What size of cake pans would be needed to feed 200 people for a slab cake?

To determine the size of cake pans needed for a slab cake to feed 200 people, we need to consider a few factors:

* Serving size: How much cake do you expect each person to eat? A standard serving is about 1/16th of a 9x13 inch cake, which is roughly 2.25 ounces.

* Cake density: A dense cake like a pound cake will serve more people than a lighter cake like a chiffon cake.

* Desired thickness: How thick do you want your slab cake to be?

Here's a possible scenario:

* Serving size: 2.25 ounces per person.

* Cake density: Moderate density (similar to a vanilla cake).

* Desired thickness: 1 inch.

Calculations:

1. Total cake needed: 200 people * 2.25 ounces/person = 450 ounces of cake.

2. Cake volume: Assume 1 ounce of cake is about 1 cubic inch. 450 ounces = 450 cubic inches.

3. Slab cake dimensions: 1 inch thick * 450 cubic inches = 450 square inches of cake needed.

Pan size options:

* Option 1: Single large pan: A 15x24 inch pan provides 360 square inches. You would need two of these pans to accommodate the 450 square inches of cake.

* Option 2: Multiple smaller pans: You could use two 12x18 inch pans (each providing 216 square inches) or three 10x15 inch pans (each providing 150 square inches) to achieve the required surface area.

Important considerations:

* Baking time: Larger pans might require longer baking times.

* Cooling: Ensure the pans are large enough to allow for even cooling.

* Cutting and serving: Consider how you will cut and serve the cake from the chosen pan sizes.

Ultimately, the best pan size depends on your specific preferences and the available equipment.