How to Cut A Cake

If you’ve ever wondered how to cut a cake neatly and get the most slices, you might have seen Cupcake Jemma’s viral video on the subject. It sparked plenty of debate, with some saying the slices were too small and others thinking they were just right.

So, in this guide we’ll show you not just one, but three different ways to cut your cake. Whether you want big slices or need to stretch it for more servings, we’ve got you covered!

Want to cut out the hassle? Order one of our delightful, fresh (and pre-cut) cakes for London delivery! 

How To Cut a Cake? 3 Methods

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to slicing a cake, especially when every occasion calls for something different. Here are three easy and effective ways to cut your cake, whether you're serving at a wedding, birthday, or any celebration.

If you're more of a visual learner, check out our video for a step-by-step demonstration. 

1. Wedges

The wedge method is the most traditional and straightforward way to cut a cake. It’s ideal for when you want everyone to have a generous, evenly sized slice with a perfect balance of sponge and icing.

How to Cut Cake Wedges

1. Start by cutting the cake in half with a long knife.
2. Cut one of the halves in half again horizontally.
3. Wipe your knife with a damp cloth between cuts for clean, neat slices.
4. Continue cutting each quarter into 3-4 evenly sized wedges, depending on the number of guests.
5. For a 7-inch cake, you’ll typically get 12 generous slices, but you could easily get up to 16 if you prefer smaller portions.

This method is perfect for parties where large, satisfying slices are just what everyone needs!

2. Slabs (Rectangles)

The slab method is perfect for when you need to serve more people with smaller slices, especially at events like weddings where guests may already be full from the meal. It’s a great way to make your cake go further without sacrificing presentation.

How to Cut Cake Slabs 

1. Start with a clean chopping board on hand.
2. Slice off one of the round edges of the cake, about 2 inches in, and transfer the slab to the board.
3. Cut this slab into three evenly sized pieces—these are perfect for buttercream lovers since they’ll have plenty of icing!
4. Repeat the process by slicing another slab from the remaining cake and cutting it into smaller pieces.
5. Top Tip: If you have a particularly tall cake or want even more pieces, you can cut each piece in half again.

Using this method, you can cut a 7-inch cake into around 22 pieces, making it ideal for events where smaller portions are more suitable. Just keep in mind that it can get a bit messy!

3. Geometric Style

The geometric style is perfect when you need smaller slices, making it a lifesaver at children’s parties or any event where you need to stretch the cake—especially when you don’t want the kids to get a sugar rush!

How to Cut Geometric Slices

1. Start by cutting the cake into 8 even wedges.
2. Take one of the wedges and cut diagonally through the middle of the wedge, forming smaller diamonds and triangles.
3. Repeat this process with each wedge, cutting diagonally from the outer edge to about halfway up the cake.
4. Remove the triangular pieces and place them onto a tray.
5. Cut the diamond shapes in half to create more triangles, repeating until the entire cake is divided. 

What Do You Need to Cut a Cake?

Before you start slicing, having the right tools on hand is key to making sure every piece looks perfect. Here's what you'll need for a smooth cake-cutting experience:

1. A Long, Sharp Knife: Preferably a serrated knife to help make clean, even cuts without squashing the cake.
2. A Clean Chopping Board: Especially helpful if you’re using the slab method to rest and cut pieces without making a mess.
3. A Damp Cloth: Use this to wipe the knife between cuts, ensuring each slice is neat and tidy.
4. A Cake Server: Ideal for transferring slices from the cake to plates without damaging the delicate icing or structure.

What About Bigger Cakes?

If you're working with larger cakes, you’ll need to adjust your cutting technique to ensure you get the right number of slices without compromising on presentation. 

Here’s a handy guide to how many slices you can expect from different-sized cakes using the three methods: wedges, slabs, and geometric style.

Final Thoughts

Cutting a cake doesn’t have to be tricky! Whether you’re serving a large wedding crowd, hosting a fun kids’ party, or just enjoying a cake with friends, using one of these three methods—wedges, slabs, or geometric slices—ensures you’ll have the perfect portions for everyone. From big slices to bite-sized treats, there’s a cutting style for every occasion.

Ready to make your next celebration even sweeter? Order a beautifully crafted cake from Crumbs & Doilies and let us do the hard work for you. With our London delivery, your freshly baked cake will arrive at your door, ready to slice and serve!

Looking for more baking advice? Explore our guides

• A Cake Stacking Masterclass
• How to Decorate a Cake
• Cake Baking Tips