let’s get right to it!

Sheet cakes, also called slab cakes, are large flat rectangular cakes. When used to create a cake, they often only consist of one or two layers of cake. Between these, a jam filling or frosting is added for flavor and moisture. To fully decorate this cake, it is completely covered with a buttercream frosting and decorated accordingly.

Sheet cake sizes

Sheet cakes do come in various sizes, however, there are still global averages. Your average sheet cake measures at 18-inches by 26-inches. it is also about 1 to 2-inches in height, but this can vary somewhat.

The standard sheet cake pan size in commercial kitchens is around 18-inches by 24-inches, so only a little bit smaller.

A half-sheet cake, strangely enough, isn’t half the size of a full-sheet cake. Half sheet cakes measure at 11-inches by 15-inches. The thickness still remains the same, about 2-inches at most.

So, calculating exactly how many cake mixes for a half-sheet cake isn’t as simple as dividing the quantity by half.

Where to find half sheet cake pans?

These pans are extremely easy to find despite not many people even knowing about them. You can look at most baking supply stores. They are almost guaranteed to have half-sheet cake pans in stock. or at the very least, they will be able to order some for you in no time.

Otherwise, you can look at a dollar store or even online. Amazon will be one of your safest bets because they offer a wide range of options at varying prices.

How Is A Half Sheet Cake Made With Cake Mix?

Cake mixes are made to provide convenience to bakers. They consist of only dry ingredients which need to be moisturized to create a batter. Once the batter is made, all that is left to do is pour it into a sheet pan and bake it until it is done.

It is as easy as that! So the real question is, how many cake mixes for a half-sheet cake. To answer this question, we first had to look at how much batter goes into a full sheet cake.

After many experiments with different brands, we found that all 15 to 16-ounces cake mix boxes create about 2 pounds of batter. This is after they have been mixed with eggs, water, milk, and oil (or only some of these ingredients).

A full sheet of cake that measures 18 by 26-inches requires 8 pounds of cake batter in total. So, using basic maths, a full sheet cake needs 4 boxes of cake mix (each should weigh 15 to 16-ounces). Naturally, if you are using cake mixes that have different sizes, you should only buy an amount that comes to 60-ounces in total.

This amount of cake mix and batter ultimately only makes cakes that will end up being about 1 to 2-inches in thickness. So, if you are looking to make higher cakes, you will naturally need more batter and more cake mix.

How many cake mixes for a half-sheet cake?

Now, as we have mentioned, calculating how many cake mixes for a half-sheet cake isn’t as easy as dividing the above-mentioned numbers in half. This is because a half sheet cake isn’t exactly half the size of a full sheet cake.

So, for a half sheet cake, we recommend using 2 to 3 boxes of cake mix. You will likely only need two, but just buy the third in case you see that the layers aren’t as thick as you want them to be. After all, it is better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

Two boxes of cake mix will give you 4 pounds of cake batter. And 3 boxes of cake mix will give you 6 pounds of batter.

Both these amounts will work for half sheet cakes that either measure at 11 x 15-inches or 13 x 18-inches.

How many cake mixes for quarter sheet cakes?

Quarter sheet cakes are even smaller than half sheet cakes. But again, they aren’t exactly half the size. On average, a quarter sheet cake will measure at 8 x 13-inches or 9 x 13-inches.

This means you will need about 1 to 2 boxes of cake mix. This will give you 2 to 4 pounds of cake batter.

How Much Frosting For A Half-Sheet Cake?

it is difficult to calculate exactly how much frosting is needed for a cake. It depends on the recipe and the amount of frosting you like to add. Some people only want a thin layer, while others like it extremely thick!

On average, you only need about 3 cups of buttercream frosting to nicely fill and cover a half sheet cake layer. If you want to create frosted decorations (with a piping bag), then we recommend having about 2 to 3 cups of frosting on hand.

Wrapping It Up

Now you too know exactly how many cake mixes for a half-sheet cake is needed. And, you can easily make calculations for other sized cake pans too! If you still have any other questions, don’t hesitate to ask us!

And, if you would like to read more articles like this, you can browse our site for more educational content!

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