For a graduation party in New Jersey, a sheet cake is usually the most practical choice. It serves a crowd easily, cuts cleanly, and can be customized with a graduation design. If you want something more of a centerpiece, a tier cake is a great option, and many families order both. The most popular flavors are vanilla, chocolate, and red velvet. Order at least one to two weeks in advance during May and June, when bakeries across the state are at their busiest.
Here is everything you need to know before placing your order.
Sheet Cake, Tier Cake, or Both?
For a graduation party, most families choose between a sheet cake, a tier cake, or a combination of the two.
A sheet cake is baked flat in a rectangular pan. La Bon offers quarter-, half-, and full-sheet options that serve roughly 20, 40, and 80 guests, respectively. Sheet cakes are easy to cut and serve, and a natural fit for a busy party where guests are coming and going throughout the day.
A tier cake is stacked and taller, with a more formal, celebratory look. It works beautifully as a centerpiece and is a great choice when you want the cake to be part of the moment, not just the dessert. Some families order a small tier cake for the display and cutting, then use sheet cakes in the back to serve the full crowd.
Browse La Bon’s custom cake options to get a feel for what is available, or see what you can order online for next-day pickup.
How Much Cake Do You Need?
Cake size is one of the most common things people underestimate when planning a graduation party. Here is a quick reference to help:
- Quarter-sheet: Serves about 20 guests
- Half-sheet: Serves about 40 guests
- Full-sheet: Serves about 80 guests
- Round cakes: Range from about 10 to 45 servings depending on the size
For most graduation parties, a half-sheet is a solid starting point for a medium-sized gathering. If you are expecting more than 50 guests, a full sheet or a combination of cakes is the smarter move.
For very large gatherings, this post on how much cake to order for a 100-person event is also worth a read.
What Cake Flavors Work Best for a Graduation Party?
Vanilla is the most popular graduation cake flavor at La Bon, and for good reason. It pairs well with a wide range of fillings and works for almost any group of guests. Popular filling choices include vanilla custard, raspberry buttercream, and fresh strawberries with custard.
Chocolate is another strong option for guests who want something richer. Red velvet is a popular pick when school colors are part of the theme. Its deep color and mild chocolate flavor work especially well with a cream cheese or vanilla buttercream icing, and it looks great dressed up in a graduate’s school colors.
Looking for more flavor ideas? Check out La Bon’s post on the most popular cake flavors for a broader look at what customers tend to love.
What Graduation Cake Designs Does La Bon Offer?
La Bon has a wide range of custom graduation designs to choose from. Some of the most requested options include:
- Edible image cakes featuring a photo of the graduate
- Fondant cap and diploma decorations
- Number cut-outs to mark the graduation year
- School colors incorporated into the icing and decoration
- Custom writing with the graduate’s name and year
Many of these designs can be ordered directly online for next-day pickup. For a more personalized design or a larger tiered cake, get a quote today, and the La Bon team will help you put together something special.
You can also explore the full range of custom cake options and flavors to see everything La Bon has available before you order.
How Far in Advance Should You Order?
La Bon’s standard order cutoff for most custom cakes is noon the day before your pickup date. For more detailed designs, larger orders, or tiered cakes, it is a good idea to place your order further in advance.
During graduation season, May and June are busy months for every bakery in New Jersey. Ordering at least one to two weeks ahead gives you the best chance of getting exactly what you want.
Where to Order a Graduation Cake in New Jersey
La Bon Bake Shoppes has four locations in Middlesex County: Edison, Somerset, South Plainfield, and Woodbridge. All locations take custom cake orders throughout graduation season and are staffed by a team that has been making celebration cakes since 1952.
Find the store closest to you, or order online for next-day pickup at any location.
Ready to Order? La Bon Is Here to Help
A graduation is one of those milestones that deserves to be celebrated the right way. La Bon Bake Shoppes has been part of those moments for families across New Jersey for over 70 years, and that experience shows in every cake that leaves the shop.
Get a quote today for a custom graduation cake, or stop by any La Bon location in Edison, Somerset, South Plainfield, or Woodbridge, and the team will be happy to help you plan the perfect order.
