Calories in Cakes: Nutrition Facts & Serving Sizes
Per 1 oz (28g)
Per 100g
Source: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy, March 2026.
A single cake snack (42g) contains 157 calories with 4.8g of fat, 26.9g of carbs, and 1.5g of protein. Per 100g, cake delivers 374 calories, 11.5g of fat, 64g of carbs, and 37.3g of sugar. Cake is calorie-dense and high in refined carbohydrates with minimal nutritional value. The sodium content is notable at 470mg per 100g. Cake contains 1.6g of trans fat per 100g in its snack cake form, which is a fat type associated with negative cardiovascular outcomes. For anyone tracking macros, cake can fit in a diet in controlled portions, but it provides almost no satiety relative to its calorie cost. A single slice can easily represent 15 to 25% of a 2000-calorie daily budget.
Nutrition Highlights
Calories by Serving Size
| Serving | Cal | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cake (42g) | 157.1 | 1.5g | 26.9g | 4.8g | 0.4g |
| 1 oz (28g) | 106.2 | 1g | 18.2g | 3.3g | 0.3g |
| 100g | 374 | 3.5g | 64g | 11.5g | 1g |
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Full Nutrition Facts (per 100g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 374 | 19% |
| Protein | 3.5g | 7% |
| Total Fat | 11.5g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 4.1g | 21% |
| Trans Fat | 1.6g | |
| Total Carbohydrates | 64g | 23% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugars | 37.3g | 75% |
| Sodium | 470mg | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 41mg | 14% |
Vitamins & Minerals (per 100g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Saturated Fat | 4.1g | 1% |
| Trans Fat | 1.6g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 41mg | 14% |
| Calcium | 24mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1.4mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 71mg | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 5mcg | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 0.1mg | 0% |
| Vitamin D | 0.1mcg | 1% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.2mcg | 8% |
| Magnesium | 8mg | 2% |
| Phosphorus | 185mg | 15% |
| Zinc | 0.6mg | 5% |
| Selenium | 3.5mcg | 6% |
| Folate | 54mcg | 14% |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.2mg | 17% |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.2mg | 15% |
| Niacin (B3) | 1.5mg | 9% |
% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA reference).
Health Benefits of Cakes
Cake offers minimal direct health benefits from a nutritional standpoint. It is a high-calorie, high-sugar, low-nutrient food. However, from a behavioral and psychological standpoint, completely restricting enjoyable foods can lead to binge eating and difficulty sustaining a diet long-term. Incorporating a small, measured portion of cake on occasion within a calorie-controlled diet can support dietary adherence.
Cake does provide some carbohydrates that rapidly raise blood glucose, which could theoretically be useful for fast energy replenishment after intense training. However, whole-food carb sources like fruit, rice, or potatoes are superior choices for post-workout nutrition because they provide micronutrients alongside the carbohydrates.
The 54mcg of folate per 100g is the most meaningful micronutrient in cake, contributing to DNA synthesis and cell repair. Phosphorus at 185mg per 100g supports bone health and energy metabolism. These micronutrients are present in the flour and egg components.
If you are going to eat cake, do it intentionally and track it. One slice fits into most diets. The problem is rarely one occasion. The issue is when cake becomes a daily habit that crowds out nutrient-dense foods from your diet.
Dietary Considerations
Standard cake contains gluten from flour and is not suitable for celiac or gluten-intolerant individuals without a specifically formulated gluten-free version. Most cakes contain dairy and eggs, making them unsuitable for vegans. Cake is not keto-friendly due to its high carb content (64g per 100g). It is not suitable for weight loss diets as a regular food, though it can be included in moderation within a calorie-controlled plan. The trans fat content (1.6g per 100g) is worth noting. The American Heart Association recommends minimizing trans fat intake. Look for cakes made without partially hydrogenated oils if trans fat is a concern.
Daily Intake (100g)
100g of cake provides 19% of a 2,000-calorie diet.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories in cake?
A standard snack cake (42g) has about 157 calories. Per 100g, cake contains 374 calories. A typical slice of cake from a bakery can range from 300 to 600 calories depending on the type, frosting, and portion size.
Is cake good for weight loss?
Cake is not ideal for weight loss. It is calorie-dense (374 cal per 100g), high in sugar (37.3g per 100g), and low in protein and fiber, meaning it does not fill you up relative to the calories it costs. An occasional slice can fit in a calorie-controlled diet, but it should be measured and tracked.
How much protein in cake?
Cake has 3.5g of protein per 100g. A standard snack cake (42g) provides about 1.5g. This is very low. Cake should not be relied upon as a protein source. If you are going to eat cake, make sure the rest of your meals cover your protein target.
Can cake fit in a healthy diet?
Yes, a small portion of cake can fit in a healthy diet if it is tracked and budgeted within your daily calorie target. Flexible dieting (IIFYM) allows for treats like cake as long as the rest of your nutrition is solid. The problem is portion control, since cake is easy to overeat.
How many carbs are in cake?
Cake has 64g of carbs per 100g, including 37.3g of sugar. A single snack cake (42g) has about 26.9g of carbs and 15.7g of sugar. These are almost entirely refined carbohydrates with negligible fiber (0.4g per serving).
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